Michael Weatherly, who plays Tony DiNozzo on NCIS: Crime Scene Investigations, returned to the series on Tuesday, October 6, during the first episode of season 24 in the United States. In this episode, it was revealed that DiNozzo has been promoted to director of NCIS, a position previously held by Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll). Vance's death at the end of season 23 left the agency without a director, and although Gabriel LaRoche (Seamus Dever) briefly took command, his time in the role was short-lived, and DiNozzo has now assumed the position. Steven D. Binder, the showrunner, explained that the decision to have DiNozzo become director was made to incorporate Michael Weatherly's return while respecting the character's development since his departure. Binder compared the idea to "a high school student who set off the fire alarm becoming the principal of the school twenty years later," highlighting the character's growth over time. The promotion is expected to create new dynamics between characters, especially between DiNozzo and McGee, who has advanced in rank over the seasons. Binder noted that the roles of Tony and McGee would be reversed, with Tony now in a more senior position. This shift is likely to bring new tension and interactions between the two long-time colleagues. Binder also pointed out the inherent dangers of being NCIS director, referencing past events such as the death of Jenny Shepard in season 5. He explained that the position has often been perilous, with past directors frequently meeting tragic ends. This aspect is expected to influence how DiNozzo approaches his new role and integrate into the series. The second episode of the season will further establish these new dynamics, with the first episode serving as a setup for the changes to come.