“NCIS” fans know that each character is defined by their unique quirks and interests. Abby Sciuto’s (Pauley Perrette) love for gothic fashion, Ducky Mallard’s (David McCallum) bow ties, and Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ (Mark Harmon) passion for building boats and fishing all provide insights into their personalities. But there’s a poignant reason why Gibbs doesn’t lock his doors. This was revealed in a trivia segment on Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly’s “NCIS” podcast, “Off-Duty: an ‘NCIS’ Rewatch.”
When both Weatherly and guest Sean Murray failed to answer the question, de Pablo explained that Gibbs keeps his door unlocked because he’s lost everything that matters to him. This statement reflects the deep impact of the murder of his wife, Shannon (Darby Stanchfield), and his daughter, Kelly (Mary Mouser of “Cobra Kai” fame). Murray, who guessed that Gibbs keeps his door unlocked in case his wife returns, admitted feeling awful upon hearing the truth. Despite never forgetting his family’s loss, Gibbs finds some peace when he leaves the team.
In Season 19’s “Great Wide Open,” Gibbs discovers joy in Alaska while on a mission with Timothy McGee (Sean Murray). He relocates there and is last seen peacefully fishing on a lake. Though Gibbs is left in a positive place, rumors suggest that “NCIS: Origins” may cover the tragic event of his family’s murder during his early years at Camp Pendleton. While this isn’t confirmed, it’s comforting to see Gibbs finally at peace.
One of the show’s enduring mysteries involves Gibbs’ whispered words to Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) in season seven. De Pablo revealed that Mark Harmon whispers things to provoke a genuine reaction for a scene. Harmon confirmed this, explaining it comes from respect and understanding between actors. Showrunner Steven Binder hinted that NCIS season 17 might explore the Gibbs-Ziva dynamic, tying it to the show’s history.
Cote de Pablo, beloved for her role as Ziva David, shared a personal health scare to raise awareness. In a 2015 video for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she revealed a cervical cancer scare that deeply affected her and her family. Thankfully, she was cancer-free. De Pablo urged women to get regular Pap tests to protect their health and their loved ones.
Fans hope for her return to NCIS. Although there are no current plans, executive producer Steve Binder is open to it if a worthy story arises. De Pablo’s impact on the show ensures that her return is always a possibility.
