If Gibbs ever wanted to leave then I believe that would be the end of the series. He’s the leader and its his team. There would be no show without him. Even if they tried to do it without him I do not believe it would last.

Interesting theory. I am still hoping that GG’s big shocking moment will be a dud and no more of our favorites will get killed off.

While I agree that it’s doubtful that MW will be the one leaving, I also doubt very seriously that SM has the authority to confirm such show details. BTW, it is McGee and Dornie who go overseas where the bomb blast occurs. An gee, apparently some networks ignore contracts in favor of a good story- see the death of Dr. McDreamy who signed a two- year contract extension last year. I don’t watch that show, so I am not affected either way. Just saying contracts are for the network probably and not for the show? Don’t forget MW is trying to build his production company. I think it would be perfectly plausible to Tony to leave since MW still has a meaty contract with lots of options. Sean Murray? Not so sure about him. His death would certainly be more shocking than Dornie’s. Maybe that’s why he’s been showcased so much this season, a last hurrah.

Well, the point is it would be the last case and last season.
Knowing that, the majority of fans would stay to see the case wrap up, plus many of those that left would return to see who killed Gibbs, how he died, and why.
Plus as it is the final season, fans would watch to see what closure is given to those characters they connected with.

I think you might have come up with the scenario that would stop me watching, because too much of what I love about the show would be gone, leaving too much of what I don’t like about it.

EW has said she would be working on the show for Season 13 but I just don’t know if it will be as a series regular or not. That hasn’t been confirmed yet. I have a big feeling Mark Harmon will sign and that Season 13 will be renewed. I’m just wondering what the hold up is. We should of known two months ago typically and it’s cutting it close. I know there’s still time, I’m just curious about the details of next season. They might be thinking it will take away from the apparent big cliff hanger finale we are supposed to get getting but it’s just not something they usually make us wait for. That’s all I’m saying. Plus, they might still be working out certain contracts or possible other details for next season. I’m just getting curious like many others are at this point. ;)

Ok…I can take back the nasty and agree with you that the fans can be overzealous. I am a Ziva/Cote fan but I tend to stay cool and neutral with everyone. Again, maybe I judged you too quick. The demo ratings are plummeting with every passing episode but we can always disagree on the reasons for it and I never meant to imply that it’s just because Ziva isn’t on the show anymore. To me, the Israeli storylines were always interesting because they were a tricky bunch of people but loved that about them. “The Dovekeepers” was not everyone’s cup of tea and lots of people were disappointed in the sex and violence in it. That was a lot like the ways things were during that time, though. I just loved Cote de Pablo’s passion in it. I’ve always loved her passion even if this wasn’t what people were expecting.