How Did Mark Harmon Return to 'NCIS' for 'Origins' Crossover After His Exit?

Mark Harmon‘s highly-anticipated return for the NCIS: Origins crossover episode came as a surprise for some viewers following his shocking exit.

During the Tuesday, November 11, double feature, Harmon, 74, reprised his role as Gibbs in the opening scene of the prequel, where a present-day version of the character reflected on his life while in a cabin with a dog.

“Three decades, it’s a hell of a long time. That’s how long I put in on the job. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about those early days,” he reflected. “Back when I was still cutting my teeth. Over the years, the outside changes but inside you still feel all the same thing.”

Gibbs continued: “A long time ago, I worked with a dog that had a first and a last name. He’s a good guy, just like you. I was lucky. I worked with a lot