NCIS Boss Explains Tony’s Return and New Director Role
TheWrap • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Michael Weatherly’s iconic character Tony DiNozzo returns in “NCIS” Season 24, Episode 1, playing a pivotal role as he is revealed to have been the one shot in a key standoff involving Torres and McGee’s son Mateo.
- Tony’s return is tied to his move back to the U.S. to open a satellite office for his Europe-based agency and to stay close to his daughter Tali, who is attending a boarding school near Boston.
- The season opener introduces a major leadership change with Tony becoming the new NCIS director, succeeding Leon Vance, after initially passing on the role but being officially appointed by the Secretary of the Navy.
- Tony’s leadership style is described as a shake-up from Vance’s, blending competence with a more relatable, team-oriented approach infused with his characteristic humor and movie references.
- Showrunner Steven D. Binder hints at new recurring characters joining the team and leaves open the possibility of Weatherly extending his role beyond the planned season-long arc, with potential appearances from Ziva and LaRoche in future episodes.
