'NCIS' delivers without hype

For a show that regularly finishes in the Nielsen Media Research top 10 - and which last fall got as high as No. 2 in the ratings -- “NCIS” sure doesn’t get a lot of hype. And don’t think the cast and creator of the CBS show haven’t noticed.

“We always talk about this,” says Cote de Pablo, who joined the cast as Israeli ex-Mossad agent Ziva David last fall. Like the other cast members, she often drives by big billboards on Sunset Boulevard advertising other top network shows. “We’ve never had a poster like that, yet we’re still in the top 10. It’s crazy.”

Still, as she notes, the show has done just fine without a huge amount of attention from either CBS’ promotions department or the media. She says she imagines the network must be thinking, “'It’s doing so well, why bother?’.”

Don Bellisario, who created “NCIS,” puts it more bluntly. “You feed the big dog,” he says of the massive pushes one sees for shows created by Jerry Bruckheimer, who has several series on CBS. “They’re busy promoting their Bruckheimer shows, their 'Survivor,’ they let us go by the wayside. We just keep delivering, we don’t even discuss it with them anymore.”

If Bellisario isn’t happy about the situation, he sounds resigned to it.
“My shows have a tendency not to get attention from the media,” he says. “I don’t understand it - they certainly get attention from the media in other countries. I don’t know what it is. I did `JAG’ for 10 years … and the fact is that `JAG’ was a military show and that doesn’t hold much interest for the media. The media felt `NCIS’ was an extension of `JAG,’ which it’s not, but the network promoted it like a `JAG’ spinoff.”

Bellisario also isn’t crazy about the perception that “NCIS,” which follows agents investigating crimes with connections to the military, is just another procedural.

“I’ve created a lot of humor between the characters and a lot of character development,” Bellisario says. “What I feel frustrated about is not the media but that a younger audience in this country doesn’t watch it. In other countries, the biggest audience we have is the 18-35 year old category.”

“There are some shows where the leads have to be the hero every week. [Star] Mark [Harmon, who plays lead agent Jethro Gibbs] always says, `Let someone else be the hero,’.” Bellisario says. (That actually happens in Tuesday’s episode, when Gibbs is taken hostage by a high school student and DiNozzo must take the lead in the effort to free him.)

What seemed to give the ratings for “NCIS” an even bigger pop last fall was the arrival of Lauren Holly as Gibbs’ ex-flame and new boss, and also of de Pablo’s character, David. The by-the-book David and the impulsive Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) had sparks from the start.

“When the Kate [Todd] character was killed [at the end of last season], I didn’t want to bring in the same character I had in Kate, someone who was very Puritan, uptight and treated Tony like a big brother,” Bellisario noted. “I wanted to bring in a character that causes Tony to have to sit back and not quite be able to handle her. And I wanted someone who was more international.” Graf can trim

Will David and DiNozzo, whose love-hate banter gives the show extra zip, ever get together? Bellisario says he doesn’t think “that would be a good idea. I kind of like what’s going on now.”

The woman who plays David agrees.

“I would think if the characters get together, the whole mystery would be done,” de Pablo says. “I think it will be a lot more fun to play the tension.”

A few more tidbits from Don Bellisario: Bellisario reports that both “JAG” and “NCIS” will be out on DVD soon, and also, he says “at the end of this season, somebody from the main cast is leaving `NCIS.’ It’s going to be a good year-ender and a good beginning for next year’s story.”

On Tuesday’s “NCIS,” Bellisario says, “Gibbs gets in a classroom with a kid [and is taken hostage], and Michael Weatherly’s character has to take over the operation outside.” [Filming this episode involved a lot of long days for Mark Harmon] “Everybody else [in the regular cast] has the day off, it’s just Mark working all day.”

Other episodes coming up: “There’s going to be an episode this season, I’m hoping, where Pauley Perrette’s character, Abby, has to go into protective custody, someone is trying to stalk and kill her.”

