Michael Weatherly Responds To DiNozzo’s NCIS Season 21 Return With a Picture

“NCIS” recently aired one of its most poignant episodes, “The Stories We Leave Behind,” paying tribute to the beloved character Ducky following the real-life passing of David McCallum, who portrayed him. The episode, steeped in emotion, also marked the absence of Mark Harmon’s Agent Gibbs, leaving fans longing for a reunion to honor the character’s legacy.

Amid the heartfelt farewells, the episode delivered a surprise that thrilled fans: the return of Michael Weatherly as Tony DiNozzo. Weatherly, who departed the show at the end of Season 13, expressed his joy at returning to the “NCIS” fold. His excitement was palpable in a post shared on X (previously Twitter), featuring a photo with “NCIS: Los Angeles” star and director Daniela Ruah. DiNozzo’s return, especially since he was part of the original cast from the very first episode, added a layer of nostalgia and comfort as he consoled Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen), who discovered Ducky’s body and felt the loss deeply.

Weatherly’s appearance not only brought some solace to fans during a tough episode but also sparked speculation about further reunions, particularly with Cote de Pablo’s Ziva David. The chemistry between Tony and Ziva, who were a couple on the show, left a lasting impression on fans. A hint from a fan under Weatherly’s post suggested anticipation for more shared screen time between the characters, to which Weatherly teased, “The universe works in mysterious ways …”

The backstory of Tony and Ziva adds layers of complexity and emotion to their characters, especially with the revelation of their daughter, which led Tony to leave NCIS to focus on fatherhood. Although Ziva was thought to be deceased, her return in later seasons and eventual reunion with Tony offered closure to their story.

Weatherly’s cameo in Season 21 was more than a mere guest appearance; it was a reminder of the deep connections and evolving stories within the “NCIS” universe. While he focused on the immediate storyline, his presence evoked memories and hopes for future narratives involving him and Ziva. Fans are left with the comforting thought that Tony DiNozzo is still out there, ever loyal to his former team.