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NCIS Season 19 Episode 5: How Could Mark Harmon's Absence Affect The Show?


Credit: CBS

NCIS Season 19 Episode 5 is the first episode without Mark Harmon's beloved character Leroy Jethro Gibbs. His exit from the franchise had not been easy for everyone, especially for the viewers who had been watching him as Gibbs in the last 18 years. So, the next episode is expected to be critical.

NCIS Season 19 Episode 5 Without Mark Harmon's Gibbs

ncis season 19, ncis season 19 episode 5, mark harmon, leroy jethro gibbs
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Credit: CBS

Mark Harmon officially bid goodbye to the series on Episode 4. So, he will not be seen in Episode 5 moving forward. However, he can return as a guest star.

NCIS Season 19 Episode 5 is one of the most critical episodes for the franchise, according to CarterMatt. Story-wise it may not feel that significant as it will revolve around a case-of-the-week which could easily be forgotten in a week or month. However, Harmon's absence will be felt.

Harmon has been part of the show since it premiered on Sept. 23, 2003. Many have already considered him the face of the franchise. So, the thought alone that Harmon's character Gibbs will never be seen in the episode will surely haunt the viewers.

Thus, the episode has to convince the viewers that NCIS will still stand without Gibbs. Otherwise, it might not last long after Harmon's exit.

Harmon Bids Goodbye In NCIS Season 19 Episode 4

ncis season 19, ncis season 19 episode 5, mark harmon, leroy jethro gibbs
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Credit: CBS

Harmon was expected to take on a smaller role in Season 19. However, fans didn't know that he would big goodbye in Episode 4.

Gibbs' last scene was with McGee (Sean Murray). They headed to Alaska to investigate the hitman Paul Lemere (Jason Wiles). They later found out that Sonova's CEO, Sonia Eberhart (Valarie Pettiford), hired Lemere to take down anyone who posed a threat in her plan to build a copper mine.

After solving the problem, McGee prepared to head home, but Gibbs decided to stay in Alaska.

"Mark Harmon just left NCIS," TV Insider reported.

Showrunner Steve Binder hinted that Harmon could still return, saying he had been an integral part of the show. Also, he added, "never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out."

NCIS Season 19 airs Monday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

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