According to Cote de Pablo on the podcast “Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch,” Leroy Jethro Gibbs from NCIS has a poignant reason for never locking his door: he lost his wife and daughter, who were tragically murdered, and thus feels he has nothing left to protect. This character trait, known to fans of the show, will be explored further in the upcoming NCIS prequel series, “NCIS: Origins,” which will delve into Gibbs’ past during the time of this devastating loss.
Mark Harmon portrayed Gibbs as the unwavering leader of the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) for nearly two decades on NCIS. Alongside his steadfast loyalty and fairness, Gibbs was known for unique quirks, such as leaving his front door open—a seemingly risky habit for someone in law enforcement. This behavior was left unexplained when Harmon departed the show after NCIS season 19.
However, the mystery behind Gibbs’ open door policy has now been clarified in a recent episode of the “Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch” podcast. During a trivia segment hosted by Ziva David (played by Cote de Pablo), fellow NCIS actors Michael Weatherly and Sean Murray were unable to answer the question. Eventually, Ziva revealed that the true reason Gibbs leaves his door unlocked stems from the profound loss he experienced with the death of his family. This revelation adds a deeper layer to Gibbs’ character, showcasing his emotional vulnerability and the lasting impact of his personal tragedy.