NCIS season 18 is in production at the moment and eyeing for a fall premiere. A lot of exciting stories are coming in the new season and it will feature some familiar faces, as well. One of the characters expected to return is Joe Spano's Tobias Fornell.
Fornell made an unexpected return at the end of season 16, but he was absent in season 17. Now, there are rumors that the character is coming back in NCIS season 18 and he's going to have a significant part. Some evidence further suggests that he'll still have a role in the life of Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon).
In one of his latest Twitter posts, Spano seemingly hinted that Fornell will be making an appearance in the upcoming installment. The actor wrote that they're back on NCIS, hinting that they're working on new episodes. Many were also excited about his potential return in the series.
However, Spano didn't provide further details as to how exactly Fornell will come back. Right now, only a handful of teasers and spoilers have emerged from NCIS season 18. One of the most anticipated events is the 400th episode, which explores Gibbs and Ducky's (David McCallum) past.
The next installment would be the final one of Maria Bello's Jack Sloane, as well. But then, it remains to be seen how the character will be written out in the story. Some speculated that Fornell could play a part in either Sloane's departure or in the 400th episode.
Yet, there are other storylines that could fit his return, considering his connection to Gibbs. Back in season 17, the latter went on a "fishing trip," though the truth is that he went somewhere else to work on something personal, top-secret.
There is a possibility that Gibbs did some work with Fornell, which was shown in the season 16 finale. There are plans to revisit this storyline; when Harmon's character was away from the team. This will be, finally, addressed in NCIS season 18.
Co-showrunner Steven D. Binder revealed to TVLine that the new season picks up the events in season 17 episode 8, titled "Musical Chairs." The premiere goes back in time to explore what Gibbs has been working on at the time.
Fornell is one of the most interesting characters in the series. He shares understanding with Gibbs, especially since the latter does not have a lot of close friends. Spano's character was occasionally doing worth with the NCIS Major Case Response Team and he's a former FBI Special Agent.
NCIS season 18 is scheduled to premiere in the fall on CBS.
