Mark Harmon may not appear onscreen in NCIS: Tony & Ziva, but his legendary presence as Leroy Jethro Gibbs still looms large—and intentionally so. In a heartfelt interview, stars Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo revealed a special tribute woven into the series as a nod to the man who shaped their characters and the entire franchise.
The Iconic Gesture That Says It All
A Silent Tribute with Big Emotional Weight
During their press rounds for the Tony & Ziva spinoff at San Diego Comic-Con, Weatherly and de Pablo shared that the show includes a subtle, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it tribute to Gibbs. The moment? A hand gesture Gibbs was known for—a silent cue full of trust, command, and emotional significance.
“We made a choice to include that silent hand signal,” Weatherly told Entertainment Weekly. “It’s our way of saying, ‘Gibbs is still with us.’”
Why the Tribute Matters
A Nod to the Mentor Who Started It All
Both Tony and Ziva owe much of their character evolution to Gibbs. He was their boss, mentor, and—let’s face it—father figure. Honoring him, even subtly, reinforces the emotional continuity of the NCIS universe.
“It felt necessary,” de Pablo said. “You don’t move forward without remembering who shaped your path.”
Is Mark Harmon Returning?
Harmon’s Role as Executive Producer
While Mark Harmon is not slated to appear in Season 1 of Tony & Ziva, he remains closely tied to the franchise as an executive producer. That means his influence is still guiding the creative direction of the series—even if he’s not in front of the camera.
Possibility of a Future Cameo?
When asked if Gibbs could make a surprise appearance down the line, both actors played coy.
“We’re not saying anything,” Weatherly smirked. “But never say never.”
The Emotional Weight of Gibbs’s Absence
Ziva & Tony Move Forward—but Never Forget
In the new series, Tony and Ziva are framed for an international cyberattack and must go on the run with their daughter Tali. While the story is fast-paced and intense, Gibbs’s influence still guides their decisions—whether it’s in how they handle interrogations, read people, or protect their family.
Fan Reaction to the Tribute
Social media lit up once fans spotted the gesture in the trailer. NCIS Reddit threads and Twitter/X feeds were flooded with emotional reactions:
“That hand signal broke me. Gibbs forever,” one fan wrote.
“The fact that they included that… you can tell they still love and respect Mark Harmon,” another added.
Other Easter Eggs That Hint at Gibbs’s Legacy
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The Basement Rulebook – A scene with Tony scribbling in a notebook subtly mimics Gibbs’s rule obsession.
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Coffee in a Styrofoam Cup – Fans noticed Tony sipping coffee from a familiar-looking cup, just like Gibbs did daily.
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Boat Reference – One scene features a dock and boatyard, echoing Gibbs’s own shipbuilding hobby.
Why This Tribute Was Kept a Secret
Weatherly and de Pablo admitted they didn’t want the tribute moment to feel “staged” or “obvious.” They opted for something that long-time viewers would catch organically—a true fan reward.
“It’s not about screaming, ‘Hey! Look at this reference!’ It’s more like… if you know, you know,” said de Pablo.
A Symbol of Unspoken Bond
The hand signal has always represented something deeper in the NCIS universe. Gibbs used it when he trusted his team to act without speaking. In Tony & Ziva, it’s used during a moment of tension—almost like a spiritual nod that he’s still watching over them.
How It Sets the Tone for the Spinoff
This tribute doesn’t just honor Gibbs—it helps ground the spinoff in the same emotional realism that made the original NCIS so beloved. It’s a reminder that beneath all the action, explosions, and spy drama lies a beating heart: loyalty, trust, and family.
Conclusion
NCIS: Tony & Ziva may be a fast-paced thriller about cyberattacks and fugitives, but it’s also a love letter to the past. By quietly honoring Mark Harmon’s Gibbs with a signature hand signal, the show reminds us all that some legacies never fade. For fans of the original series, it’s a touching and powerful way to keep Gibbs present—without needing to say a word.
5 FAQs
Q1: What is the tribute to Mark Harmon in “NCIS: Tony & Ziva”?
A: It’s a subtle hand gesture used by Gibbs in the original NCIS—a quiet nod of trust and leadership that Tony and Ziva use in a tense moment.
Q2: Will Mark Harmon appear in the new spinoff?
A: As of now, no. However, he’s involved as an executive producer, and a cameo in future seasons hasn’t been ruled out.
Q3: Why did the showrunners include a tribute instead of bringing Gibbs back?
A: They wanted to keep the focus on Tony and Ziva while still acknowledging the importance of Gibbs’s character and legacy.
Q4: Are there other Easter eggs tied to Gibbs?
A: Yes—subtle nods like coffee cups, references to rules, and dockyard scenes serve as additional homages.
Q5: Where can I watch “NCIS: Tony & Ziva”?
A: The series premieres September 4, 2025, exclusively on Paramount+.
Custom Message:
This article is a tribute to the emotional heart of the NCIS universe. Tony and Ziva’s journey continues, but the spirit of Gibbs—thanks to Mark Harmon—remains quietly, powerfully present.