“The season-ender which I’m writing and directing, is going to be very different episode. We’re going to learn more about Gibbs and learn more about what I hinted at when I brought Cote on. [We’ll learn more] about his first wife, he had a wife and daughter, both were murdered. I’m going to reveal more of that story which nobody in `NCIS’ knows, none of the people who work with him except for Ziva. She’s really the only one, we reveal that only she knew about it.”

On the doing audio commentary for the “JAG” and “NCIS” DVDs: “Just yesterday I went through a three-hour ordeal, I had to sit down and do a running commentary for the DVD of the `JAG’ pilot, and then I had to do a running commentary of the `NCIS’ pilot. I haven’t seen the `JAG’ pilot in a decade. To go back to something you wrote and directed and talk about it for two hours… at the end of the `JAG’ pilot I just said, `Well, I’m sorry if I bored you.’” [laughs]

Comments

[ginny]

I think it's a testimony to the ability of American viewers to find the good stuff without somebody taking their hand and leading them to it, while pointing out the breadcrumbs and candy scattered along the way.

It's funny, we used to watch JAG constantly, even the syndicated reruns ("the JAG channel"). Then we became disenchanted. By the time the episode that introduced Gibbs came along, I wasn't bothering to watch the first-run episodes.

But we both really like NCIS, because it dares to be slightly loopy (Tony), nerdy (McGee), and interestingly scary (Abs). The characterization, I think, is much better than JAG. Not sure if it's the different cast, or the different chemistry of same.

Also, the show is brave enough to kill off a major character totally unexpectedly, and bring in a replacement that shakes everything up. Talk about a stakes-raiser.

[Lillian]

Maureen! I'm so glad you did an article on NCIS. I know you think there are too many crime shows on TV, but really, NCIS isn't your typical crime show. I love the character development and I'm happy to see that they're going to address the "wife and daughter" issue they raised in the second episode, and have alluded to a few times in subsequent episodes.

The thing that makes this program especially appealing to me is the wonderful chemistry between the characters. The interaction is fun to watch. Even if I think a plot is a bit lame, I'm rarely disappointed in the team dynamics.

I first started watching the show for Mark Harmon, discovered the 'wonder' that is Michael Weatherly and have stayed for the entire talented ensemble cast. This is the first show I've watched where I love all the characters!

[kirsten tapp]

NCIS is the one show my whole family enjoys. I watch it for Michael Weatherly. My brother and sister in law watch it for Shaun Murray and Mark Harman respectively. But the whole family (Dad included) watch it for Pauley Perrette. So, needless to say, we're all hoping that it's not one of these great actors that will be leaving at the end of the season.

[Jatona P Walker]

Hello!

What about Dr. Donald 'Ducky' Mallard!!??

As a long time admirer of actor David McCallum -
especially for his role as Illya Kuryakin in
'The Man From UNCLE' - I would love to see more
about him.

Speaking of 'Illya Kuryakin' - it was a great
inside joke in 'Meat Puzzle' when Kate asked Gibbs who "Ducky' looked like as a young man; to
which Gibbs replied "Illya Kuryakin". Thanks for that from this 'Illya' fan.

More expansion of his character?

More backstory, perhaps?

[Courtney]

I love NCIS. It's a high-quality show that hits its mark time and again.

The one complaint I have is the new development of Gibbs' first wife. Since the beginning, it was a running joke that Gibbs is a thrice married, thrice divorced guy who does not get along with any of his exes. I mean, in "The Bone Yard", when a mobster threatens to kill Gibbs' father, brothers and uncles, Gibbs tells him he has no brothers or uncles, and his dad passed a long time ago, but he has the name and addresses of 3 ex-wives. Now all of a sudden, they backtrack and say, "Oh wait, no, Gibbs' first marriage didn't end in divorce, but in death. And he had a daughter, too." It's too unbelievable to say that Gibbs would play along with the whole "3 evil ex-wives" bit so people wouldn't know the real story.

