Two decades after helping launch one of television’s most iconic franchises, JAG star David James Elliott is offering fans a dose of realism about a potential return to NCIS—and why, despite past appearances, it might not happen again.
In a recent interview with TV Insider while promoting his new Syfy thriller Revival, Elliott—best known as Commander Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr.—addressed the growing speculation about whether he’d suit up once more in the ever-expanding NCIS universe.
“I don’t see that happening,” Elliott said candidly.
It’s not that he’s opposed to stepping back into the role. In fact, the actor already made a nostalgic comeback in 2019 during a guest arc on NCIS: Los Angeles, a reunion that thrilled longtime fans of JAG. But as Elliott explains, that return had everything to do with one person: R. Scott Gemmill.
“I did that because of R. Scott Gemmill,” he said, referring to the NCIS: LA showrunner who once wrote for the early seasons of JAG. “He’s still a friend of mine. I pitched an idea to him, and he liked it… It was fun. It’s fun to work with him.”
Still, when it comes to the flagship NCIS series—now barreling toward its 23rd season—Elliott admits he’s not particularly connected to the current cast or creative team.
“I don’t really know any of the people on NCIS,” he added. “But I guess if they came to me, I certainly would consider it. So who knows.”
What This Means for the NCIS Universe
Elliott’s honesty may be sobering for fans who’ve long held out hope for a major crossover or JAG reunion episode, but his appearance—alongside Catherine Bell’s Mac—in NCIS: LA already provided a satisfying coda for the beloved duo. The brief storyline didn’t wrap up every loose end, but it offered meaningful insight into how their characters had grown, changed, and—like many couples—weathered life’s complexities.
And that might be the point. Not every arc needs a tidy resolution. In many ways, their understated return left the door open for future imagination, rather than trying to tie it all up in a dramatic bow.
Could Harm Still Return?
It’s not impossible. With NCIS Season 23 on the horizon and spinoffs like NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Tony & Ziva in development, there could be room for a special event—perhaps an anniversary episode or milestone finale—where familiar faces from the past return for a curtain call.
Would Elliott consider it? Absolutely. Would it take the right story and the right creative team? Also yes.
Our Take: Harm Deserves a Spotlight—But Only If It’s Right
Let’s face it—Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. is a legend in TV’s legal and procedural realms. But shoehorning him into NCIS without purpose would do a disservice to both the character and the franchise. If the writers can find a compelling, organic way to bring him back, fans would no doubt rally behind it. Until then, Elliott’s grounded perspective is refreshing—and a reminder that some legacies are better preserved than stretched.
Still… we’ll keep our fingers crossed for that big anniversary episode.
