Gibbs’ Most Gut-Wrenching Moments on NCIS – Prepare to sob!

Over its 19-season run, NCIS has taken its audience on an emotional rollercoaster through the life of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, masterfully portrayed by Mark Harmon. Here are some of the most poignant and heart-wrenching moments that have defined Gibbs’ journey:

1. Tragedy Strikes: The Murd3r of Gibbs’ Wife and Kids (Season 3): Season 3 unveils the devastating murd3r of Gibbs’ wife and daughter by a ruthless cartel member, leaving Gibbs haunted by the profound grief of losing his family.
2. Saying Goodbye: Loss of Best Friend – Mike Franks (Season 8): The poignant death of Gibbs’ best friend, Mike Franks, in Season 8 was a touching moment. Franks, a fellow marine and former NCIS agent, held a special place in Gibbs’ heart, and his passing left an indelible mark on the lead character.
3. Ziva’s Departure (Season 11): A fan-favorite character, Ziva David, chooses to stay in Israel, bidding farewell to NCIS. Gibbs, who regarded Ziva as a daughter, is visibly affected by her departure, adding a layer of emotional complexity to the show.
4. Tragic Loss: Ex-Wife Diane Sterling’s Death (Season 12): Gibbs witnesses the tragic death of his ex-wife, Diane Sterling, midway through Season 12, heightening the stakes for both Gibbs and his friend Fornell as they seek justice.
5. Facing Mortality: Gibbs Takes a Bullet (Season 12 Finale): Season 12 concludes with Gibbs being shot twice by a young recruit, leaving his fate hanging in the balance. The aftermath delves into Gibbs’ struggle with mortality and the ripple effect on those around him.
6. Farewell to a Father Figure: Loss of On-Screen Father – Jackson Gibbs (Season 12): Season 12 bids farewell to Jackson Gibbs, Leroy’s on-screen father, paying tribute to the late actor Ralph Waite, who passed away in real life.
7. Unexpected Tragedy: Kate’s Death in Season 2 Finale: The shocking death of Kate in the Season 2 finale, perpetrated by Ari in front of Gibbs and Tony, marks a pivotal moment in the series that reverberates through subsequent seasons.
8. Struggling with the Past: Gibbs’ Amnesia (Season 3): The two-part finale “Hiatus” in Season 3 delves into Gibbs’ struggle with amnesia after a traumatic event, offering a glimpse into his past and revealing a more vulnerable side of the typically stoic character.

These emotionally charged moments have not only shaped Leroy Gibbs’ character but have also left an enduring impact on NCIS viewers, solidifying the show’s reputation as a masterful blend of crime procedural and character-driven storytelling.