20 Years After ‘JAG‘ Ended, ‘NCIS‘ Could Finally Revisit Its Roots — but It’s Up to David James Elliott
For two decades, NCIS has dominated the television landscape, evolving from a humble spin-off into one of the most successful and enduring procedural franchises in TV history. But before Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his team became household names, there was JAG, the military legal drama that served as its foundation. Now, with the franchise celebrating milestones and venturing into new territory with prequels and spin-offs, a fascinating possibility has emerged: could NCIS finally and fully embrace its origins? The answer, frustratingly but compellingly, seems to rest almost entirely on the shoulders of one man: David James Elliott.
The connection between the two shows is more than just a passing reference; it’s a direct lineage. The NCIS team was first introduced to audiences in a two-part backdoor pilot during the eighth season of JAG, in episodes titled “Ice Queen” and “Meltdown.” These episodes gave us our first look at Gibbs, Tony DiNozzo, and Abby Sciuto, setting the stage for what would become a television phenomenon. While JAG ended its run in 2005, NCIS took off, carving out its own identity and rarely looking back at its parent series. The occasional cameo by characters like A.J. Chegwidden (John M. Jackson) and Bud Roberts (Patrick Labyorteaux) served as welcome nods to long-time fans, but a true, narrative-shaking reunion seemed out of reach.
That changed in 2019, when David James Elliott and his JAG co-star Catherine Bell reprised their roles as Harmon “Harm” Rabb, Jr. and Sarah “Mac” MacKenzie in a multi-episode arc on NCIS: Los Angeles. The brief reunion was a bittersweet jolt of nostalgia, revealing that Harm and Mac’s classic “will-they-won’t-they” romance had a complicated, unresolved status. It was a tantalizing glimpse into a world that NCIS had largely ignored, and it ignited a new wave of fan hope: if they could appear on a spin-off, why not on the flagship show?
The Case for Harmon Rabb’s Return to NCIS
A full-fledged return of Harmon Rabb to the main NCIS series isn’t just about fan service; it’s a strategic move that could revitalize the show in several key ways.
- A Bridge to the Past: The franchise is currently expanding with new spin-offs like NCIS: Origins. Bringing Harm back would provide a direct, living link to the very beginning of the shared universe. It would allow the show to honor its history while creating compelling new storylines that blend the past with the present.
- Fresh Narrative Possibilities: An interaction between Harm and the current NCIS team, now led by Alden Parker, would introduce a new dynamic. As a Judge Advocate General’s Corps officer, Harm’s legal perspective often clashed with Gibbs’ more visceral, rule-breaking approach. A modern-day crossover could explore how this dynamic plays out with the new team.
- Completing an Unfinished Story: The NCIS: Los Angeles arc left Harm and Mac’s relationship in an ambiguous place. A return to the main series could finally provide some closure to this beloved storyline, resolving a twenty-year cliffhanger for a generation of viewers. The very fact that both characters have had their own journeys, and have moved on from their romantic entanglement, makes a reunion of any kind all the more fascinating.
It’s important to note that the NCIS franchise has never been shy about bringing back characters. The recent announcement of a new spin-off bringing back Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David shows that the producers recognize the power of legacy characters. A Harm return would fit perfectly within this strategy.
The Obstacle: David James Elliott Himself
While the narrative and creative reasons for a Harm Rabb return are compelling, the biggest hurdle is a simple, logistical one: David James Elliott himself. The actor has been honest and realistic about his potential return to the role that made him famous. In recent interviews, he has stated that while he’s open to the idea, he doesn’t actively see it happening, and he feels it’s a decision that ultimately rests with the producers.
Elliott’s brief return to NCIS: Los Angeles was, by his own account, a favor for a friend, showrunner R. Scott Gemmill, who was also a writer on JAG. This suggests that for a return to happen, it would need to be a compelling, creatively sound pitch from the right people, not just a casual request. Elliott has acknowledged that he doesn’t know the current cast of NCIS, which could make a seamless integration more challenging. This also highlights the changing of the guard, with the franchise moving into a post-Gibbs era.
The decision to bring back Harm wouldn’t be just a simple cameo; it would need to be a substantial storyline that honors the character’s legacy and provides real dramatic weight. The show’s creators would have to find a way to make Harm’s presence feel essential, not just a gimmick.
The Legacy of JAG and the Future of NCIS
Even if Harm Rabb never steps foot in the NCIS headquarters again, the show’s debt to JAG is undeniable. NCIS owes its very existence to the groundwork laid by the military legal drama. The success of NCIS allowed its producers to take risks, expand the universe, and build a world that is still captivating millions of viewers today.
The current landscape of television, with its emphasis on reboots, revivals, and interconnected universes, makes a JAG reunion more plausible than ever. The entire JAG series is now available on streaming platforms like Paramount+, allowing a new generation of fans to discover the show that started it all. This renewed interest creates the perfect storm for a crossover event that could bring the two worlds together in a meaningful way.
Ultimately, whether David James Elliott returns to NCIS is a matter of circumstance, timing, and a compelling storyline. But the possibility itself is enough to stir the hearts of long-time fans. It’s a reminder that no matter how much NCIS evolves, its roots are firmly planted in the legacy of JAG and its iconic characters. A return of Harm Rabb wouldn’t just be a look back; it would be a powerful statement about the longevity and enduring spirit of a franchise that started with a simple salute.