You can't push two seasons of jokes into a plot hole and expect people to not notice.

[Ellen]

Yes - more Ducky! The episode with his mother was hilarious. I agree with Bellisario's comments about the character development. That's what makes NCIS different. The mood can switch from goofy to dark quickly and expertly. I've also noticed the direction on this show - always quite exceptional.

[Batwoman]

I really, really REALLY hope Ducky isn't the one that's leaving at the end of this season. He's the reason I tuned into JAG in the first place, being a Man from U.N.C.L.E. fan. He's the reason I came back in fall when NCIS got its own timeslot and the main reason I've been coming back.

[Anita van Schalkwijk]

The reason why I started to watch NCIS was because of Mark Harmon, but I've also grown fond of David McCallum at the moment. I really hope it's not Ducky or Gibbs leaving at the end of this season.

I'm so glad that a Dutch TV channel actually bought more than 13 episodes of NCIS so I can see it on a regular basis. Just the saddest thing is that we're 3 seasons behind!

[Melodi Rayl]

I've been a longtime admirer of David McCallum and it's SUCH great fun to see him in this wonderful show! The whole cast is top-notch! We LOVE the way the characters work together and react to each other. Personally, I'd love to see more of both Abby and Ducky...

[TG]

Nice to see someone in the media even noticing NCIS--don't need more articles about "Lost," "Desperate Housewives" and "American Idol." While I'm not a big fan of the Tony character he has been somewhat more tolerable playing off of Zita David. BUT! Abby and Ducky are the ones that rock--they are the most intelligent, intriguing and quirky characters on TV. Wish they were featured more (and together) on the show and wish you had mentioned them--they make the show different.

[Jude]

I was lured to NCIS by David McCallum and absolutely love Ducky. I'd love to see more screen time for Ducky and the chance for his character to be developed: more interaction between Ducky/Abby, Ducky/Gibbs and Ducky/Palmer. Great show and I love the music too.

[Dejla]

I could do with a lot less American Idol and a lot more shows like NCIS. It's a crime show, yes, but a crime show with a difference, and the actors form a terrific ensemble, to the point where you feel as if any one of them would be irreplaceable.

It's intelligent tv, and that's a pleasant change.

[paulaH]

I started watching NCIS because of David McCallum, but I keep watching it because it is a witty, entertaining hour of television. It is almost the only thing I watch on TV and certainly the only one I try hard to catch every week. My daughter also likes the show so we watch it together.

[Sue]

My favorite show. Love the characters: Gibbs, Abbie, Tony, Ziva, Ducky, and Palmer. Notice I left out the new director. I sincerely hope she's the one who is leaving.

[Karen Gallagher]

I think the entire cast of NCIS is great but the main reason I tune in every week is to watch David McCallum's character "Ducky". Mr. McCallum has long been an underated actor and it is really great to finally see him again in a weekly show. I would just like to see him have more scenes.

[Beth]

Another David McCallum and Pauley Perrette fan here - they're the two reasons I started watching NCIS! I really hope they'll be staying on because they do such a wonderful job as Ducky and Abby, respectively.

[BW]

I love Abby. She's refreshing and funny and so well acted by Pauley Perette, and I hope she's not the one to go. I love Ducky's long rambling stories, and David McCallum is a gem. I love Palmer's dorkiness, I love McGee's dorkiness and insecurity, I love Mark Harmon's storm-beneath-the-calm demeanour and Gibbs's tough leadership. Above all, however, I love Michael Weatherly! He's got great comedic timing, has an incredible range and is able to make Tony into a multi-faceted character instead of just a caricature. (Oh, and did I mention he's extremely easy on the eyes?) I'm ambivalent towards the director, I neither love her nor hate her. She's just sort of ... there.

