Emily Wickersham Honors Mark Harmon After NCIS Exit
Mark Harmon officially said goodbye to NCIS and his character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, after 18 years on the show. His departure moved many fans-including former co-star Emily Wickersham, who played Ellie Bishop.
Wickersham shared a screenshot of a Deadline article about Harmon’s exit on Instagram Stories, writing:
“Big compliments to this guy. What a run.”
Emily, who left NCIS after seven seasons, related to Harmon’s farewell. Her exit also surprised fans, especially as her character had become a favorite. Ellie Bishop first appeared in season 11 as an NSA liaison and later became an NCIS agent. Viewers especially loved her connection with Agent Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama).
She left the team to go on an undercover mission, with no return date.
Harmon’s exit came early in season 19. In the episode Great Wide Open, Gibbs chose not to return to NCIS, telling McGee (Sean Murray) during a fishing trip:
“This sense of serenity-I haven’t experienced since Shannon and Kelly died, and I’m not ready to let it go.”
Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) confirmed that Gibbs had no plans to come back.
Steven D. Binder, showrunner and executive producer, also paid tribute to Mark on Instagram.
He posted a photo of the actor with the statement, “As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be a vital part of the fabric of the program.”
“Our north star has always been keeping true to our characters,” he continued, “and that truth has always guided the stories we write and where those characters go.”
“In terms of Gibbs’ future, as long-time viewers of the show may have noticed throughout the years… “Never underestimate Leroy Jethro Gibbs,” he said.
With the door left open for a return, fans could see Gibbs make an unexpected appearance shortly.
While fans are heartbroken by Gibb’s departure, it’s fair to argue the character deserves a tranquil retirement in Alaska.
Related News – Be sure to get some more news when it comes to NCIS.
