NCIS is now down to three

Danielle Goold

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NCIS is now down to three

CBS announced on Jan. 5 that long-time cast member Michael Weatherly, who had been a part of the team for 13 years, would leave the popular television show “NCIS” after the current season finishes in April.

“DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn’t have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons,” Weatherly said over Twitter.

As news of Weatherly’s decision to leave “NCIS” swept across America, fans are faced with the heavy reality of only 3 original cast members left: Ducky, played by David McCallum, Abby, played by Pauley Perrette, and Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon. Do not worry, McGee is still part of the team, but he is not an original member.

Weatherly planned to leave for a while, and it is claimed that his departure has nothing to do with the DUI he had received four days prior to the announcement. According to CNN.com, he was sentenced to a three-month alcohol program with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

‘I had no idea he was leaving! What a sad day. I could barely manage with Ziva leaving; now I have to deal with this!” Rebecca Schwartz, history teacher, said.

A spokesperson for CBS announced Weatherly was a “valued part of the CBS family, and the immense talent and charm he brings to the screen as Very Special Agent Tony DiNozzo has helped make NCIS what it is today.”

“I will miss the amazing crew & cast, who are like family to me, & to the fans all over the world- THANK YOU, it’s been a fantastic ride!” Weatherly tweeted on Jan. 5.

“NCIS” is about Special Agent Gibbs and his team as they track down killers and solve crimes, all while blasting sarcastic comments at each other and receiving numerous slaps on the back of their heads by Gibbs. DiNozzo, Weatherly’s character, provided comic relief amid the seriousness of solving the murders of Navy personnel.

The show will still continue to air without the beloved DiNozzo after the current season. No one solves murders better than Gibbs and his team.