As a gamer who’s spent countless hours binge-watching NCIS over the past two decades, I can’t help but appreciate the subtle nuances and character development that made this show a classic. Michael Weatherly‘s insight into Tony DiNozzo’s movie references and his performance opposite Mark Harmon’s Gibbs is fascinating.
If you’ve followed NCIS during Michael Weatherly’s time as a main cast member (and if you haven’t, you can catch those episodes with a Paramount+ subscription), you might recall that his character Tony DiNozzo was known for making frequent movie references, which often provided comic relief. His love for films was a running joke, but when rewatching the very first episode of NCIS, you’ll spot that Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs slips in a reference reminiscent of Tony DiNozzo amidst a high-profile investigation.
Approximately twenty years following the initial broadcast, Weatherly has discussed his reasons for incorporating movie references into Tony’s character development and also shared why he opted to perform “contrary” to Harmon’s portrayal.
Why Michael Weatherly Thinks Tony Inherited The Movie References From Gibbs
In a recent episode of NCIS, the characters Gibbs, Tony, and Dr. Mallard were involved in an investigation on Air Force One, working alongside Secret Service agent Cailtin Todd to solve the murder of a Navy commander who carried the nuclear football. When they entered the President’s plane, Gibbs made a nod to Harrison Ford’s role in the 1997 film “Air Force One.” Any true movie enthusiast would appreciate such a reference.
The premiere episode of the well-known CBS series was brought up on “Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch” as hosts Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo (who played Ziva David) conversed with Sean Murray. Murray, set to break a notable record in Season 22 due to his ongoing portrayal of Timothy McGee, was the focus. Here’s what Weatherly mentioned about the character transitions regarding movie references:
In the initial episode, Harmon initially made movie references. However, this soon transitioned with DiNozzo taking over due to Mark possibly being uncomfortable with light-hearted humor given Gibbs’ serious demeanor [gestures straight hand motion]. This shift allowed us to glimpse more of Mark’s genuine character, showcasing his strength, sincerity, and single-minded focus, rather than portraying him as a frivolous individual. Mark, in my opinion, is not a person who indulges in silliness.
It’s quite plausible and insightful you’ve pointed out that Gibbs, throughout the series up until Mark Harmon’s departure in Season 19, didn’t often use humor or lighten moments with jokes. Instead, this seems to mirror Harmon’s true-to-life personality. In turn, the writers opted for Tony DiNozzo to provide the film references instead.
As a gamer, I’ve got to say, Gibbs is a bit behind the times when it comes to pop culture and tech. He’s still clinging to those old-school flip phones while the rest of us have moved on to smartphones. And if you ever catch him watching TV, it’ll likely be some classic black-and-white Western or war flick. So it’s no surprise that he doesn’t toss around movie references in casual chat like most folks do.
How Michael Weatherly Did The Opposite Of Mark Harmon When Filming Scenes
Towards the end of the podcast episode, Michael Weatherly talked about how as Tony DiNozzo evolved beyond the initial 10-page email he wrote following his debut on JAG, he chose to act differently when working with Mark Harmon’s character, Gibbs. He stated that he opted for a contrasting method in their performances.
Regardless of Mark’s actions, my response would be the exact opposite. This means I’d observe him in a blocking role. If he puts on a jacket, I’d remove mine. If he leans forward, I’d lean back. Essentially, whatever he does, I’d do the reverse.
This creative choice paid off big time and was a key component in the comedic dynamic Tony had with Gibbs. That all came to an end when Michael Weatherly departed NCIS at the end of Season 13, but he did make a surprise appearance in Season 21’s “The Stories We Leave Behind,” I.e. the Ducky tribute episode. Now he and Cote de Pablo are in the midst of filming their Paramount+-exclusive spinoff, NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
As a die-hard NCIS fan, I can hardly contain my excitement as I gaze towards the upcoming months! CBS has announced that Season 22 of my beloved series and the highly anticipated Gibbs-centric prequel, NCIS: Origins, will both debut on October 14, 2024. The return of NCIS: Sydney for a second season also fills me with anticipation, although I’m still waiting to hear when it will air, much like the eagerly awaited NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
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2024-08-19 17:07