Season 13 of the CBS procedural drama "NCIS" will center on the emotional roller coaster ride of Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) while recovering from his surgery.
TV Line reports that after getting fatally shot at the season finale, Gibbs will be undergoing "a really traumatic experience," something that will make him almost unrecognizable to those who know him well. Showrunner Gary Glasberg said that the upcoming installment will open with an explosive scene of the agent being rushed into surgery on an aircraft carrier.
According to him, dealing with an injury like that will be very difficult indeed. As with Gibbs, he will reportedly undergo psychological and physical trauma during the rehabilitation process. Glasberg cautioned the viewers that they should not be shocked to see "a changed and emotional Gibbs" in season 13.
The executive producer also disclosed in TV Fanatic that there will be "some really emotional stuff" in store for Harmon's character and that this will create an interesting twist to the plot. Meanwhile, the changes in Gibbs will also put a dent on his working relationship with Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly).
Glasberg revealed that there will be some tension brewing between the two agents, as Gibbs will feel that DiNozzo is taking his position away from him. Because of his condition, DiNozzo will be forced to take his place as the leader of the team, which apparently will not go well with Gibbs.
As for DiNozzo, the showrunner teased that this season will be a pivotal period in his career. The agent will reportedly step back and evaluate what he really wants to happen in his career.
"Does he want to be the leader? Does he want to be, in essence, to become Gibbs? And that's a lot to take on and some big decisions for Tony DiNozzo," said Glasberg.
"NCIS" season 13 will kick off on Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. EST on CBS.
