Curious World Staff
NCIS fans are eager to see Tony DiNozzo take over as team leader after actor Mark Harmon stepped down. Here are some of the reasons why he should not return.
NCIS fans are desperate for Michael Weatherly to return to the show to replace Gibbs as team leader after actor Mark Harmon left the show, but this would be a mistake. From the pilot episode “Yankee White” in 2003 to his departure in 2016, Weatherly played Special Agent Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo, the goofy right-hand man to Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs at the Naval Cr1m1nal Investigative Service. He went on to host the CBS show Bull, in which he played psychologist Dr. Jason Bull, seemingly looking to advance his career outside of the Navy Yard. However, the news that Bull is coming to an end, combined with Harmon’s departure, has led some viewers to add two and two to make five. Hopefully, it’s just a coincidence, and Weatherly won’t be back.
Weatherly’s character evolved from chauvinistic but lovable ladies man to his long-running will-they-won’t-they storyline with colleague Ziva David (Cote de Pablo), a former Mossad agent and replacement for Agent Kate Todd, who was murd3red by Ziva’s traitor brother Ari. Ziva and Tony’s chemistry was palpable from the start, and their turbulent relationship was a constant driving force in the show. Tony and Ziva—nicknamed “Tiva” by fans—had many ups and downs, sometimes straddling the line between love and hate, such as when Tony fatally injured Ziva’s then-boyfriend, Michael, in a scuffle. But their love for one another grew over time, and they eventually had a child together.
Tony’s NCIS story was intertwined with Ziva until the very end, so bringing Michael Weatherly’s character back on his own would be a grave mistake. Weatherly left the show at the end of NCIS season 13 when Ziva was presumed d3ad in a Mossad att4ck and Tony DiNozzo discovered they had a daughter, Tali, leaving NCIS to find her. However, the pair’s story was somewhat satisfactorily concluded when Ziva reappeared at the end of NCIS season 16 and revealed she’d faked her d3ath to keep Tony and Tali safe.
The show then gave Ziva, Tony, and their daughter an off-screen reunion in Paris. Returning to his old stomping grounds as Tony simply because Gibbs has taken a step down would be a gratuitous error for both actor and character. Tony’s priorities shifted as he grew closer to his daughter, and it made no sense for him to return to his old job or lead the team.
Tony’s return could only be justified if it added something to the storyline he shares with Ziva and Tali. It would be impossible for them both to return to the team—they fled to Paris to protect their daughter, and returning with her would invalidate Tony’s decision to flee with Tali and Ziva’s decision to remain hidden for so long. A one-or-two-episode cameo might work, but making him a permanent member of the team would undo everything that had come before.
In addition, Tony would have to contend with Alden Parker (Gary Cole), the current team leader. NCIS is a different show now—the dynamics have changed as much as the characters, including Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama), Kasie Hines (Diona Reasonover), and, of course, Parker, the new gaffer. While some fans have been upset by the change in leadership, others are thrilled that Parker is bringing something new to NCIS, which is currently in its 19th season.
One reason for the show’s success may be its ability to bring in new meat and move the story forward. If Tony rejoins his old team, viewers who were initially excited may be disappointed in the long run, realizing that the show will never be the same as it was nearly 20 years ago.
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