Warning! Spoilers ahead for NCIS season 21, episode 2.

Summary

• Gibbs is enjoying retirement in Alaska, confirmed through a subtle update in NCIS season 21, episode 2.
• Mark Harmon left NCIS in season 19, but Gibbs may return in the future, especially with his involvement in Ducky's will.
• Michael Weatherly's Tony DiNozzo returns in season 21, providing to Jimmy Palmer in a tribute to Ducky.

NCIS season 21, episode 2 unexpectedly offers an update on how Leroy Jethro Gibbs is doing. It has been a couple of years since Mark Harmon left the long-running police procedural that he spearheaded for almost two decades. The team has been able to recover since he decided to retire from the force, bringing in former FBI agent Alden Parker to become its new leader. While his transition was difficult at best and messy at worst, the squad remains effective in their job, proving just how dedicated they are. Despite the progress, there's still understandable interest in seeing Gibbs return.

Unsurprisingly, NCIS has seen its share of cast leaving. Each departure was crafted to be a fitting send-off to the actors and their respective characters. Some of them have ended their stints permanently, while others leave the door open for a return. Gibbs exited in NCIS season 19, with Harmon opting to finally walk away from the job, considering how physically taxing filming can be for it. The show has been careful not to constantly bring up his whereabouts, so it's shocking that NCIS season 21, episode 2, "The Stories We Leave Behind," gives an update on him.

Why Gibbs Doesn't Appear In NCIS' Ducky Tribute Episode

DiNozzo shows up for Ducky's funeral instead.

In light of David McCallum's death, NCIS dedicates the latest season 21 episode to sending off the beloved medical examiner-turned-historian. Instead of spending the whole hour just reminiscing on Dr. Mallard, the outing sends the team to solve a case that he was working on before ing away. Since Ducky has also worked with all iterations of the NCIS team, there was a previous expectation that some original cast could return for the tribute. Considering Gibbs' friendship with Ducky, which pre-dated the events of the show, he was the perfect candidate for it.

Instead of bringing Harmon back, however, NCIS recruited Michael Weatherly's Tony DiNozzo instead. While every option for a cameo was considered, the show opted for the "Very Special Agent" as a way to offer to Jimmy Palmer. Gibbs' appearance would have been more emotional since the storytelling would be focused on him losing one of his longest friends. However, taking on a different route, CBS wanted to bring levity to the situation, which DiNozzo was perfect for. Through his jokes and earnest words of wisdom, he gives Palmer a new perspective on accepting Ducky's death.

NCIS Season 21, Episode 2 Offers An Unexpected Update About Gibbs

Gibbs continues to enjoy retirement.

As great as seeing DiNozzo back is NCIS season 21 had an easy way to bring back Gibbs makes his absence more disappointing. That being said, the show makes up for it by incorporating him into the show's storytelling. Firstly, through a flashback sequence, which is one of the most emotional moments between him and Ducky. Secondly, through a subtle but substantial update about where he is. While still reeling from the news of Dr. Mallard's loss, McGee receives mail from Naktok Bay in Southwest Alaska — the fictional town where he left his former boss when he decided to retire.

Gibbs continues his peaceful retirement, which is somehow consoling

Inside the package is a Polaroid of Gibbs, McGee, and Ducky, and is meant to reveal that it is from NCIS' former leader. This effectively confirms that he remains in Alaska, two years after he was last seen on the screen. The mail also sends a message that Gibbs knows about Ducky's ing, but decides not to make the trip down to the DMV. In any case, the pair's last scene together before Gibbs left can already double as their proper farewell. At the very least, this gives an idea that Gibbs continues his peaceful retirement, which is somehow consoling.

Will Gibbs Ever Appear Again In NCIS?

Mark Harmon's NCIS return has been set.

The door remains open for Gibbs' NCIS return. So it won't be difficult to incorporate him back into its storytelling. That being said, there needs to be a compelling reason for his return, especially considering his emotionally satisfying send-off. It's worth noting, however, that he is supposed to be the executor of Ducky's will, which is a narrative opening for his comeback. Meanwhile, NCIS season 21 will also include the franchise's overall 1000th episode — another great opportunity to see him.

Beyond the main show, Harmon is already confirmed to make his return to the NCIS universe with the brand new spinoff — NCIS: Origins. The offshoot will tackle Gibbs' early days in the organization, and while it will feature a younger actor to play him on the screen, Harmon will narrate its events. The show's time setting can further explore his and Ducky's relationship since they were already friends then.

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