While some may consider Mark Harmon the star of “NCIS,” other fans would say that Lucy is the new standout character on the series.
Lucy is the name of an adorable, brown-haired, perky-eared dog that appears alongside Harmon and the rest of the cast. Lucy was introduced in season 18 and some fans speculated if Lucy was actually Mark Harmon’s famous pit bull mix, Dave.
However, given side-by-side comparisons, it’s pretty clear that Lucy on the show is not Harmon’s longtime companion Dave. In fact, Lucy is a much lighter color than Dave. It’s unclear who the owner of Lucy is, likely she’s just a hired professional doing an absolutely amazing job.
Lucy first appeared in an episode titled “Watchdog.” A dog had run into the street and caused a Navy transport to swerve and crash, nearly leaving a live missile in the street. Lucy was found not far from the accident and was bleeding from a gunshot wound.
The team discovers a dogfighting ring scheme going on in the area. Gibbs lashes out and beats up a potential suspect, getting him put in handcuffs at the scene. Gibbs ends up getting suspended for his actions. However, Gibbs does take in the adorable, wounded Lucy.
According to Distractify, Mark Harmon’s actual dog may have paid a visit in season 13, episode 20 of “NCIS.” While Lucy and Dave have no clear resemblance, the dog from season 13 looks eerily similar to Dave. It’s unclear if it is in fact Harmon’s dog acting alongside him or not.
‘NCIS’ Controversy Regarding Harmon’s Dog
Pauley Perrette played forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on “NCIS.” She had been one of the most popular characters on the show until her departure after season 15. Perrette, unfortunately, did not leave the show on good terms.
According to Vanity Fair in 2018, the actress fired off a number of accusatory tweets regarding behavior behind the scenes of the show. She said there were “multiple physical assaults” and a “machine” that forced her to stay quiet. In 2019 she tweeted, “NO I AM NOT COMING BACK! EVER! (Please stop asking?) I am terrified of Harmon and him attacking me. I have nightmares about it.”
A huge part of the conflict was from 2016 when Harmon brought his dog to the set. A crew member started playing with the dog and was bit. He then needed 15 stitches for the injury. Despite this incident, Mark Harmon continued to bring his dog to work with him.
Reportedly, a lot of the cast was uncomfortable with the dog on set. Most were afraid to say anything since Harmon is an executive producer of the show. Perrette, however, spoke her mind and a “rift” started between the two actors. It went as deep as not even wanting to appear together in scenes.
In Perrette’s final season, the two were never filmed in the same location and didn’t work on the same days. Some old-fashioned editing magic would make it look like the two were together if they needed to be. The two had fewer scenes together toward the end of Perrette’s time on the show.
She did claim, however, that she had wanted to leave the show before the dog attack incident occurred on set.
