In the series NCIS, numerous team members have casually entered Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ residence without hesitation. Regardless of whether he is present, Gibbs leaves his front door unlocked, a choice that has raised eyebrows repeatedly.
Given his extensive experience witnessing the darker sides of humanity during his law enforcement career, it’s clear that Gibbs is fully aware of the significant danger he invites into his life each night.
In NCIS Season 19, Gibbs departed without ever revealing the reason behind his decision to leave the door unlocked, a topic that never arose in conversations with other characters. Surprisingly, this question seemed to go unnoticed by everyone else in the series.
It took another cast member to shed light on this mystery. Cote de Pablo, a fan favorite whom many hope to see return as a guest star in NCIS Season 22, has finally provided insight into why Leroy Jethro Gibbs chooses not to lock his door. The answer is deeply emotional and connects back to his past with Shannon and Kelly.
Cote de Pablo Reveals Why Leroy Jethro Gibbs Not Secured His Front Door
After three years and the launch of an NCIS rewatch podcast, fans are finally uncovering the reasons behind Gibbs’ choice to leave his door unlocked. De Pablo and Michael Weatherly host their own podcast, Off Duty : An NCIS Rewatch, where they delve into episodes and reveal intriguing insights.
In a June 2024 episode featuring Sean Murray, the discussion turned to this topic, and Cote de Pablo clarified that Gibbs keeps his front door open because he has already lost everything he holds dear.
The possessions in his house are merely objects, and he feels indifferent about their potential theft. With Shannon and Kelly no longer present, Gibbs is free from the burden of ensuring their safety, allowing him to relax about securing his home with a robust security system.
Although there are many who might seek vengeance against him in NCIS, he has already faced the worst, and he is confident in his ability to defend himself if someone were to intrude.
For an extended period, NCIS revealed very little regarding the murders of Kelly and Shannon. Although we gained insight into the circumstances surrounding their deaths and the impact on Gibbs, the series refrained from depicting the actual murder on screen.
However, the prequel series NCIS : Origins altered this narrative, presenting the murder in a more poignant light as it unfolds in the present day. New revelations have emerged, shedding light on the challenges Gibbs faced in the aftermath and the lengthy journey he undertook to achieve the revenge he sought.
In NCIS : Origins, viewers witness Gibbs encountering the vehicle linked to the murder, and the series features a pivotal moment where he uncovers the truth while still on duty. As Harmon narrates the tale, Austin Stowell portrays Gibbs as he embarks on a quest to find the individual behind the murders.
This journey includes a dramatic scene where he removes the cast from his leg and intentionally travels to Mexico to seek vengeance. Gibbs (Mark Harmon) has long mourned the passing of his wife and daughter, but NCIS : Origins delves into the immediate aftermath of that grief.
The series captures the initial anguish, Gibbs’ struggle to find direction in life, his desire to erase painful memories, and his instinct to distance himself from those who wish to support him. Tragically, the one person who succeeded in aiding his healing journey later succumbed to cancer, compounding his sorrow.
This prequel presents a level of emotional intensity that was not explored in depth in NCIS, allowing viewers to truly experience the profound loss of Shannon and Kelly.
Leroy Jethro Gibbs Biography
Who Is Leroy Jethro Gibbs ?
Leroy Jethro Gibbs is a retired Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) with the NCIS Major Case Response Team, based at the Navy Yard in Washington D.C. Before his tenure at NCIS, he served as a Gunnery Sergeant and Scout Sniper in the United States Marine Corps.
| Leroy Jethro Gibbs | Biography |
| Date of Birth | 21 November 1954 |
| Age | 71 Years |
| Birthplace | Stillwater, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Father | Jackson Gibbs |
| Mother | Ann Gibbs |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Education | FLETC, SNCO Academy, MCB Quantico |
| School | Stillwater High School |
| Scout Sniper School | |
| Occupation | Supervisory Special Agent (NCIS) |
| Wife | Shannon Gibbs |
| Ex-Wives | Diane Sterling |
| Rebecca Chase | |
| Stephanie Flynn | |
| Daughter | Kelly Gibbs |