NCIS finally brings back Gibbs in Season 22, but there’s a twist

One of the popular series that provides a mix of crime-solving with military operations is NCIS. The show introduced the audience to an exclusive agency that deals with serious criminal cases concerning the Navy and Marine Corps.

At the center of NCIS is a passionate team called the Major Case Response Team, headed by Special Agent in Charge Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Portrayed by Mark Harmon, Gibbs became an instant fan favorite on the show, most famous for his moral compass.

Prior to becoming part of the agency, Gibbs worked on important military operations like Operation Just Cause and Desert Storm. Gibbs retired as a Gunnery Sergeant from the Marine Corps with great leadership, combat, and investigative skills under his belt.

He is also famous for his "rules," which serve as a list of principles that he quietly teaches his team. It covers everything from how to handle crime scenes, to how to treat one another with integrity.

Interestingly, NCIS Season 22, Episode 19 brought back Gibbs, but in a different way. The former leader doesn’t return in person, but his presence is felt through memories, references, and, most importantly, the "rules" he crafted.

In the episode, the focus is on Tim McGee, who is in a tough spot. He's handling a secret investigation, which isn't allowing him to sleep or stay calm. This emotional and mental pressure leads him to dream about Gibbs.

Keep reading to know what happened next in McGee's dream.

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Gibbs shows up in a dream sequence in NCIS Season 22

After leading NCIS for nearly two decades, Mark Harmon’s character stepped away from the spotlight in Season 19, which aired in 2021. In his final storyline, Gibbs was on a personal mission to stop a serial killer and expose a dark conspiracy involving a company called Sonova Industries.

Once the case was solved, instead of returning to his old life, Gibbs made a life-changing decision. He stayed in a quiet, remote part of Alaska to avoid chaos and start his new journey. This way, he meaningfully retired from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Since then, fans of Gibbs have been curious to know if Mark Harmon would ever come back in the show, and Season 22, Episode 19 stirred up some memories about him.

As previously mentioned, Gibbs appeared in McGee's dream in uniform, which explains that McGee still wants his mentor to guide him. McGee's situation worsens in NCIS Season 22 as he ends up getting accused and arrested.

However, he manages to escape and leaves behind a short note for his team: "Rule #45." Long-time fans would immediately remember that this rule from Gibbs' iconic list talks about taking responsibility and fixing your own mistakes.

That single message is a callback to Gibbs. It makes it clear that even though he's absent, his lessons are still present, guiding the team, particularly McGee. So while Gibbs does not return in person, his existence is effectively interwoven throughout the episode.

Also Read: "Proud of being there for 17 years": When NCIS star Mark Harmon let his feelings be known about the CBS police procedural's success

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NCIS Season 22 is gearing up for an "Earth-shattering" finale

The final episode of NCIS Season 22 is set to air on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and will feature the team pulled into an investigation that connects a dangerous crime group, the Nexus cartel, with someone from Alden Parker’s past.

Not only this, but Wilmer Valderrama, who brought Nick Torres to life, has already warned fans that the finale will include the death of a major character. During his appearance on CBS Mornings, the actor shared:

"Somebody does die, and it's not the murder of the week. It's somebody very ... unfortunately ... very close to us and it's going to be very earth-shattering and really heartbreaking."

While Valderrama didn't reveal who's going to meet their end in the finale, many fans suspect it could be Alden Parker (played by Gary Cole). This theory comes from the focus on Parker’s risky situation with Carla Marino.

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Also Read: "Drives me nuts" - When NCIS: Los Angeles cast left the viewers amused while talking about 'stealing lines' on the show

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