‘NCIS’ Season 15: Mark Harmon Plays Lesser Role; Michael Weatherly, Cote De Pablo Reunion Talk

The rumors that Mark Harmon will be leaving after “NCIS” Season 15 refuse to die. It doesn’t help that the actor and CBS have yet to categorically address the issue. That leaves some fans no choice but to speculate based on the bits of information that may come their way. Others believe, however, that it will just be a matter of time before Harmon and the network will announce the actor’s departure.

First, the good news. Michael Weatherly teased that he and Cote de Pablo, Ziva David in the series, are in talks to be back together reports The Wrap. The actor starred in the series as Agent Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo until last year when he left for his own CBS series “Bull”. Before fans get too excited, however, Weatherly did not mention if the fan favorite couple’s reunion will be for “NCIS” Season 15 or for his show.

In the likelihood that Mark Harmon decides to quit after “NCIS” Season 15, the writers will have to create a storyline for his exit. One of the most probable scenario would be for his character Gibbs to leave the field to his younger agents and supervise them behind a desk. Many think that Wilmer Valderrama’s character Torres would be perfect to take over Gibbs’ place. More so that recent episodes showed how their characters seem to be so much alike.

Showrunner Frank Cardea acknowledged that Gibbs does see his younger self in Torres in his interview with Parade. Both have many secrets that they hide so well. Gibbs was as much as a loner as Torres is when he was his age.

In his earlier days with the team, Torres kept everybody at a distance probably because of his years of assignment as a secret agent. Deeper in the season, Torres learned to adjust to being in the group and was soon an important part of Gibbs’ squad. If Gibbs decides to take on a desk job in “NCIS” Season 15, Torres would be his likely successor.

"NCIS" Season 15 is expected to premiere on September 26. Will it mark the return of Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo’s characters? Will Mark Harmon make a life altering decision for his character and the series as a whole? Tel us what you think in the space below.