It’s always entertaining when some of our favorite “NCIS” franchise characters make references to characters from other shows outside of their own, especially since “NCIS” crossovers are extremely rare. However, one of our favorite “NCIS: Los Angeles” characters, Marty Deeks, made a prominent reference to former Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs in a recent episode. And you may be wondering why. If that’s the case, we’ve got all the information you need right here.
On Sunday, May 1st, CBS aired the latest episode of “NCIS: Los Angeles,” titled “Live Free or D1e Standing.” Kensi Blye, Marty Deeks, Sam Hanna, and Caleb Castille’s Devin Roundtree were all given envelopes containing $10,000 each. A letter from Barrett Foa’s Eric Beale, Senior Technical Operator on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” was included.
“In Silicon Valley, we are all drowning in data that we parade as knowledge, power is confused with respect, and success is confused with happiness,” wrote Eric Beale. I miss you guys, and I hope that by sharing my wealth, we can both be happy.”
Eric then revealed that he had donated $10,000 to each of the characters’ favorite charities.
Overall, the move was rather haphazard, but with a good intention. “Perhaps he was inspired by Gibbs,” Deeks said after reading the letter.
Gibbs’ Reference in ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Explained
Why would Eric be inspired by Leroy Jethro Gibbs? After all, the two characters have diametrically opposed personalities, interests, and careers. However, if you watched the entire season 19 of “NCIS,” you’ll recall one episode in which Gibbs made a significant monetary donation.
In the episode “Pledge of Allegiance,” Special Agent Timothy McGee and medical examiner Dr. Jimmy Palmer were both randomly selected to receive $10,000 deposits into their bank accounts. We learn at the end of the episode that the money came from Gibbs. The retired special agent had previously established a college fund for Kelly, his late daughter. McGee and Palmer both have children who they hope to send to college.
At the end of the episode, Director Vance explained to McGee and Palmer, “It’s in memory of his daughter Kelly…Kelly’s children are all attending college in her honor.”
It was unusual to hear Deeks mention Gibbs on the West Coast, so far from where he had spent the previous 19 seasons. Another valid point was raised by TV Insider. Given the infrequency of “NCIS” franchise crossovers, how was Deeks even aware of the Gibbs’ college fund?
The outlet speculated that after the season 19 episode, McGee and Palmer may have shared their knowledge of the college fund with their coworkers, and that word spread among the agencies. Perhaps Tony DiNozzo, who d1ed in “Blame It on Rio,” shared wisdom with Deeks and Kensi during his visit to L.A.
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