‘NCIS’ in 2021: McGee & Delilah’s Vacation, Gibbs & Fornell’s Crusade (PHOTOS)

NCIS left off with a bit of a cliffhanger in its fall finale, and it looks like the CBS procedural is not only going to resolve it, but also reveal exactly what’s going on in the March 2020 timeline when it returns.

The first two episodes of 2021, “Sunburn” and “Head of the Snake,” air back-to-back January 19 and see Margo Harshman return as Special Agent McGee’s (Sean Murray) wife Delilah and Special Agent Gibbs (Mark Harmon) looking for the MIA Fornell (Joe Spano). Did his old friend’s investigation lead him into some trouble, hence why he disappeared from his undercover gig at the burger joint? He had found the alias of the kingpin of the counterfeit opioid ring they’ve been tracking, last Gibbs heard from him.

The first hour sees McGee and Delilah’s vacation in the Bahamas interrupted when the team’s case (the investigation of a dead escape room manager) is connected to the island. Plus, Gibbs finds blood as he searches for Fornell. It’s directed by series star Rocky Carroll (NCIS director Leon Vance), and the photos below offer a behind-the-scenes look.

Then in the second hour, Gibbs and Fornell’s mission “comes to a climax,” the logline teases. “Gibbs and Vance finally let the team in on a case that has dangerous implications,” and photos reveal the other agents will get involved.

And yes, the photos from this episode also reveal that Fornell is alive, but it also looks like Gibbs and Special Agent Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) are at the same airport as the premiere’s opening scene (which took place in March 2020). Gibbs is wearing the same clothes and hat he was when he shot McGee(!) in the arm and leg. We’ll finally find out exactly what’s going on there.

Scroll down to see the photos from “Sunburn” and “Head of the Snake.”

NCIS, 2021 Return, Tuesday, January 19, 8/7c, CBS