In the episode, Gibbs and Special Agent Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) solved the case of a wealthy CEO hiring a contract killer to murder those who were opposed to opening a copper mine in Alaska. 

NCIS executive producer and showrunner Steve Binder paid tribute to Harmon, while addressing his future on the show. 

“As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show,” Binder said. 

“Our north star has always been staying true to our characters, and that truth has always guided the stories we tell and where those characters go. 

So regarding the future of Gibbs, as long-time fans of the show may have noticed over the years…never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”

It’s currently unclear whether Harmon, who is 70 years old, will return to NCIS in some capacity moving forward.  

“Mark’s always been part of the show, Mark’s always going to be part of the show,” CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl told Deadline last month.  

“In terms of his on-air appearances, we’re just going to have to see how it plays out going forward.”