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Mark Harmon Shock: Here's Why CBS Didn't Give Any Hint On Leroy Jethro Gibbs' Departure In NCIS Season 19


Credit: CBS

NCIS Season 19 just started and avid followers of the American police procedural television series are treated with some of the most shocking scenes lately. The popular CBS show has been known for featuring recurring characters.

However, things are different this time around as one of the original cast members of the show just announced his departure from the show. Most, if not all, fans of the show did not expect that Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) will finally decide to retire as a member of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in NCIS Season 19.

How Did Mark Harmon Bid Goodbye In NCIS Season 19?

In the latest episode of NCIS Season 19 titled "Great Wide Open," Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs informed his partner, Tim McGee (Sean Murray), that he is staying in Alaska after they worked on a case there. Despite the fact that he was nearly killed, the lead character revealed that he found "a sense of peace" that he had not felt since the demise of his wife and daughter while working there.

Special Agent Gibbs, then, surrendered his badge, budding adieu to the only life he knew. It remains to be seen as to how will Mark Harmon's departure affect the dynamics in NCIS Season 19.

Since one of the group leaders has decided to retire from the NCIS, there is a huge possibility that another character would be introduced in the upcoming episodes. There is also a huge chance for the existing characters to get promotions. But, of course, that is something viewers should watch out for in the future NCIS Season 19 episodes.

Why Did CBS Keep Mark Harmon's NCIS Season 19 Departure A Secret?

Since many fans of the show are wondering why CBS did not give any hint about Mark Harmon's exit, ABC News shared that it was Mark Harmon himself who requested the network to make no special promotion for the occasion.

The Hollywood Reporter claimed that the veteran initially planned to retire after Season 18. However, things did not go as planned after Harmon learned that CBS would likely conclude the series if he did so. In the end, the high-rated show was renewed for another installment and Mark Harmon agreed to appear in a few episodes.

Can Fans Still Expect Mark Harmon To Make A Comeback Even After His NCIS Season 19 Exit?

Meanwhile, as it appears, Mark Harmon has not closed the doors yet on the possibility of an occasional return in the series. As a matter of fact, NCIS executive producer Steve Binder said in a statement:

"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."

CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl also addressed the queries about the probability of Mark Harmon returning to the show in the future. She said that the veteran actor will also be welcome in NCIS, adding that he has been and will always be part of the show.

Stay tuned to EpicStream for the latest news and updates about Mark Harmon!

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