Warning! Spoilers ahead for NCIS season 22, episode 4.
After 22 seasons, NCIS writes out its final original cast members by introducing their replacement. Being on the air for more than two decades and still bringing in impressive ratings is no easy feat, hence why the success of Don Belissario and Don McGill's procedural continues to thrive. On the heels of debuting Leroy Jethro Gibbs' Major Case Response Team in JAG, the Navy Yard-based squad was soon awarded their own show, with the pilot, "Yankee White." This laid the foundation for NCIS, establishing the brand of justice and commitment to service that the team is known for.
Over the years, NCIS has lost so many characters. However, much like other long-running shows on network TV, it has found a way to move forward by bringing in new faces to fill the void left by their predecessors. The death of Ducky Mallard meant that NCIS no longer has any inaugural member of Gibbs team in the show. Currently, Timothy McGee is the longest-serving core character in the procedural after debuting in "Sub Rosa." There is still one other original character from "Yankee White," however, but NCIS season 22, episode 4, Stick & Stones has essentially written him out.
Tobias Fornell Is The Final Original NCIS Cast Member Still Involved In The Show
Fornell Made His NCIS Debut In "Yankee White"
Also introduced in the NCIS pilot is Tobias Fornell. While Gibbs' MCRT argued for jurisdiction for the case aboard Air Force One with the Secret Service, the FBI also got involved with Joe Spano's character. Admittedly, the origins of the role continue to be murky, considering his supposed history with Gibbs. That said, Fornell has been the most prominent recurring character in the procedural and was the face of the FBI for years. His last appearance was in NCIS' 1000th episode when the team revisited the case of Leonard Riche — the radicalized man who attempted to kill the President.
It has been years since Fornell left the FBI. However, even after he walked away from the organization and carved his own path, his contacts with the agency has remained intact and significant. This has made it easy to bring him in for special cases, especially when the show needs help to tap into resources or get information. No word yet on whether Spano is still due for another appearance in NCIS moving forward. That said, the CBS series might no longer have any use for him after "Sticks & Stones."
Todd Sweeney's Reconciliation With Alden Parker Leaves Fornell Pushed Out Of His NCIS Role
Fornell Has Been Replaced
Alden Parker's MCRT handles a nerve-racking case in NCIS season 22, episode 4, as they attempt to stop the beginning of World War III. If that isn't tricky enough, Deputy Director Todd Sweeney FBI comes in to make it more difficult for them, reviving the agencies' long rivalry. Ever since Gibbs' chaotic exit from NCIS, the relationship between MCRT and Fornell's old agency has gotten worse because Parker decided to let Mark Harmon's character go. That said, that conflict is finally resolved when Sweeney and Parker finally bury the hatchet.
With that, the FBI now has a new face in NCIS with Sweeney, stepping into the role that Fornell held for years. If anything, The Deputy Director is poised to be more helpful to the MCRT, considering his higher position in the agency than Gibbs' long-time friend. That said, while NCIS may not have any use for Fornell, that doesn't mean that he can't return to the show. It's just that CBS will have to be more creative with the way they want to incorporate him back into the storytelling.
The Difference Between Fornell & Sweeney Will Have An Impact In NCIS' Storytelling
Fornell's Connection With NCIS Is Personal
Despite both being associated with the FBI in NCIS, there are some differences between Fornell and Sweeney. As previously mentioned, being a Deputy Director means that the latter holds a much higher rank than the former. Beyond that, they also differ in demeanor. While Sweeney has come off as tough, especially when dealing with Parker before, his conversation with Director Leon Vance and the subsequent talk with his former subordinate hint that he isn't as strong-willed as initially perceived. Fornell, on the other hand, is stubborn — even to a fault.
They also have a very different history with NCIS. While Sweeney is relatively new to establishing a rapport with MCRT, Fornell has a personal connection with the team, given his history with Gibbs. Granted that specific details about that are still murky at this time, it's safe to say that Fornell and Gibbs' bond is unbreakable. That was very helpful a couple of times in NCIS. The good news is that Sweeney has the time to establish the same rapport with Parker.
