Summary

• Fornell's return in NCIS' 1000th episode suggests Gibbs' cameo is unlikely because it would already be too distracting.
• Gibbs has not returned to DC, even skipping Ducky's funeral, leaving fans wondering when and how he will make his comeback in the series.
• Gibbs' NCIS comeback episode will likely be all about him.
• Harmon's confirmed return to the NCIS universe via a prequel series could pave the way for his eventual return to the main show.

NCIS is bringing back a fan-favorite character for its 1000th episode, but their return means that there's very little to no chance that Mark Harmon's Leroy Jethro Gibbs will show up. After celebrating its two decades on the air, CBS' long-running police procedural is commemorating another milestone — its 1000th overall episode. Instead of a massive crossover, the universe decides to focus the storytelling on its flagship series. Considering this, there have been theories that the special NCIS outing will also serve as the best comeback opportunity for Harmon, two years after he officially retired as Gibbs.

The former NCIS unit leader remains retired in Naktok Bay, Alaska, and he hasn't been back to Washington DC ever since moving there. While his failure to show up during Ducky's funeral has been divisive, Gibbs' absence is actually a blessing in disguise, as it gives him the chance to properly return and not just be in a brief cameo the same way Michael Weatherly's Tony DiNozzo did. NCIS' 1000th episode, which centers on Director Leon Vance appears to be the perfect way to bring Gibbs back to the DMV, but Joe Spano's Tobias Fornell's involvement makes this unlikely.

NCIS season 21, episode 7 is slated to air on April 15.

Fornell’s Return Makes Gibbs’ NCIS 1000th Episode Cameo Unlikely

Fornell Takes Center Stage

Fornell is returning in NCIS' 1000th episode to help Special Agent Alden Parker's team.

As confirmed by set photos, Fornell is returning in NCIS' 1000th episode to help Special Agent Alden Parker's team. Despite not being a series regular in the police procedural, Spano was one of its regular guest stars, primarily being an FBI liaison who had a close friendship with Gibbs. Throughout Harmon's time in NCIS, his character's relationship with Fornell, both professionally and personally, evolved. While it would be great to see the pals reunite, Fornell is most likely a replacement for Gibbs in the episode. While he has long left the force, his connections via the FBI could help Vance.

Bringing in Gibbs on top of Fornell would be too distracting from the case for NCIS' 1000th episode. As confirmed by the show's creatives, they are actively looking for ways to bring back Harmon, but it won't be via a brief cameo. Instead, they want to fully capitalize on the opportunity to incorporate Gibbs into the show again. Given this, it's likely that his comeback episode will be about a case centered on him. Gibbs is far too big of a character to play a ing role, especially if it's going to be the last time he'll be in NCIS.

When Gibbs Can Return To NCIS

Will There Be a Director's Orders for Gibbs' Return to NCIS?

Harmon is already confirmed to return to the NCIS universe via NCIS: Origins starring Austin Stowell.

Harmon is already confirmed to return to the NCIS universe via NCIS: Origins starring Austin Stowell. The prequel series will tackle the character's early years in the organization at Camp Pendleton. The actor's possible return to the mothership series could function as the launching pad for the new offshoot. There needs to be a big enough reason for Gibbs to return. Perhaps there's a case from his past that he urgently needs to address. Otherwise, his appearance could also function as a reunion for him, Tony, and Cote de Pablo's Ziva, who will also spearhead their own NCIS offshoot.

NCIS season 21 airs every Monday, 9pm ET on CBS.