In a touching tribute to the late David McCallum, NCIS subtly revealed what Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) has been up to since his departure. During the “Ducky Tribute” episode, Jimmy Palmer mentions that Gibbs sent flowers for Ducky’s memorial, a rare acknowledgment of the former special agent’s ongoing presence in the NCIS universe. This small but meaningful detail suggests that Gibbs is still keeping tabs on his old team, even from afar.
While Gibbs’ exit in Season 19 left fans wondering if he’d ever return, the mention in the tribute episode implies he remains in Alaska, enjoying the quiet life he sought. His gesture of sending flowers hints that he’s still connected to those he left behind, leaving the door open for a potential return in the future. Whether or not he comes back, NCIS has shown that Gibbs’ influence will always be felt.