But the one character I really hope leaves is that of Ziva David. I cannot STAND her, and cringe every time the show exploits her forced and contrived "chemistry" with Tony. Belissario created a female lead here who is too perfect -- she's a SuperAgent who is just too good at everything she does, and has a cutesy or cutting remark for everything. The character is over-acted and annoying and emasculating. A poor replacement for Caitlin Todd/Sasha Alexander!

[Wendy]

Gibbs - compelling top naval agent Marine
Ducky - compelling top M.E. Quincy would idolize
Tony - humanly brilliant
Probie - geekily brilliant
Ziva - foreign bridge
Abby - dark brilliance on caffeine
Palmer - our rep in the room, like Wes on the Enterprise bridge
Jenny - underdeveloped but working on it

Love them all. This show has spunk! I'm tired of people leaving (dying). I hope whoever is leaving next gets to live. We need a characters' right-to-life movement!

[Becca]

I began watching this show because of Mark Harmon. I would probably stop watching it if he left. I can't wait to hear about Gibbs' past and daughter.

I would also be really upset if Ducky, Abby, or Tony left the show. They were part of the original group and the show wouldn't be the same without joking, lovable Tony or if there was a new forensic specialist or ME.

McGee is a great character, however I wouldn't be as broken hearted if he left as apposed to the previous characters. Ziva has grown on me, but she could also leave and I wouldn't be too upset.

If Madame Director left I think I might jump for joy. I don't think people are supposed to like her character and consider me just part of human nature. I hope that she will be the one to go.

I love the show and I'm really exceted for the drama this season-ender will bring!

[Patricia]

I have loved NCIS right from the beginning. It is my favourite show bar none! When I heard last season that someone was leaving I was really dreading it and was surprised when it was Caitlyn. This year all I can say that I certainly hope it is the director. I think the part is too ambiguous. The Director never got into Gibbs face so much before. I also don't care for all of the past references to their past. Get rid of Lauren but make sure you keep the smiling Mark Harmon. If someone else has to go bring back Gerald and get rid of Palmer. But leave everyone else alone. Do not touch.

[Joanne]

Great article.

I am a fan of David McCallum. Ducky is the wise sage of the show. What would Gibbs do without him,it would be like cutting off Gibbs right arm if he left. Mr. McCallum is also as someone pointed out a seriously Underrated Actor. I do thank Mr. Bellasario for remembering the elder members of the acting community as he has in the past by making him a regular. I do hope we will see more Ducky centered shows maybe a little more of Ducky's past. To be perfectly honest I believe if he left I would stop watching.

As to the rest of the characters. I think they need to leave well enough alone. I love Ziva, Abby, McGee, the director is growing on me, and hey lets face it NCIS would be nowhere without it's fearless leader Gibbs. As for Tony it was nice to see him play a grownup for a change on the most recent episode, but having worked with his type I can do without him.

I am curious as to why Ducky's assistant Gerald has not returned.

I started watching NCIS for David McCallum, and he's still my favorite part. I'm happy to see Ducky showing up outside autopsy more and more instead of leaving him out of episodes without a body. If one of the characters has to go, please let it be the director. The writers haven't seemed to figure the character out, and she takes up screentime that could go to a character we like!

[JT]

How refreshing to see NCIS recognized amidst all of the "splashier" shows that receive all of the network attention. Mark Harmon has delighted me since 'St. Elsewhere', and Pauley Perrette is a newfound treat for me. As for David McCallum: what a treasure he has always been -- I adore watching him each week and only wish he had more scenes in which to display his enduring talent and charm. I, sadly, agree with others' view that Madam Director should be the one to leave the show. I've really liked Lauren Holly in previous roles, so I'm assuming that it's the creator's/writers' fault that her character is such a failure.

[Jatona P Walker]

HURRAH!

I am so pleased to see all the posts about David
McCallum - aka: Dr. Donald 'Ducky' Mallard that came after mine!

I, too, hope that he is not the only who is leaving!

[Mandy]

I was a little hysterical when I read that someone was leaving the show. I really hope it isn't Tony, Ducky, Gibbs, or Abby. They're my favorite characters. I think we could do without the Director.

