The Harsh Reason Why Gibbs Doesn’t Lock His Door in NCIS

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Although Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a highly skilled investigator for the NCIS, possesses an impressive ability to apprehend criminals, he consistently neglects to secure his front door, allowing team members easy access even when he’s not at home. This seemingly uncharacteristic behavior has left fans puzzled, given his long career in law enforcement that has exposed him to some truly terrifying offenders. The question remains as to why a man who is well aware of the potential dangers of an unlocked door would not take precautions to secure it.

After all these years, it’s finally time for us fans to unravel that long-standing mystery regarding Gibbs’ habit of leaving doors unlocked. You know, the one he abandoned during Season 19 without a proper explanation? Well, now we have some closure! A dear castmate, Cote de Pablo (Agent Ziva David), has shed light on this question. It turns out that Gibbs’ careless door habit stems from the heart-wrenching fate of his first wife and daughter, Shannon and Kelly.

Cote de Pablo Says Gibbs Has Nothing Left to Lose

Last year, Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly, who portrays Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, initiated a podcast titled “Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch” where they revisit episodes and share their experiences from the show. During an episode with Sean Murray, who plays Tim McGee, the question about why Gibbs never locks his door was raised, and de Pablo finally offered fans an answer. In essence, Gibbs doesn’t bother locking his door because he has already lost everything in his life that truly mattered to him.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can relate to Gibbs’ profound sense of loss when Shannon and Kelly, the two pillars of his life, were tragically taken from him before their time. The void left by their absence made him question the true value of possessions – even his own self-worth. Consequently, his decision not to secure his home is a reflection of his past trauma. Having already experienced the unthinkable, every new face that crosses his threshold, whether friend or foe, holds little consequence in comparison. And if someone were to intrude, his years on the job have equipped him with the skills necessary for self-defense.

Does Cote de Pablo’s Reasoning Make Sense?

Cote de Pablo points out that Gibbs’ decision to stop locking his front door is both consistent with his character and somewhat puzzling. On one hand, given the murder of Shannon and Kelly, it makes sense that he might feel like he has nothing left to lose and consequently care less about safeguarding his home’s material possessions. However, leaving the door unlocked could still be seen as a risky move, particularly for someone who is known for following strict rules both in his professional and personal life. This action appears to contradict Gibbs’ usual caution, especially considering that we often see his team entering the house even when he’s not present. Leaving it unlocked might endanger their lives, seemingly going against his own safety guidelines.

Failing to secure his door seems to be an open invitation for misfortune – perhaps a desperate cry for the chaos he’s faced, given his past ordeals. Yet, I can’t help but question if this reckless behavior aligns with what Shannon and Kelly would wish for him. Trauma often skews our sense of security, making it feel unattainable even when it isn’t. Given Gibbs’ inability to protect his family during deployment, his negligence in this aspect appears understandable from an empathetic point of view.

In essence, Gibbs’ reluctance to lock doors due to his past tragedy aligns with his traumatic experiences but contradicts his personal rule book on living. Fans must decide if they accept this as part of his character’s history. Rule #51 in his life guide offers some flexibility that might explain this inconsistency: sometimes, our choices can be incorrect. So, while Gibbs’ past may have led him to stop locking doors, it doesn’t necessarily mean that was the best decision for him to make.

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2025-03-23 03:32