Emily Wickersham Teases Gibbs-Bishop Reunion and Working with Mark Harmon Again in ‘NCIS: Origins’ Season 3

The expanding universe of CBS’s enduring military procedural franchise is delivering yet another major television event. Just a week after viewers witnessed the milestone screen reunion between Mark Harmon’s iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo—who has since taken on the role of NCIS Director—the prequel series NCIS: Origins is preparing for another high-profile character crossover. In the upcoming fourth episode of the show’s third season, titled "Shimmy Shimmy Ya," Emily Wickersham makes her highly anticipated return as Eleanor "Ellie" Bishop, stepping back into the franchise to assist Gibbs with a complex, present-day mystery after receiving a critical heads-up from Tony.

Ahead of the episode’s broadcast, Wickersham opened up about what it was like to step back onto a set with Harmon after a lengthy hiatus, offering fans insights into how the dynamic between Gibbs and Bishop has evolved since they last shared a scene together years ago.

Reflecting on the experience of reuniting with her longtime co-star, Wickersham described the transition as seamless. Speaking in a recent interview, she noted that slipping back into their familiar rhythm felt effortless, as though no time had passed at all since they last collaborated. Having spent numerous years working closely together on the flagship NCIS series, Wickersham explained that their easy back-and-forth communication instantly returned, bringing a strong sense of nostalgia to the production. She admitted that realizing approximately six years had passed since they last worked face-to-face felt somewhat surreal, given how instantly comfortable the environment remained.

While the personal chemistry between the actors picked up right where it left off, Wickersham highlighted notable changes in the relationship between their characters. During her tenure on the original series, Bishop’s character operated primarily as a junior agent, frequently looking up to Gibbs as a seasoned mentor, a senior authority figure, and a guiding force within the agency. However, Bishop’s subsequent departure from NCIS and the unconventional path she has walked since then have reshaped her worldview. According to Wickersham, those independent experiences and the entirely different life Bishop has led away from the agency mean that when she and Gibbs cross paths in the present day, they interact on a much more balanced, equitable professional playing field. While Bishop retains her deep-rooted respect for Gibbs and his legacy, her growth allows them to communicate as peers rather than strictly through the lens of mentor and mentee.

‘NCIS: Origins’ Season 3 Episode 4: "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" Preview

The upcoming episode bridges past and present timelines in trademark NCIS fashion. The official logline for "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" reveals that the narrative shifts back to 1993, where the investigative team must intervene after a general’s rebellious teenage son becomes the target of a dangerous former gang member. Simultaneously, in the present day, Harmon’s older Gibbs returns to a location brimming with memories, only to discover that he is not alone. The episode was written by Steven Paul Martinez and directed by Patrick Cady, setting the stage for emotional revelations alongside high-stakes casework.

Set in the early 1990s, NCIS: Origins chronicles the formative years of a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed by Austin Stowell, long before the events depicted in the original NCIS series. The prequel is anchored by the reflective narration of Mark Harmon, who reprises his role across the third season as part of an overarching, action-packed narrative arc. Throughout season three, Harmon’s older Gibbs appears in every episode, tied directly to a contemporary mystery rooted deeply in his early days stationed at Camp Pendleton.

The series features an ensemble cast bringing the pivotal early era of the agency to life. Mariel Molino stars as Special Agent Lala Dominguez, alongside Kyle Schmid as a younger Mike Franks, Tyla Abercrumbie as Mary Jo Hayes, Diany Rodriguez as Vera Strickland, and Caleb Foote as Bernard "Randy" Randolf. Furthermore, the third season welcomes back Adam Campbell, who continues to flesh out the history of the beloved medical examiner by reprising his role as a young Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard.

As NCIS: Origins continues to weave its multi-generational storytelling, the arrival of Ellie Bishop in "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" promises to offer long-time fans a compelling blend of past history and present-day consequence, further expanding the interconnected tapestry of the enduring television franchise.