[Brigitte]

NCIS is a great show with a wonderful cast of characters, I don't want to see any of them leave at the end of this season. Who could ever replace "Ducky" played by television icon, David McCallum? The show was lucky to get him.

[Duckyfan]

I love Ducky...David McCallum is a treasure..He has such a sweet and charming but quirky way about him...Have loved his work for years...I sincerely hopt its not Ducky that leaves at the end of the season...We would miss him terribly..

[ED]

BRAVO! GREAT SHOW! MY WIFE IS A NURSE AND RUSHES HOME TO SEE NCIS DEPITE A GRULLING 14 HR. DAY. ALL THE CAST ARE SUPERB.

[junko]

I, too, start watching the show because of David McCallum, 'Ducky.' Although I found all the other characters also very attractive (including Palmer and especially Abby). I would be hugely disappointed if David leaves. Honestly, I think I would probably stop watching the show, because it would hurt to watch the show without him in it.

Please stop him even in case he wants to leave, offering less working hours, a huge pay raise, promotion, etc.

[grace]

I love this show so much...and the main reason is this characters. I will hate to see any of them leave, but I'm most concerned about Sean Murray. He doesn't get enough respect! I love his character, and his interaction with Abby (I'm not too concerned about the possibility of her leaving...she's just too popular, the ratings would plunge if she left)I have to admit, a lot of the time Michael Weatherly's character gets on my nerves, so I guess I wouldn't mind him (or even Ziva) leaving, but i just don't think anyone will be happy with any of the main characters leaving...grr!

[tim]

Bump off the director. Next year the director's face isn't seen or voice heard.Glorified cameos if at all. Next season instead of bumping someone off from the core of the group, in the cliffhanger reveal who the director is. For fun cast the role with someone from one of Harmon's past TV efforts or from one of the other cop stories(either movies or tv). Then bump them off with the solution of the crime carried over to the following year. They could do this every couple of years if need be.

[anonymous]

Well, if you've watched the season finale tonight, you know who leaves... Mark Harmon! I hope this isn't permanent, not sure if the show could survive without him...

[Lel]

I can NOT believe this!! Surely they are NOT firing Mark Harmon? Did HE want to leave the show? What are they thinking!??!?!?!??!

Please, someone talk to me! *sob*

[Dpty DeBord]

i saw something that said Bellisario stated that Gibb's injurys will carrie over in to next season..... and the new doc will return and seek a little some'in some'in from the director

[Argentum]

Today is a sad day for NCIS - No Gibbs in future, would probably mean the end of NCIS certainly in the ranks of my family. WE WANT GIBBS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rachel]

I CANNOT believe it either--Mark Harmon makes the whole show.. I love the other characters too, but he's one of the reasons I watch it every week... I don't think the show will do as well without him.. It's a shame, hopefully this is just one of those "soap opera type things" and he comes back after the writers try to make us crazy!..BRING BACK MARK HARMON!!!!!!!!!!!

[kat]

Mark Harmon is the main reason this show has become the big success that it is. I hope that he isn't really leaving. I don't mean to take anything away from the other cast members because I like them also. I hope this is just a ploy of some sort.

[Kevin]

My wife and I have been watching NCIS since the first episode aired as a part on JAG. We've grown very attached to the show, the cast and their relationships are superb and the story lines keep us coming back for more every week. I was disappointed when Kate Todd was killed off but have grown very attached to the likeable Ziva David character. This years last episode has left me a little disappointed once again, with the exiting of the main character, Mark Harmon. Hopefully you crazy guys at CBS are just pulling my leg. I couldn't imagine who you could find to replace Mr. Harmon.

[snoop]

Gibbs is gone? Say it ain't so! Let's hope it's only temporary.

As someone who works in the TV News industry, I try not to watch much TV away from work. The exception is NCIS. I don't miss an episode. It is "Must See TV" for me.

I love the show. Being a nerd, I relate to Probie, Tony's frat boy antics and his interaction with Ms. David is priceless. I also love Ducky and Abs. The glue that holds them together seems to be Gibbs.

It still amazes me the network doesn't put more of a push behind the show. But perhaps that's part of the charm.

[Sally]

I'm with you, Lel, and still reeling from the plot twist of Mark Harmon's Gibbs walking off into the Mexican sunset! There must be some logical explanation: perhaps he will return occasionally as a consultant for the team. Who knows? I do know they're going to have a hard time replacing him.

[anonymous]

i've been trying to find information online, but i haven't found any news confirming that he's leaving the show; i'm hoping it's just a season finale setup and he'll be back next season

[April]

Kevin -> My husband and I are just like you and your wife. We've been watching since the first episode on JAG and we LOVE it. I'd thought that if Kate left, I'd stop watching, but I peeked at the first one of the season and it intrigued me, so I kept on, and I like Ziva. I'm not sure if I like her as much as Kate, but I do like her character.

I plan to watch the first episode of next year's season, but seriously... if Gibbs is gone for good, I'm done. Ironically, the reason I began watching the show was because Michael Weatherly is in it, and I LOVED "Dark Angel". The irony is that if his character left, I'd probably still watch, just like with the Kate thing.

But Gibbs is another story altogether. He makes the show. I think they're just pulling our legs. If they aren't, well... they've lost me as a viewer. :(

[Morwen]

Michael Weatherly rocks! Love him for a long time.Here in China he and NCIS also has many fans.
I hate to see such a finale at the end of the 3rd season, and I really hope Gibbs will come back. Only in this way NCIS would be "our" NCIS.

[Sandra Workman]

If Mark Harmon is gone from NCIS, then I'm gone. Not only am I gone, I am TOTALLY fed up with the CBS producers who are complete IDIOTS. They killed off Marisol from CSI:Miami, which already got my blood boiling, then getting rid of Gibbs????? He makes that show! I have vowed not to watch any CBS shows in the future because of this - that's how angry I am. There is so much dreck on TV anymore. NCIS was my only "must-see" TV show. Guess I'll be spending more time at the library.

[Ryder]

I hope Gibbs leaving is some kinda plot twist. I can't say i won't watch the 4th season, but you've just gotta admit, Gibbs MADE the show.

I'm thinking its a effect of the amnesia. IIRC Gibbs calls Tony "McGee" when he first enters the NCIS office. So while he has most of his memories back, he is still a different person because not all his memories are back. He will probally come to his senses while in Mexico.

[Patty]

Since there isn't any announcement like last year when Kate was killed, I am really hoping that it's a plot device. There wouldn't be NCIS without Mark Harmon

[Nancy]

I love NCIS but haven't enjoyed it as much this past season since Kate and the old director have been replaced. I really can't stand Ziva or the new director. Ziva's language mixups is wearing a little thin now and no longer funny and the romantic connection between Gibbs and new director lady makes me cringe. The old mysterious x-files type director was the best. And Tony worked way better with Kate. I used to laugh myself silly over those two but since Ziva showed up I don't laugh much anymore. Her super interrogation techniques are a joke. Give me a break....get the show back to the reality it was last year. Gibbs, Abby, Ducky, Tony, Magee, and Palmer are perfect. Lose Ziva and madame director. If Gibbs is gone for good, the show won't be far behind.

[Don Spidell]

Remember that the show's finale episode was called "Hiatus". I hope that means that Gibbs is just on a hiatus...

[J.Kraly]

I am really ticked, NO more Gibbs?

Come on, maybe we can hope for "Tony coming out of the shower." But then again, we can't have a Dallas ending...

[Debbie]

Mark Harmon, who plays Gibbs, if he don't come back our family will stop watching this show he is why we do watch it with out him the show won't last long the other cast are good and we love to see them all together but take away Gibbs and it isn't the same no one can take his place.