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With the return of Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo, CBS comments on the possibility of Pauley Perrette’s return as Abby Sciutoi in NCIS.
A CBS executive responds to questions about Pauley Perrette’s possible return to NCIS as Abby Sciuto. With the NCIS universe evolving thanks to spinoffs featuring classic characters from the parent show, conversations about who else can return is dominating speculations. Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo are spearheading NCIS: Europe, while Mark Harmon is working on NCIS: Origins. With both Brian Dietzen and Sean Murray still active on the main show, questions about Perrette’s comeback status are particularly interesting.
In a new interview with Deadline about the evolving NCIS universe, CBS Studios President David Stapf is asked about the idea of Perrette’s return as Abby. It’s no secret that Perrette’s NCIS exit was mired with controversy, which makes this trickier to navigate than other former cast members coming back. Nonetheless, the executive is optimistic about the idea. Read his full quote below:
Not a bad idea. We haven’t talked about it or thought about it. We love Pauley, and she’s always welcome in any of the NCIS franchise, but it hasn’t come to us from the writers and/or from her. I kind of was kidding when I said, it’s not a bad idea but it’s genuinely not a bad idea, she was a beloved character.
NCIS referenced Abby during Ducky’s tribute episode. The outing doesn’t directly mention her name, but the show alluded to her existence by featuring a flower arrangement sent for the late Dr. Mallard. Throughout her time in the agency, she worked closely with David McCallum’s character, so while ideally, she would have been there, the easter egg was better than not having any involvement from her. While Sciuto’s exit from NCIS was complicated, the show found a way to explain Abby’s resignation, making it easier for her to return.
Abby’s decision to leave NCIS stemmed from the death of MI6 Agent Clayton Reeves, who was protecting her from a hitman. She accompanied his body back to England and started a charity on his behalf. Assuming that he is still based in the area, Tony and Ziva can recruit Abby to help with their current predicament in NCIS: Europe. Per the spinoff’s premise, the couple, and their daughter, Tali, will be on the run across the continent. Otherwise, Abby can also return to NCIS with a special cameo.
It’s worth noting, however, that Perrette did publicly say that she would never work on NCIS again after her conflict with former co-star, Mark Harmon. It has been six years since her departure from the show, and it’s curious if her stance has changed. In any case, Harmon is no longer a cast member in the main series, although he remains involved with his spinoff. At the very least, if Perrette decides to return as Abby, she won’t have to interact with him.
