NCIS season 16 episode 16 return date: Robert Wagner’s return; Jimmy’s story

NCIS season 16 episode 16 is entitled “Bears and Cubs,” and we think that there are probably two selling points with this episode from the get-go. For starters, it’s a chance to see Jimmy Palmer at the center of the story in a way we haven’t seen for most of the season. Beyond that, it’s also a chance to get Robert Wagner back on the show as Tony DiNozzo Senior! Depending on what characters and stories you like here, there’s almost sure to be something that suits your fancy.

Before we go any deeper, though, sharing the NCIS season 16 episode 16 synopsis seems to be a nice starting-off point:

“Bears and Cubs” – Jimmy is torn between family and work after his father-in-law, Ed (Larry Miller), asks him to tamper with evidence from NCIS’ current murder investigation. Also, Ed’s poker buddy, Anthony DiNozzo, Sr. (Robert Wagner), offers to help with the case, on NCIS Tuesday, March 12 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

FYI: CBS’ press site has this episode airing on March 5, but the promo listed it as airing two weeks from tonight. We have updated the date in this piece according to March 12, the correct date.

We remember back when Wagner’s return was first revealed; this was back before the events of “She,” which strongly suggested (if not closely confirmed) that Ziva David is still alive. That’s a huge deal! It’s basically putting us at a point now where you can’t think of a character close to Tony without, in turn, thinking of Ziva. Senior probably keeps tabs on his son more than anyone; as we theorize in the video at the bottom of this article (be sure to subscribe to CarterMatt on YouTube and check out our playlist to get more like it!), Tony probably doesn’t know that the love of his life is still out there. Is it possible that she found him, told them, and the two are both keeping the secret? Sure, but that feels a little more convoluted than the ulterior explanation: Ziva’s in the wind, a ghost to everyone other than now Ellie Bishop.

We know that Bishop’s had no problem keeping Ziva’s secret from the rest of the team, but from Tony’s dad? Maybe that’s a different story, and it’s certainly something to think about … even if it’s not consciously mentioned in this episode, which it may not be.

Odds are, NCIS is going to keep the focus more on Jimmy, Ed, and Senior and that’s okay. Brian Dietzen is fantastic! He always does a great job when he gets a spotlight episode, and it really doesn’t happen all that often. This one allows us to get a rare window into his life outside of the office, and it just so happens that Tony’s father is linked to it. This is a fun little bit of NCIS serendipity that we can certainly get behind.

Let’s also not downplay this…

Jimmy’s father-in-law wants him to mess with a murder investigation! Who does that, especially to their own son! This is far from the kindest thing a guy can do to one of his own in-laws. Usually, the worst kind of fight people have in this position is between people who are fighting over who gets to host Thanksgiving.

Check out more news and scoop on NCIS

We’re going to have a full review of tonight’s episode up over at the link here, not too long after it wraps! Stay tuned…

What do you most want to see in regards to NCIS season 16 episode 16 when the episode airs? Be sure to share in the comments! (Photo: CBS.)