Why Gary Cole Was the Right Choice to Replace Mark Harmon on NCIS

Why Gary Cole Was the Right Choice to Replace Mark Harmon on NCIS

As a fan of both Gary Cole and NCIS, I couldn’t be more thrilled about his new role as Alden Parker. The emotional depth he brings to the character is truly remarkable, especially given his rich acting background that spans over three decades. It’s clear that he has the talent and experience needed to fill Mark Harmon’s shoes effectively.


In October of 2024, when NCIS comes back for Season 22, agent Alden Parker (played by Gary Cole) will still be in charge of the Navy Criminal Investigative Service. After Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ emotional departure in 2021, his replacement by Parker has proven to be a shrewd move by the producers. Cole brings the necessary dramatic weight to fill Gibbs’ role, while also playing a character well-established within the series that helps preserve its narrative flow.

Even though Parker sometimes prefers solitude, his team members and coworkers admire and appreciate his leadership skills. This trait was essential for Cole in deciding to take over from Harmon, who has been the main character since NCIS debuted in 2003. While other characters could have filled Harmon’s shoes, Parker’s promotion within the NCIS hierarchy brings a fresh dynamism to the long-running TV series that promises to keep it going strongly.

Who Is Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS & Why Did He Depart?

Why Gary Cole Was the Right Choice to Replace Mark Harmon on NCIS

Initially appearing in the debut episode of NCIS, Mark Harmon portrayed Leroy Jethro Gibbs for an impressive 19 seasons and more than 430 episodes of this widely-watched police procedural. Gibbs heads up the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in the Washington D.C. region, tackling a wave of military, civilian, and terrorist crimes that threaten American soil. In the heat of action, Gibbs is an adept marksman capable of diffusing tense standoffs. Back at the office, he dislikes unnecessary red tape and strives for operational efficiency. Although he can come across as stern with his team members, his intentions are generally good, and a strong sense of morality drives both him and the group forward.

Even though Gibbs was compelled to resign as NCIS leader following a suspension due to him taking justice into his own hands against a dog killer, he didn’t retire. Instead, Gibbs relinquishes his position and heads to the wilderness of Alaska in search of tranquility and comfort. A sad family loss further influenced this decision to let go of his investigative responsibilities, allowing Agent Alden Parker (played by Gary Cole) to take over, who has been a significant character since 2021. In Alaska, Gibbs discovered a serene feeling he hadn’t felt for three decades, dating back to the passing of his wife and daughter. As a result, he chose to remain in Alaska rather than continue with his NCIS duties. Before departing, Gibbs recommended Parker assume his role, making Cole an excellent fit as Gibbs’ successor, a choice that has been evident since 2021.

Who Does Gary Cole Play on NCIS?

Why Gary Cole Was the Right Choice to Replace Mark Harmon on NCIS

In Season 19, Episode 2 titled “Nearly Departed,” Gary Cole has portrayed Agent Alden Parker on NCIS for three seasons and over 50 episodes so far. A former FBI Special Agent, Parker was brought onto the NCIS team from the Navy Yard and given the rank of Supervisory Special Agent. Due to his stronger moral compass which makes him a fitting successor to Gibbs, Parker resigned from the FBI following an incident where he accidentally shot and paralyzed his partner Jeremy Brighton (Michael Patrick Thronton). Riddled with guilt and remorse, Parker chose to leave the bureau and join NCIS. For a while, he may have concealed his FBI background, but when it comes time to act, Parker conducts himself appropriately.

Excellent leadership means taking responsibility for one’s actions. Contrasting with Gibbs, who fled his peers to seek refuge in Alaska amidst his legal issues, Parker courageously confronts his obligations. In Season 20, Episode 14, titled “Old Wounds,” Parker travels to Brighton and extends a sincere apology. Discussing this scene with TV Insider, Gary Cole explained:

“It’s as emotional a scene as I’ve done in quite a long time, and I was able to do that in a more effective way than maybe I ever had — just because of life experience and working as an actor. I wanted Parker to get the letter and read it back to his partner, almost in anger at first, and then discover the turn [to forgiveness] that the letter makes almost as if it just kind of overtook him and he didn’t expect it. That’s what we wound up doing. It brought some closure to whatever Parker had been holding on to over that.”

For a variety of reasons, Gary Cole is an excellent fit to take over from Mark Harmon on the NCIS team. This isn’t just due to his moral integrity and strong leadership skills, but also because he aligns perfectly with what the crew requires.

Why Alden Parker Is the Best Choice to Replace Gibbs on NCIS

Why Gary Cole Was the Right Choice to Replace Mark Harmon on NCIS

Beyond his exemplary ethical leadership traits and the emotional depth he adds to his character, the exceptional acting skills Gary Cole brings to the series is what truly makes him an outstanding choice as a replacement for Gibbs. Be it the dry wit he showcased as Bill Lumberg in Office Space, the sarcastic politician he portrayed in Veep, or the sinister drug dealer in Sam Raimi’s A Simple Plan, Gary Cole has the versatility to excel in various roles across multiple genres on both TV and film. It takes a seasoned and gifted actor of such caliber to fill the shoes of Harmon, another distinguished performer who portrayed Gibbs over 400 episodes.

Despite some initial difficulties with his colleagues, fans adored Cole as Parker from day one. His unique blend of strict professionalism with an eccentric love for disguises, bird-watching, unusual pastries, and gardening creates a character full of depth and intrigue, offering plenty of layers to explore in the future. When prompted about the team-building episode between him and his colleagues in Season 19, Episode 11 titled “All Hands,” Cole remarked:

In this situation, the stakes were clear-cut and high, as people’s lives hung in the balance. Given his position of leadership, it fell upon him to ensure their safety. Previously, the team may not have had complete faith or trust in him due to Gibbs’ long tenure, which they were accustomed to, and Parker being a newcomer not quite fitting that mold. However, in this particular episode, he is demonstrating his worth to the team.

As I sat down to write this review, eagerly anticipating Season 22 of NCIS, I was left on the edge of my seat as the gripping season finale unfolded. Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and Knight (Jessica Law) found themselves ensnared within the labyrinthine confines of an ancient Navy vessel by a shadowy antagonist, leaving us all hanging in suspense for what’s to come next.

One compelling reason Parker makes an excellent fit as Gibbs’ replacement is his enigmatic past, allowing for intriguing revelations throughout the series, as Cole puts it.

His early life is somewhat unclear, but there’s a strong possibility that he once deeply desired his father’s acknowledgment or affections. While he cherishes his father, their relationship isn’t always smooth sailing.

In terms of both on-screen performance and real-life compatibility, Gary Cole stands out as an ideal replacement for Mark Harmon to carry on the success of NCIS under Alden Parker’s leadership through 2024 and beyond.

NCIS is available to stream on Paramount+.

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2024-09-19 00:31