Throughout NCIS’ 23-season run, there have been some iconic lines from every character, but Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) has had some of the franchise’s best, including an all-time great. For NCIS viewers, it’s well-known that Gibbs is a man of few words. While he’s not entirely a lone wolf, the leader of the MCRT spent the majority of his time on the series keeping to himself and helping his team solve cases. Regardless of how much he spoke, Gibbs was never lacking in what to say to the rest of the MCRT, no matter the circumstances they were in.
Gibbs’ time on the series lasted from the show’s original backdoor pilot episodes on JAG in 2002 through NCIS season 19 in late 2021. With nearly 20 years worth of dialogue, narrowing down Gibbs’ best lines isn’t an easy feat, especially considering when Gibbs does speak, it usually makes an impact. Known for his sharp advice and his set of rules that guide the MCRT forward, looking at the way Gibbs speaks to others says a lot about his character. In the early seasons of NCIS, Gibbs’ advice was particularly intriguing, especially when he spoke to people outside the MCRT.
During one episode of NCIS season 5, Gibbs offered a look into his own experience, which typically proves to help in any given situation when he’s dealing with a case. Gibbs’ best line, which offers both comfort and insight, mixes casual advice with first-hand understanding, weaving a great Gibbs moment.
Gibbs’ Best NCIS Line Shows Insight Into His Character While Offering Support
Although Gibbs often prefers to stay on his own in his work, he’s not someone who shies away from tough moments or conversation. Throughout his time one NCIS, viewers get the chance to learn more about Gibbs’ backstory, which involves tragic loss and a fair amount of heartbreak, and in understanding what he’s been through, seeing him comfort others is an even bigger deal. Although Gibbs doesn’t always reveal his position to the victims or those who are close to the victims, he’s clear that he’s seen the worst of the world and manages to keep his head up.
During NCIS season 5 episode 12, “Stakeout,” Gibbs says that he’s seen a lot of difficult things in the world, but he’s found that staying the course is the best way to make sense of it all. Sharing with someone that he’s “seen bad turn to good plenty of times. You just can’t lose faith,” Gibbs makes it clear that while he has dealt with some tremendous difficulties, he’s held strong in his faith to keep moving forward. While he’s not always meant to be an inspiration, Gibbs knows how to communicate that nothing is the end of the world.
Gibbs’ Departure Is One Of The Biggest Losses Of NCIS’ Modern Era
Although the show has continued to move forward without Gibbs and his wisdom, NCIS has become something fairly different from what it was when Gibbs was leading the MCRT. When Gibbs left the series, Gary Cole’s Alden Parker stepped in as the leader of the MCRT, which at the time consisted of original agent Tim McGee (Sean Murray), Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama), and Ellie Bishop (Emily Wickersham). Though the cast had already shifted, the tone of NCIS felt tremendously different as the show was left without its captain for the first time in its run.
While NCIS has been able to even out the ship in the past few years, finding a better balance with Parker, the show’s past is still a reminder of what it’s missing. Gibbs, who’s not returning to the flagship iteration of NCIS, is set to appear in the next season of NCIS: Origins for the first time in an actual storyline, which will likely remind viewers of just how sorely missed he is. As someone who could lead without saying much and, at the same time, had a huge capacity to care for others, Gibbs is one of NCIS’ best.
- Release Date
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September 23, 2003
- Showrunner
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Donald P. Bellisario
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Sean Murray
Timothy McGee
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David McCallum
Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard
