A Dramatic Return
The 24th season of NCIS kicked off with an explosive opening, following the intense cliffhanger from the season 23 finale. The episode centered on the aftermath of a shooting incident involving Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) and Timothy McGee’s (Sean Murray) son, Mateo. While the previous season concluded with the sound of gunfire, the premiere finally revealed who took the hit: none other than Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo.
The Decision Behind Tony's Comeback
Showrunner Steven D. Binder shared in an exclusive interview that bringing Michael Weatherly back to the franchise required a moment of high impact. After departing the series in 2016, Tony’s return needed to feel earned and significant.
Regarding the choice to have Mateo shoot Tony, Binder noted, «But Tony, that seems pretty fun. Especially the idea that McGee’s son shoots Tony. I mean, awkward.»
Leadership Changes and New Dynamics
Following the chaos, the NCIS team faced further turmoil under the leadership of the new Deputy Director, Gabriel LaRoche (Seamus Dever). LaRoche’s abrasive style led to McGee and Torres being benched, yet the team ultimately managed to solve the case, save the Secretary of the Navy’s daughter, and uncover the truth behind Mateo’s actions.
The episode concluded with a major twist: the Secretary of the Navy fired LaRoche and insisted that Tony step into the role of NCIS Deputy Director. Binder emphasized that despite Tony's history as a «goofball» or «playboy,» his character remains deeply professional. «He’s going to get in there. He’s going to do it differently. He’s going to do it the DiNozzo way,» Binder stated. «He’s unconventional for sure, but he’s going to be professional and he’s going to be effective.»
Shifting Relationships
The dynamic between Tony and McGee, once defined by Tony teasing the «probie,» has evolved significantly now that both men are parents and seasoned professionals. Binder hinted at this shifting balance, remarking, «McGee’s got more experience being the director than Tony has. McGee has been the interim director, so in some ways the tables are turned on these two. Who’s the probie now is the way to think about it.»
As the season progresses, viewers can expect Tony to maintain his trademark personality, complete with movie-reference-filled investigations, while navigating the responsibilities of his new leadership position.