Old Gibbs Is Shot In Mark Harmon's NCIS Return

Published Oct 2, 2026, 1:02 PM EDT

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Mark Harmon is fighting for his life as he returns as Old Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the NCIS franchise.

It has been five years since Gibbs retired in Alaska at the start of NCIS season 19. SInce then, MCRT has already moved on, with Alden Parker taking over the role of new leader while the rest of the team find their footing again. That said, the last couple of years have been particularly transformative for the series, as it went through a couple of bigger issues, including the shutting down of NCIS, albeit only briefly, and the unexpected death of Director Leon Vance.

When the franchise returns as part of CBS's fall 2026 slate, however, long-time fans of the universe will find themselves greeted with some familiar faces, including Harmon. Although the actor has been involved with NCIS: Origins as a producer and narrator of the story, this time, he'll be back full-time playing his fan-favorite character throughout the whole cycle. Unfortunately for him, his return isn't motivated by just the need to get out of Alaska and back to civilization.

Per a new promo clip for NCIS: Origins season 3 (via TVInsider), Gibbs' quiet life in Alaska is turned upside down when he gets shot out of nowhere while out of his shack. In the clip, the attack is by two masked individuals, who even walk towards MCRT's former leader to check his vitals. Harmon's narration as Old Gibbs reveals his thoughts about the matter, effectively tying the incident to his affair with Lala three decades earlier.

It's curious how this scene fits into Harmon's NCIS comeback story. As officially confirmed, he will appear in all episodes of NCIS: Origins season 3, and since the scene sees him still in Alaska, it means that it precedes his subsequent return to civilization and reunion with Bobby Moynihan's Woody. It's possible that the incident is part of a dream for the character, as the show conveys the need for him to sort out any unfinished business that he might still have.

Regardless of the specific details, seeing Old Gibbs get shot and lying helpless is a great way to open this new NCIS chapter for Harmon. While the character has had his fair share of near-death experiences throughout his 19-season run in the flagship, there's still something unnerving about watching him fight for his life, knowing that he doesn't have his trusted team nearby for assistance. It's a great way to lean into Gibbs' history as well, which is very much in line with NCIS: Origins storytelling principle.

All in all, if this is how NCIS: Origins is really opening season 3, then it can be an indication of what lies ahead for the series. Besides the shock factor, the fact that the prequel is putting Gibbs in a vulnerable position is a great way to further explore his character, both the version of him in the past and in the present. One thing is for sure, Harmon is sorely missed in the NCIS universe and it's great to see him back.

NCIS: Origins

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  Austin Stowell

  Leroy Jethro Gibbs

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  Kyle Schmid

  Special Agent Mike Franks