Yea! NCIS Season 20 Abby References Will Fix a Show Injustice
Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, was the main character in NCIS until Season 19, Episode 4, when he decided to stay in Alaska after solving a case. Harmon and Gibbs’ departure from NCIS it was the end of an era for the show, but it’s already been referred to, at least. Showrunner Steven Binder said they looked for ways to involve Gibbs in the stories, often in subtle ways. There was mention of the Leroy Jethro Gibbs Scholarship Fund, as well as a mentor nod in NCIS Hawaii when it was revealed that he had expressed an interest in recruiting Agent Jane Tennant. She received her business card with one of Gibbs’ Rules written on the back: “Always be open to new ideas Given the references to Gibbs after his departure, why not mention Abby as well, since the two characters shared an endearing bond?
About NCIS, Abby’s departure was precipitated by an assassination attempt on her life in which her NCIS colleague Clayton Reeves saved her but lost his own life in the act of heroism. She was later in a coma, but would later help solve the case NCIS-style. Abby decided that she wanted to follow in Clayton’s heroic footsteps and create a charity for homeless women. Co-showrunners Frank Cardea and George Schenck said: “For Abby’s farewell, it was important not only to honor this wonderful character, but to give her a very special departure. That sentiment was not in keeping with Abby’s lack of references on the show after she left, however. She had a special, albeit abrupt departure, and the remark that paying homage to her wonderful character fell silent as Abby left. NCIS
Why Pauley Perrette’s Abby Left NCIS
The circumstances of NCIS star Pauley Perrette leaving the show is still unclear. It was written that she had a conflict with Mark Harmon, the actor who played Gibbs, who involved his dog on set in 2016. Evidently, the dog seriously bit a crew member who needed stitches. After leaving, Perrette tweeted that she was scared of Harmon and would under no circumstances return to the show. There’s no way of knowing what really happened, but it seemed evident that Harmon and Perrette had a falling out. In their exit scene, the team was gathered, saying goodbye, but Gibbs was noticeably absent. Abby’s Farewell to Gibbs in NCIS it was a heartfelt note left on her front door, somewhat impersonal given their relationship.
In an interview earlier this month, the showrunner and producer of NCISSteven Binder said of Abby Sciuto: “I want to start [mentioning] Abby’s character too. I would like to start feeling it [presence] a little more. I thought we were a little lax in not [doing that sooner], but there are so many moving parts…. But she’s still out there fighting the good fight and watching us, and she’s part of us and we’re part of her.That was refreshing to hear, and there is hope that she will be remembered for mentions of her in the script.
Based on Binder’s statements, it looks like Abby will be back. NCIS in spirit, as Gibbs has been. She won. Regardless of her departure circumstances, she was well liked by her NCIS team as well as fans of the show, and her quirky optimism was forgotten. Recognizing Abby, who was a key part of the NCIS fabric, would serve to give it the recognition it deserves.
