Twelve years before they shared the screen, the NCIS franchise subtly showcased just how much Leroy Jethro Gibbs would come to rely on Abby Sciuto. Before the flagship series premiered in 2023, Gibbs Major Case Response Team first appeared in JAG a year earlier. Some of the original cast, including Michael Weatherly’s Anthony DiNozzo Jr., David McCallum’s Ducky Mallard, and Pauley Perrette’s Abby Sciuto, were already part of the squad.
While these characters became vital members of Mark Harmon’s original team in the NCIS pilot, Gibbs relationship with Abby stood out. He had unique dynamics with each team member, having handpicked them for their roles. Their camaraderie both personal and professional made them highly effective, but his bond with Abby was distinctly special.
