Warning: Spoilers ahead for NCIS: Tony & Ziva episode 4
While Mark Harmon no longer appears in the franchise, NCIS: Tony & Ziva shines a spotlight on the flaws of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ retirement ending in the flagship series. Gibbs’ departure in NCIS season 19 saw him walk away from active duty to live a quiet life in Alaska, seemingly at peace. But the latest spin-off shows why that resolution doesn’t truly fit the character.
Ziva’s PTSD and Gibbs’ Parallels
Episode 4 of NCIS: Tony & Ziva explores Ziva David’s PTSD, a lingering consequence of her years of trauma. Despite her love for Tony, her struggles with mental health impacted their relationship and eventual separation. Importantly, Ziva actively works with a therapist to address her pain, showing that healing requires professional help.
This draws a stark contrast with Gibbs, who has faced equally devastating experiences: the murder of his first wife and daughter, countless violent cases, and complicated personal losses. While Gibbs occasionally spoke with Dr. Grace Confalone during the flagship, his choice to isolate himself in Alaska cut him off from meaningful therapy—something Tony & Ziva implies he desperately needs.
Gibbs’ Hidden Trauma in NCIS: Origins
The prequel series, NCIS: Origins, narrated by Harmon, reveals younger Gibbs forming a relationship with Lala Dominguez after his family’s death—someone never mentioned in the original series. The narration suggests tragedy struck again, adding to Gibbs’ already heavy emotional burden.
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Although Alaska offers Gibbs peace on the surface, Tony & Ziva highlights the flaw in his ending: running away doesn’t heal trauma. Unlike Ziva, who is actively confronting her PTSD, Gibbs is left to navigate decades of grief and pain alone, which undermines the completeness of his retirement arc.
Why Gibbs’ Story Feels Incomplete
Gibbs’ legacy as the franchise’s moral center makes his absence in milestone episodes like Ducky’s farewell and NCIS’ 1000th episode even more glaring. While fans accept that Harmon has moved on, narratively Gibbs’ retirement feels unfinished without closure that acknowledges his emotional scars.
NCIS: Tony & Ziva subtly argues that Gibbs deserved more than quiet exile—he needed healing, reconciliation, and professional help. His story is not just about leaving law enforcement but also about learning how to live with his past.
