What do Ralph Waite, Robert Wagner and Michael Nouri have in common? They've all turned up on NCIS for guest roles. And not just a quick pop in scene or two. No, they've been integrated into the show and two of them have already recurred. (I'm counting on Robert Wagner to recur in the future, as well).

So, the news today that Gena Rowlands will be on NCIS in March has me feeling very enthusiastic. And it's a multi-episode role.

Michael Ausiello reports in Entertainment Weekly that Gena has been cast as Jethro's former mother-in-law, Joann, an elegant, upscale type. NCIS executive producer Shane Brennan said that her showing up in Jethro's life again will bring with it lots of turmoil and emotional "heartache, anger and blame in the process."

Since the word heartache is included there, that makes me think that Joann must be Shannon's mother. That was Gibbs' first wife, the one who was killed -- along with Jethro's daughter Kelly -- by Mexican drug dealers. Shannon and Kelly's deaths have always been portrayed as Gibbs' greatest loss, the wound he never can get over.

I hope I'm right and we get some back story into Gibbs' first marriage. Also, I'm really anxious to see how Rowlands fits in with Harmon. Talk about different acting styles. Gena is a method actor, and well-known for her fiery performances in movies like Gloria and A Woman Under the Influence. She was also in a very good Monk last season. On NCIS as Gibbs, Mark underplays, keeping the emotions in check most of the time. He's taciturn. I expect to see Joann get under Jethro's skin.