WARNING: This article may contain spoilers for NCIS season 17. Read at your own risk.
NCIS season 17 proved to be one of the most interesting seasons as it featured several interesting cases, as well as the return of Cote de Pablo's Ziva David. But, aside from the latter's appearance this season, there are also other familiar faces coming back; including Robert Wagner's Anthony DiNozzo Senior.
In a report via TVInsider, series' executive producers confirmed Wagner is officially coming back as DiNozzo Sr. later this year in NCIS season 17. This is good news but isn't surprising at all, considering that the actor's appearance has been staple even after Michael Weatherly's Tony DiNozzo departure.
Wagner's character will bring comedy, drama, and intrigue in NCIS season 17. According to executive producer Frank Cardea, DiNozzo Sr. will be introduced on a personal nature. Then, after that, he'll be involved in the telling of the story of the case.
Moreover, it seems like the character will be a little bit different this time. As per executive producer Steven D. Binder, DiNozzo Sr. appearance is a "very novel way" for them. Cardea further teased that the character’s appearance would be a significant departure for the NCIS team as well.
Wagner appeared in 13 episodes of the series and was last seen in one of the episodes of season 16, titled "Bears and Cubs." Some believed he's still in touch with his son and that he's aware Ziva's alive. Yet, this season, his return probably does not coincide with anything Tony-and-Ziva related.
But then, there are still a lot of questions about how much he knew about these two. Is it possible that Tony has kept a lot of information from him? That's very likely and we're going to find that out once DiNozzo Sr. officially returned a bit later this year.
Meanwhile, Wagner is not the only actor returning this season. Don Lake is also set to reprise his role as Gibbs' (Mark Harmon) Navy friend Phil. In addition, the executive producers are also hoping to get Joe Spano back as Fornell.
It only makes sense that Fornell is returning again since episode 8 teased that Gibbs left work to help his friend with his daughter Emily. However, there's clearly more going on that what he shared. Thus, there are a lot of exciting things to expect this season and viewers will be seeing the NCIS team solving more cases.
NCIS season 17 airs every Tuesday on CBS.
