NCIS

The clause contains raider for NCIS season 21 , episode 2 , " The Stories We Leave Behind . "

Summary

New set images offer a close look at Michael Weatherly ’s return as Tony DiNozzo inNCISseason 21 . Almost a decade after the thespian left the long - carry law adjective , he returns in time to take part in sending off Ducky — the team ’s beloved aesculapian examiner - turned - historiographer . Weatherly ’s unexpected cameo come about in the final moments ofNCISseason 21 , episode 2 , " The Stories We Leave Behind , " just as Palmer adjudicate to keep his emotions in baulk before have his wise man ’s eulogy .

The officialNCISVerseInstagram account statement divvy up new images of Weatherly ’s DiNozzo cameo in Ducky’sNCISseason 21tribute episode . ascertain out the fun snap below :

The pile of ikon boast a premix of behind - the - scene sport snaps , include Dinozzo goofing around on the set with Sean Murray , and a different slant of him entering the autopsy room to see Palmer . Meanwhile , a group exposure with Murray and Brian Dietzen in the elevator evokes nostalgia for the early time of year ofNCIS .

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Weatherly left as Tony DiNozzo inNCISseason 13 to take guardianship of his clandestine daughter with Cote de Pablo ’s Ziva David .

Why DiNozzo Returns In NCIS Ducky Tribute Episode & Not Gibbs

While there were ideas to boast more returning characters for Ducky ’s institutionalise - off installment , the writers of the law procedural opted to feature just one single cameo with Weatherly . Admittedly , Mark Harmon ’s absence in theNCISepisodeas Gibbs may have been sadden , specially since he was closest to Dr. Mallard . Dietzen , who co - wrote the outing , explained that DiNozzo ’s return was more for Palmer than the tardy doctor . He and DiNozzo were such close Friend , so he was the perfect person to console him amid this massive loss .

DiNozzo brings some levity to the episode . Gibbs ' appearance would have been more emotional since the storytelling would be focalise on him losing one of his longest friends . However , theNCIStribute ’s conclusion to bring in Weatherly and take advantage of his body fluid allows the show to be more of a celebration of Ducky ’s life . This idea , couple with DiNozzo ’s silly put-on , which let in an impressive impression of Dr. Mallard , give Jimmy the military strength he want to move forwards with the eulogium for his mentor .

Michael Weatherly unexpectedly return as Tony DiNozzo in NCIS season 21 and his replication means bigger and better thing than a Gibbs cameo .

Michael Weatherly as DiNozzo and Brian Dietzen as Palmer in NCIS

For now , Weatherly ’s coming back is supposed to be a one - off . He says in theNCISepisode himself that he is just croak through . Despite that , it ’s worth noting that Weatherly has been approaching about wanting to right revisit his time as DiNozzo in the constabulary procedural . If CBS and the writer deem him needed in the dealership , it ’s good to say that he can easy return .

NCISseason 21 airs raw episode every Monday , 9 pm ET on CBS .

germ : NCISVerse / Instagram

Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, wearing scrubs, look alert in the medical examination room

Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs and David McCallum as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard in NCIS.

NCIS is a boob tube series that follows a team of special factor from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service . Premiering in 2003 , the show explores various cases involve Navy and Marine Corps personnel , ranging from murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines .

Mark Harmon as Gibbs and Michael Weatherly as DiNozzo in NCIS

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