In Monday night’s NCIS midseason premiere, Leroy Jethro Gibbs may have been thousands of miles away, but his influence was palpable throughout the episode titled “Pledge of Allegiance.”
Throughout the episode, both McGee (played by Sean Murray) and Palmer (Brian Dietzen) were puzzled by the sudden appearance of $10,000 in their bank accounts. Meanwhile, Torres focused on convincing Jimmy to share the wealth, even going so far as to suggest buying rounds of drinks for everyone.
However, at the end of the episode, Director Vance (Rocky Carroll) asked McGee and Palmer to stay behind in his office after wrapping up the Case of the Week. Expecting trouble for holding onto the mysterious money, they were instead met with a surprising revelation from Vance.
He explained that the unexpected deposits were actually part of the Leroy Jethro Gibbs College Scholarship Fund, welcoming McGee and Palmer as its newest members. Vance shared that the fund was initially set up by Gibbs for his daughter Kelly, but after her tragic passing, Gibbs continued to contribute to it over the years, helping many agents’ families in need.
Despite feeling overwhelmed by Gibbs’ generosity, McGee and Palmer expressed their desire to thank their former boss in person one day. Vance, with a smile, hinted that perhaps they would have the opportunity in the future.
The episode left viewers in awe of Gibbs’ legacy and the impact he continues to have on those around him, even from a distance.
