Fan-Favorite Character Returns For NCIS’ 1000th Episode Special, New Set Photo Confirms

NCIS‘ 1000th episode will see the return of a fan-favorite character. The long-running CBS franchise is celebrating a milestone episode, and instead of a big crossover, the universe decided to center its storytelling on its primary show. As previously confirmed, the special offering will broadcast as NCIS season 21, episode 7, which is slated to air on April 15. Long-time NCIS director Leon Vance will be the focus of the storyline.

While there is no doubt that Special Agent Alden Parker and his team are well-equipped to get Vance out of danger, it doesn’t hurt to get some help from long-time allies. That’s why seeing Joe Spano’s Tobias Fornell return for NCIS‘ 1000th episode is such a treat, as confirmed by a new set photo from Shelby Flannery on Instagram. Check out the image below:

Will NCIS 1000th Episode Feature The Return Of Any Original Character?

Fornell is one of the most notable recurring guest stars in NCIS. He started as an FBI agent who used to work with Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his team. Throughout the years and a series of tragedies, the pair’s friendship evolved, so it’s quite disappointing that Fornell wasn’t able to properly say goodbye when Gibbsretired. That said, it’s curious if his involvement in Vance’s upcoming dilemma in NCIS season 21 will pave the way for his pal’s return to DC after Gibbs was a no-show in Ducky’s farewell episode.

It’s unclear how Fornell is tied to Vance’s situation, considering that he has long left the force. That being said, his connections in the FBI may prove to be useful. Otherwise, he could be a replacement for Gibbs, if Harmon fails to appear again. Beyond the NCIS‘ former team leader, however, there are other fan-favorite (not necessarily original) characters that can still be involved. Michael Weatherly just recently returned as Tony DiNozzo, and perhaps his next appearance can also feature Cote de Pablo’s Ziva David.

Related

NCIS Season 21 Ducky Tribute Secretly Set Up Tony And Ziva’s Spinoff

NCIS gets a new expansion show with the recently-announced Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David, which was actually set up during Ducky’s tribute episode.

Granted that NCIS‘ 1000th episode also includes all of its other popular spinoffs, it arguably makes more sense to honor the installment that started it all. In light of that, it’s also only appropriate that it features at least an original cast member. It’s worth noting that while both Tim McGee and Jimmy Palmer appeared in its first season, they weren’t part of the original crew. This leaves CBS to just Harmon, Weatherly, and Pauley Perrette who played Abby Sciuto as its options.

Source: Shelby Flannery/Instagram

NCIS

NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations. Special Agent Alden Parker, a quirky former FBI agent who solves his cases with calm professionalism and sharp, sarcastic charm, leads the NCIS team, which includes NCIS Special Agent Timothy McGee, an MIT graduate with a knack for computers who has now graduated to senior field agent; the charismatic, unpredictable and resilient NCIS Special Agent Nicholas “Nick” Torres, who has spent most of his career on solo undercover assignments; and sharp, athletic and tough NCIS Special Agent Jessica Knight, a formidable REACT agent who specializes in hostage negotiations and high-risk operations. The naïve Jimmy Palmer is assisting the team, who graduated from assistant to fully licensed medical examiner and now runs the morgue; and forensic scientist Kasie Hines, Ducky’s former graduate assistant. Overseeing operations is NCIS Director Leon Vance, an intelligent, highly trained agent who can always be counted on to shake up the status quo. From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, these special agents investigate all crimes with Navy or Marine Corps ties.

Cast

sean murray , Wilmer Valderrama , Katrina Law , Brian Dietzen , david mccallum , Mark Harmon , Rocky Carroll , Gary Cole , Joe Spano

Release Date

September 23, 2003

Seasons

21