Entering NCIS season 18, we're going see Mark Harmon's Leroy Jethro Gibbs undergoing major changes. It is clear that he's becoming a different version of himself; he's opening up to his friends and loved ones in a way that wasn't seen before.
The new side of Gibbs may further play out in the upcoming NCIS season 18. In the previous installment, one of the most notable moments was when Gibbs confided on Timothy McGee following an emotional rollercoaster with war veteran Joe Smith.
This is a rare moment of vulnerability, as this side of Gibbs wasn't usually shown in the series. In a report via TV Insider, executive producer Frank Cardea hinted that the character will further change in the new installment. He noted that Gibbs is still a cowboy, but no longer only the cowboy.
Cardea also revealed that the changes stemmed from the unexpected return of Ziva David. She made an unexpected come back in season 17 but was being targeted by a vengeful terrorist. Gibbs was able to save Ziva's life by shooting the terrorist.
Cardea said that those usually make people "take stock of their lives." But while he has opened up to his team, there will still be tensions in NCIS season 18. The team matters, but Harmon said "leadership often isn't popular."
If Gibbs becomes a person like everyone else in the series, CarterMatt noted there won't be conflicts anymore. That's why it's important to take his evolution show so that he could still keep a huge part of himself. The character's relatability is one of the unique parts of the series.
NCIS season 18 will also explore an unsolved case left in season 16. The daughter of his old friend Fornell almost died after overdosing on counterfeit opioids. While the Canadian supplier was never found, it's been hinted that Gibbs was still on the hunt. This case will be addressed in the upcoming installment.
Meanwhile, one of the most exciting things in the new season is the highly-anticipated 400th episode. The episode was originally set to air in season 17, but due to the global health crisis, the installment was cut short. The episode takes us back in time, particularly during Gibbs and Ducky's time 20 years ago.
NCIS season 18 will reportedly premiere in late 2020. But then, nothing g is certain at the moment. Some things might be changed because of the real-life health crisis. There could be a potential delay, as cast and crew could resume working when the situation gets a little bit better.
