NCIS’ overall 1000th episode is bringing back a fan-favorite character to the franchise and there’s a set photo to confirm their appearance.
NCIS’ 1000th episode will see the return of a fan-favorite character. The long-running CBS franchise is celebrating a milestone episode, and instead of a big crossover, the series will center its storytelling on its primary show. As previously confirmed, the special offering will broadcast as NCIS season 21, episode 7, which is slated to air on April 15. Long-time NCIS director Leon Vance will be the focus of the storyline.
As confirmed by a new set photo from Shelby Flannery on Instagram, Joe Spano’s Tobias Fornell will return for NCIS’ 1000th episode.
Xem bài viết này trên Instagram
While there is no doubt that Special Agent Alden Parker and his team are well-equipped to get Vance out of danger, it doesn’t hurt to get some help from long-time allies. The image from Flannery shows the cast of NCIS smiling in a behind-the-scenes photo.
Will NCIS 1000th Episode Feature The Return Of Any Original Character?
Maybe Gibbs can finally show up.
Fornell is one of the most notable recurring guest stars in NCIS. He started as an FBI agent who used to work with Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his team. Throughout the years and a series of tragedies, the pair’s friendship evolved, so it’s quite disappointing that Fornell wasn’t able to properly say goodbye when Gibbsretired. That said, it’s curious if his involvement in Vance’s upcoming dilemma in NCIS season 21 will pave the way for his pal’s return to DC after Gibbs was a no-show in Ducky’s farewell episode.
It’s unclear how Fornell is tied to Vance’s situation, considering that he has long left the force. That being said, his connections in the FBI may prove to be useful. Otherwise, he could be a replacement for Gibbs, if Harmon fails to appear again. Beyond the NCIS’ former team leader, however, there are characters that can still be involved. Michael Weatherly just recently returned as Tony DiNozzo, and perhaps his next appearance can also feature Cote de Pablo’s Ziva David.
Granted that NCIS’ 1000th episode also includes all of its other popular spinoffs, it arguably makes more sense to honor the installment that started it all. In light of that, it’s also only appropriate that it features an original cast member. It’s worth noting that while both Tim McGee and Jimmy Palmer appeared in its first season, they weren’t part of the original cast. This leaves CBS to just Harmon, Weatherly, and Pauley Perrette who played Abby Sciuto as its options.
How Gibbs & Other Former NCIS Characters Can Return For The 1000th Episode Special
Vance is the longest-running NCIS director on the show.
The decision to make Vance the center of NCIS’ 1000th episode may sound odd. For starters, he wasn’t part of the original cast, only debuting towards the end of NCIS season 5 as Gibbs’ team became the subject of internal scrutiny due to the death of La Grenouille. By then, current director Jenny Shepard’s vendetta against the arms dealer was already well-known, making her the primary suspect in the murder. When Shepard died at the end of the year, Vance succeeded her. His relationship with Gibbs was frosty at first, but the pair eventually started to trust each other.
Vance has broader ties that can explain why characters like Gibbs, DiNozzo, Ziva, and even Eleanor Bishop would rush to help Parker handle the upcoming case.
Vance being at the center of NCIS’ 1000th episode is CBS’ way of playing it safe. Since he has worked with all main agents on the show except for Caitlin Todd (who was long dead before he arrived), Vance has broader ties that can explain why characters like Gibbs, DiNozzo, Ziva, Abby, and even Eleanor Bishop would rush to help Parker handle the upcoming case. That said, his connection to those former players isn’t as strong as McGee or Palmer that it wouldn’t be such a massive deal if none of them came back.
Specifically, Gibbs may have decided not to return for Ducky’s funeral and opted to celebrate the life of his late friend in his own way in Alaska. Arguably, however, Vance being in danger may be a stronger reason for Harmon’s character to come back to Washington DC, considering that his involvement could change the outcome of the case. After all, despite their less-than-ideal start, Vance always had Gbbs’ back. Additionally, it will also be special to see Harmon be a part of NCIS’ 1000th episode after missing all of its milestone season 20.