In NCIS Season 22, Episode 4, the series finally ties up the last lingering issues left by Leroy Jethro Gibbs, three years after Mark Harmon’s departure. Gibbs retired in Season 19, choosing peace in Alaska after nearly two decades leading the Major Case Response Team (MCRT). While NCIS: Origins may explore new Gibbs-related storylines, the flagship series has focused on rebuilding the team after his exit, with Tim McGee leaving his former boss behind in Naktok Bay.
However, Gibbs’ departure left a lasting impact, especially on Alden Parker, his successor. The tension between Parker and the FBI, sparked by Gibbs’ final case, has haunted Parker ever since. In NCIS Season 19, Episode 4, “Great Wide Open,” Gibbs took Parker to Alaska to investigate a murder, even as the FBI sought to arrest him for his past actions. Though FBI Deputy Director Wayne Sweeney was determined to apprehend Gibbs, Parker stood by him, seeing him as a man of integrity. Parker’s refusal to arrest Gibbs cost him his FBI career, but he eventually stepped into Gibbs’ role leading the MCRT, with Gibbs’ blessing. Despite this, the ongoing tension between the FBI and NCIS over jurisdiction continues to simmer, and in Season 22, the show addresses the final consequences of Gibbs’ departure.
