NCIS release series finale trailer
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Gibbs (played by Mark Harmon) has been the leading figure on NCIS for almost two decades, fronting every series since the show’s pilot back in 2003. However, with speculation over his future rife as ever and given the explosive scenes of the season 18 finale, CBS viewers have been met with reports that Harmon will be reducing the amount of time he appears on-screen. In the same breath, Katrina Law – who plays Jessica Knight – and series newcomer Gary Cole have been added to the series regular list, but all of these factors have led to a new fan theory that season 19 could be NCIS’s last.
With over 400 appearances, countless investigations and a firm fan-favourite with CBS viewers, the decision for Gibbs to step back was always going to be a tough one for fans to stomach.
Most recently on the show, Gibbs has been involved in one of the most gripping storylines yet, with a serial killer on the loose and the NCIS leading man seemingly faking his own death after narrowly avoiding a deadly explosion.
This would tee up the perfect excuse for Gibbs to investigate the mystery killer undetected as well as provide the opportunity for Harmon to spend more time off-screen, although CBS is yet to comment publicly on Harmon’s status in season 19.
While Gibbs is still bound to be involved in a gripping storyline as a result – even in a limited capacity – many are unsure if the show can continue without its series stalwart leading the way, with several taking to the web to express their concerns.
Putting forward the theory that Harmon’s absence could result negatively on the show, one fan questioned on Twitter: “Does anyone believe NCIS can continue to have great ratings or even survive without Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs?”
A second also sought answers, suggesting it would be the perfect opportunity to end the show after 19 years in 2022: “@NCIS_CBS @CBSTVStudios Is there confirmation of Mr Harmon’s role in S19?
“Respectfully if Mr. Harmon wants to step away, his choice should be respected & it’s best to end the series, with a proper happy ending for him/Gibbs. #MarkHarmon.”
But the concerns haven’t been limited to Twitter, with fans echoing their apprehension on Reddit.
Adding to the theory, one user penned: “So the gist is that Mark Harmon will be on a reduced schedule like David McCallum and they hope [Gary] Cole will somehow fill the void. I predict the upcoming season is the final season.”
“Sadly, this is the downhill slide of the show just like CSI once they phased Grissom out,” a second Redditor agreed.
“Still an enjoyable show though there’s ultimately all good shows must conclude.”
Also dismayed at the news, one fan supported the theory by admitting it’d make them switch off: “Low single digit numbers for mark harmon appearances? Sorry but this is where I tap out.”
DON’T MISS:
NCIS Hawaii’s Vanessa Lachey teases new series as Jane Tennant
NCIS LA season 13 theory: Kessler sabotages Kensi and Deeks’ adoption plans
NCIS Hawaii: Director teases plot details of new CBS drama
“He definitely deserves to retire, and they should end the show with season 19,” another argued. “I really enjoyed watching this show for so many years but I think it’s time to end it.”
However, despite the casting news prompting fears over the show’s future, CBS is yet to announce any plans for cancelling the drama after 2022.
With NCIS: Los Angeles still going strong and upcoming spin-off NCIS: Hawaii in the pipeline, fans may be able to take some encouragement that there appears to be life in the franchise yet – with or without Harmon.
Showrunner Steven D Binder has addressed the 19th season in which Harmon will be taking a step back for the first time, but insisted it will still be one of the “best seasons yet”.
In a statement via Entertainment Weekly, he said: “We haven’t shot a single frame quite yet,
“But with the addition of Gary Cole and Katrina Law to the cast, this is already shaping up to be one of the best seasons yet.
“Going into season 19, we are excited to have new characters and stories to tell that adds to and re-energises the world we’ve come to love over the 400-plus episodes.”
Fans will undoubtedly have their fingers crossed that Harmon’s supposed lesser role won’t result in lesser viewing figures.
NCIS season 19 premieres on CBS later this year.
Source: Read Full Article
