SPOILER ALERT! This story contains details from the two-part premiere of NCIS: Origins on CBS.
The much-awaited origin story of Leroy Jethro Gibbs has officially launched as CBS premiered its prequel on Monday, developed by seasoned NCIS writers and producers Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North. As anticipated, Mark Harmon returned to narrate and appear in a reflective scene as he documents his life.
In the two-part premiere, viewers follow a young Gibbs, portrayed by Austin Stowell, during his initial days as a special agent at the newly established NIS Camp Pendleton office.
When asked about the audience’s familiarity with Gibbs, Monreal noted that while hardcore fans typically have in-depth knowledge, the goal is to appeal to both longtime supporters and newcomers. North pointed out that some creative liberties were taken, such as Gibbs failing his psych evaluation, which is a fabrication for the storyline.
The show features Robert Taylor as Gibbs’ father, a character previously played by the late Ralph Waite in NCIS, adding depth to the family dynamic already established in the original series.
While the team considered filming at Pendleton, they ultimately shot in San Pedro to create a realistic setting. Monreal explained that the storyline allows them to explore the NIS organization, which rebranded to NCIS in 1992, emphasizing the distinct time period.
The character of Mike Franks, played by Kyle Schmid, is portrayed as a legend with a complex past. Monreal described Franks as a gifted mentor with rule-breaking tendencies, providing a deeper understanding of him compared to the older version familiar to fans.
Mark Harmon’s character, Gibbs, is introduced journaling in the premiere. Both Monreal and North reflected on how Gibbs’ journaling, established in a previous episode, was incorporated into this new storyline.
Significant themes arise during Gibbs’ interactions with his father, Jackson, who expresses doubts about Gibbs’ suitability for investigation work based on his military background. This father-son dynamic adds emotional layers to the character’s journey.
The tone of the series diverges from the original, with an emphasis on darker storylines while retaining moments of humor. North elaborated that the show will maintain a serialized format, focusing heavily on character development.
As fans are known for their high expectations, both Monreal and North expressed their commitment to delivering a worthy continuation of the beloved franchise. They anticipate showcasing a different investigative approach reflective of the era, where forensic processes take considerably longer than in the present day.
Looking ahead, North hinted at the potential for more of Gibbs’ reflective moments, although the specifics of his future appearances remain uncertain. He also acknowledged that while Gibbs has endured much loss, romance could eventually play a role in his storyline.