NCIS Season 19 Episode 5 Spoilers, Updates & Predictions: A New Boss, Love Interest, One Actor Leaving After Mark Harmon’s Exit?

NCIS Season 19 Episode 5 will surely be bittersweet. After all, this is the first episode in a long time where fans will no longer see Mark Harmon's character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

Harmon's exit could threaten the success of NCIS, and there are also predictions that the show could lose millions of viewers.

One of the ways to ensure that fans will stick around even without Harmon is by making sure that the upcoming storylines will be compelling.

Here's everything you need to know about NCIS Season 19 Episode 5 ahead of this week's airing.

What Is The Plot For NCIS Season 19 Episode 5?

NCIS Season 19 Episode 5, titled Face the Strangle, will feature a new case for the NCIS team.

Credit: NBC

"The NCIS team investigates the death of a Navy commander whose body suddenly explodes before Jimmy can examine it," the synopsis reads.

Even though the synopsis doesn't reveal how the members of the NCIS team will deal with Gibbs' departure, we can predict that this will play a crucial role in this week's episode.

Will Alden Park Work For Leon Vance In NCIS Season 19 Episode 5?

Credit: NBC

Alden Park (Gary Cole) was fired from his job in NCIS Season 19 Episode 4. But it seems he won't go without work for a very long time.

NBC dropped the first look from this week's episode, showing Park and Vance talking to each other.

It's easy to assume that the two male characters are talking about job opportunities. And it's only a matter of time before we can confirm our predictions.

Park could serve as a wonderful addition to the NCIS team, especially now that Gibbs is no longer around.

Will McGee Become The New Boss In NCIS Season 19 Episode 5?

Credit: NBC

Since Gibbs is no longer around, the NCIS team needs to find a new boss. Luckily, they don't need to look very far.

McGee (Sean Murray) has all the makings of a great leader. After all, he worked closely with Gibbs for years. And he also looked up to Gibbs as one of his mentors and inspirations.

Even though the writers have not explained what will happen to McGee after Gibbs' departure, we can predict that the former will take over the latter's job. And he will be great at it.

Will Torres, Jessica Fall In Love In NCIS Season 19 Episode 5?

Credit: NBC

Since the writers need to develop a compelling storyline for NCIS Season 19 now that Gibbs is no longer around, they can write a romance arc between two team members.

In the previous episode, audiences already caught a glimpse of Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) and Torres' (Wilmer Valderrama) chemistry. So, it wouldn't be a surprise if a love story between the two will be explored later in the season.

It is also important to note that both Torres and Jessica are single. However, Torres is still getting over Bishop (Emily Wickersham). So, once he has completely moved on from her, we predict he will start flirting with Jessica.

Will Linda Hunt Leave NCIS Season 19?

Credit: NBC

Linda Hunt's character, Hetty, has not been seen as much in NCIS Season 19. But this isn't something new.

In fact, throughout the past couple of years, Hetty has been in and out of the NCIS office. So, we cannot expect the character to suddenly be part of all the upcoming episodes from NCIS Season 19.

However, Hunt's lack of appearance in all episodes doesn't also mean that she will be leaving the series soon. It just wouldn't make sense for the creators of NCIS to lose two important veteran cast members back to back.

Will NCIS Season 20 Be Renewed After Mark Harmon's Exit?

Credit: NBC

Following Harmon's exit from NCIS Season 19, fans couldn't help but wonder if the series would be renewed for another season.

It is important to note that Harmon was ready to quit NCIS in Season 18, but he decided to continue appearing in the hit NBC TV series in Season 19 but in a limited capacity.

Since Harmon is also a producer on the show, this was seemingly his way of making sure that NCIS Season 19 will be renewed.

But now that he's entirely out of the picture, NCIS Season 19 may be the last for the long-running TV show.

However, it's still best to wait for NBC to make an official announcement regarding the fate of NCIS. So, loyal fans, keep your fingers crossed!

Check back for spoilers, updates, predictions, and more from NCIS Season 19 here at EpicStream!