In an ever-evolving world, people often seek comfort and familiarity. Before entering a new space, we prefer the assurance of finding mundane elements like walls and furniture, rather than unexpected dangers. This desire for reliability explains the enduring appeal of franchise television, which, while not always a source of groundbreaking art, provides viewers with easily digestible content after a long day.
“NCIS,” which stands for Naval Criminal Investigative Service, is a long-running series focusing on a specialized group of military investigators. Despite seeming to have a limited premise, the show has proven capable of sustaining multiple seasons with its creative storytelling.
The franchise offers a blend of entertainment genres, including police procedural, family and workplace comedy, soap opera, melodrama, and action adventure. It features charismatic heroes alongside quirky characters, romantic subplots, and comic relief—all staples of the genre. “NCIS” effectively combines both lighthearted moments and gripping tension. Its ties to the military evoke a sense of patriotism for some viewers, even though the show’s premise highlights the imperfections within military life. While not typically a viewer of such shows, it is clear why they hold strong appeal.
The “NCIS” franchise has expanded to include series set in various locations such as Los Angeles, New Orleans, Hawaii, and Sydney, each infusing local elements into a familiar structure. Some iterations have floundered, while others have not lasted long enough to be canceled, but none has matched the original series’ longevity and worldwide reach, which is set to kick off its 22nd season soon.
Alongside the premiere of the original series on CBS, the franchise welcomes its latest installment, “NCIS: Origins.” This new spin-off travels back to 1991, focusing on a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs—played by Austin Stowell, with Mark Harmon narrating—who has just joined the team he will eventually lead. At this point, the acronym has yet to include the “C,” which makes it visually odd but reflects an earlier time.
Set in Oceanside, California, specifically on Camp Pendleton, the show’s environment lacks the glamour of its predecessors, featuring a drab headquarters reminiscent of past decades. It immerses viewers in a pre-digital world filled with rotary phones, pagers, and bulky computers, offering a refreshing escape from modernity.
Mark Harmon, who previously led the series before Gary Cole took over, set the precedent for the “NCIS” team leader archetype—an authoritative yet nurturing figure ready to challenge the status quo. The young Gibbs, a recently returned Marine sniper grappling with personal trauma, is still developing into that role. He exhibits signs of instability, finding himself in bar fights and struggling with psychological evaluations, hinting at the man he may eventually become.
Presenting Gibbs as a junior team member rather than the leader introduces a challenge for the narrative, as he must distinguish himself amidst the group, showcasing his intuition and skill. His insights often disrupt the team’s dynamics, like when he identifies a suspect as innocent, shifting their collective understanding.
Mike Franks, played by Kyle Schmid, is introduced as the established team leader and Gibbs’ mentor, characterized by a retro cop aesthetic. Lala Dominguez (Mariel Molino) is portrayed as a competitive agent wary of Gibbs’ potential. Agent Vera Strickland (Diany Rodriguez) makes only brief appearances, suggesting underutilization in the early episodes.
The initial episodes are marked by intense emotions and conflicts, yet are balanced by the lighter interactions of characters like Randy Randolf (Caleb Martin Foote), the office’s sole suit-wearer, and Mary Jo Hayes (Tyla Abercrumbie), the administrative backbone of the team. Granville “Granny” Dawson (Daniel Bellomy) also provides some levity as he embarks on a new role in the K-9 unit alongside a dog named Special Agent Gary Callahan.
Regarding Stowell’s portrayal of Gibbs, while he embodies the physical attributes of a leading man, there is a marked distinction between his performance and the established character of Mark Harmon. This contrast may well serve the narrative, highlighting the journey that awaits Gibbs as he navigates his new role.