After eighteen years of playing the character, Mark Harmon bid farewell to Leroy Jethro Gibbs in Monday’s episode of “NCIS”.
The episode marked Harmon’s final one as the lead of the long-running CBS procedural and a character he has portrayed since an episode of “JAG” back in 2003.
Harmon’s exit had been expected for months, the actor signing a deal to continue with NCIS for a 19th season but only returning in a limited capacity.
The episode marked the fourth of the new season and concluded with Gibbs opting not to return to his job in NCIS and remaining in Alaska.
Showrunner Steven D. Binder says they have left the door open for Gibbs to return sometime in the future should Harmon wish to do so. He says in a statement:
“As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show. Our north star has always been staying true to our characters, and that truth has always guided the stories we tell and where those characters go. So regarding the future of Gibbs, as long-time fans of the show may have noticed over the years… never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”
The nineteenth season of “NCIS” will continue to air Mondays on CBS.
Source: THR
