NCIS: Origins co-creator David J. North revealed a funny behind-the-scenes moment that may surprise longtime fans of the franchise: Mark Harmon doesn’t actually remember most of Gibbs’ famous rules.
Harmon recently reprised his iconic role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs for a crossover between NCIS and NCIS: Origins, marking his first major on-screen return since his season 19 departure. The crossover centers on a case first investigated by the younger Gibbs (Austin Stowell) in the early 1990s and reopened decades later by the NCIS team. The storyline also explores several of Gibbs’ well-known rules – though Harmon couldn’t recall them during recording.
North explains that while recording a voiceover for an episode built around Rule 11 (“When the job’s over, walk away”), he asked Harmon if he remembered any of Gibbs’ many rules. Harmon admitted he didn’t – except for “the one about a knife,” referring to the rule about never going anywhere without one. North joked this revelation might “break some fans’ hearts,” given how integral the rules are to the series.
Harmon’s November 11 appearance on NCIS: Origins is his most substantial since leaving the franchise in 2021, though he briefly appeared in the prequel’s premiere. While he’s downplayed a full-time return, Harmon hasn’t ruled out future cameos – and with plenty left to uncover about Gibbs’ early years, the door remains open for him to step back on screen again.
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