NCIS stunned longtime fans in Season 22 with a heartfelt tribute to Leroy Jethro Gibbs — but not through a typical cameo or return appearance. Instead, the show honored the character through an emotionally charged storyline that drew on his legacy and influence. While Mark Harmon didn’t reprise his role on screen, Gibbs’s presence was deeply felt when the team unearthed a cold case connected to one of his earliest investigations. The episode served as a poignant reminder of his meticulous methods and unshakable moral compass.

Rather than relying on flashbacks or direct interaction, the episode centered on the impact Gibbs left behind. His former teammates shared memories and recalled life lessons that guided their actions in the present, effectively weaving him into the narrative without breaking continuity. The writers cleverly used personal artifacts and notes Gibbs had left behind to guide the current team, creating a layered emotional resonance.

What made the tribute truly masterful was how it respected both the character and the actor’s decision to step away. There was no over-the-top fanfare or forced cameo—just a quiet, powerful homage that stayed true to Gibbs’s understated nature. For fans who have followed NCIS for decades, the episode was a satisfying nod to a foundational figure, showing that while Gibbs may be gone from the screen, his legacy remains at the heart of the show.