Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the stoic heart and soul of NCIS, made his final appearance in Season 19, Episode 4, titled “Great Wide Open.” This episode marked the end of Mark Harmon’s full-time run on the show, leaving fans grappling with the departure of a character who had defined the procedural drama for nearly two decades.
The Farewell: “Great Wide Open” Explained
The episode sees Gibbs and McGee (Sean Murray) in Alaska, investigating a contract killer hired by a local corporation to stop the construction of a copper mine that would devastate the natural environment. Throughout the episode, Gibbs reflects on his past and grapples with the idea of returning to his old life. It becomes increasingly clear that Alaska has reignited a sense of purpose within him that he hadn’t felt in years.
Ultimately, Gibbs decides to stay in Alaska, telling McGee that he isn’t going back to NCIS. He has found peace and a new calling in protecting the wilderness and the local community. This decision allows Gibbs to rediscover himself outside of the constraints of his badge and the trauma he’s endured.
The episode is poignant and bittersweet, filled with touching moments between Gibbs and McGee. While Gibbs doesn’t die, his departure signifies a significant shift for the show, leaving a void that is impossible to fill.
Understanding Gibbs’s Departure: Behind the Scenes
Mark Harmon’s decision to step back from his full-time role stemmed from a combination of factors. After 18 seasons, the demanding schedule and emotional toll of playing Gibbs had taken its toll. While Harmon wanted to scale back his involvement, he also reportedly played a key role in ensuring the show’s renewal. Rumors circulated that he negotiated to appear in a limited capacity to prevent cancellation, preserving the jobs of hundreds of cast and crew members.
While Gibbs is no longer a weekly presence, the door was left open for potential guest appearances in the future. This ambiguity provides a glimmer of hope for fans who yearn to see their favorite character return, even if only briefly. The show continues to explore the ramifications of his absence, showcasing how his departure impacts the team and forces them to adapt to a new dynamic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gibbs’s Exit
H3: Why did Mark Harmon leave NCIS?
Mark Harmon’s decision to reduce his involvement in NCIS was multifaceted. Primarily, after almost two decades as the lead, the demanding schedule and emotional intensity of the role took a toll. While Harmon’s physical presence significantly decreased after season 19, he remained an executive producer, signaling his continued commitment to the show’s success. Rumors also suggest that his negotiation to appear in a limited capacity was crucial to ensuring the show’s renewal and preserving numerous jobs.
H3: Was Gibbs killed off in NCIS?
No, Gibbs was not killed off. The episode “Great Wide Open” concludes with Gibbs choosing to remain in Alaska, finding a new purpose in protecting the wilderness and its people. This provides a more open-ended departure, leaving the possibility for future guest appearances.
H3: What happened to Gibbs’ boat?
Gibbs’ boat, “Kelly,” named after his late daughter, was a recurring symbol of his grief and rebuilding process. He painstakingly constructed and reconstructed the boat in his basement, a metaphor for his own healing. In a previous season, the boat was destroyed, but he began building another one. While the fate of his latest boat is not explicitly addressed in the departure episode, it is implied that it remains unfinished, perhaps reflecting the ongoing nature of his journey.
H3: Who replaced Gibbs as the leader of the NCIS team?
After Gibbs’s departure, the role of team leader fell to Special Agent Alden Parker, played by Gary Cole. Parker brings a different leadership style to the team, focusing on collaboration and a less authoritarian approach than Gibbs. This shift has been a significant storyline in the seasons following Gibbs’ exit.
H3: Will Mark Harmon ever return to NCIS?
While there have been no official announcements regarding Mark Harmon’s return, the door was deliberately left open for potential guest appearances. The ambiguity surrounding his future involvement keeps fans hopeful. Whether he will return for a cameo or a more substantial arc remains to be seen. However, the producers have consistently expressed their willingness to welcome him back.
H3: How did McGee react to Gibbs leaving?
McGee’s reaction to Gibbs leaving was one of profound sadness and acceptance. He understood Gibbs’s need to find peace and a new purpose. The episode highlights the deep bond between them, built over years of shared experiences and mutual respect. McGee realizes that while he’ll miss Gibbs terribly, he supports his decision and recognizes that it’s what Gibbs needs to do for himself.
H3: What were the ratings like after Gibbs left NCIS?
Understandably, the episode in which Gibbs departed saw a significant spike in viewership. However, the ratings for the show overall did decline slightly in the seasons following Harmon’s departure. Despite this dip, NCIS remains a popular and successful show, demonstrating its ability to adapt and evolve even without its iconic lead.
H3: Did Gibbs say goodbye to everyone on the team?
The episode focuses primarily on Gibbs’s farewell to McGee. While he doesn’t have explicit goodbye scenes with the other team members, it is implied that he contacted them off-screen. The emotional weight of his departure is felt by the entire team, even those who weren’t present in Alaska.
H3: What was the overall fan reaction to Gibbs leaving NCIS?
The fan reaction to Gibbs’s departure was overwhelmingly emotional. Many fans expressed sadness and disappointment, while others acknowledged the necessity of Harmon’s decision. There was a significant debate about the show’s future without Gibbs, but most fans ultimately understood that the show needed to evolve.
H3: What is Mark Harmon doing now?
Since reducing his on-screen role in NCIS, Mark Harmon has remained an executive producer on the show. He has also reportedly been involved in developing other projects for television, but details remain scarce. He seems to be focusing on spending more time with his family and pursuing other creative endeavors.
H3: How many episodes did Mark Harmon appear in after Season 19, Episode 4?
To date, Mark Harmon has not appeared in any episodes of NCIS after Season 19, Episode 4. However, as stated previously, the possibility of future guest appearances remains open.
H3: Is NCIS still worth watching after Gibbs left?
Whether NCIS is still “worth watching” after Gibbs’s departure is subjective and depends on individual preferences. The show has undeniably undergone significant changes, with a new team dynamic and a different leadership style. However, NCIS continues to deliver compelling storylines, intriguing mysteries, and strong character development. Many fans have embraced the changes and continue to enjoy the show, while others find it difficult to watch without Gibbs. Ultimately, it is up to each viewer to decide if the show remains engaging and entertaining.