After Mark Harmon’s departure from NCIS in Season 19, longtime fans were left watching the last original cast members gradually fade away. Following David McCallum’s death in 2023, the show bid farewell to his character, Ducky, in Season 21. But one actor who has been there since the very beginning is Joe Spano, who portrays FBI Agent Tobias Fornell.
Although Fornell was never a main character, he became a fan favorite, appearing in nearly every season of NCIS. His rivalry with Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) evolved into a deep friendship that became a staple of the series, especially highlighted during major milestones like the 200th and 1000th episodes. But since Gibbs’ exit, Fornell’s appearances have dwindled, with his role in the latest episode marking what could be a subtle goodbye.
The dynamic between Fornell and Gibbs has been mirrored in NCIS Season 22, Episode 4, as a new rivalry develops between Alden Parker (Gary Cole) and FBI Deputy Director Wayne Sweeney (Erik Passoja). The tension between the NCIS and FBI agents echoes the earlier Gibbs-Fornell conflict, with Parker and Sweeney clashing over their methods to prevent a global crisis. But by the episode’s end, the two characters reach a mutual understanding, hinting at a budding friendship. This shift suggests that the Fornell-Gibbs dynamic may be officially over, as Parker and Sweeney take on a similar role in the series.
Although Spano has not commented on Fornell’s future, the latest episode feels like a fitting tribute to his legacy on NCIS. With Season 22 airing on CBS Mondays at 9 p.m. ET, and episodes available the next day on Paramount+, the show continues to honor its rich history while moving forward.
