In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving world, people often seek familiarity and stability. Before stepping into a new environment, there’s a strong desire to know what to expect, which contributes to the enduring appeal of franchise shows. While these series may not always offer groundbreaking storytelling, they provide a comforting escape after a long day.
“NCIS,” which stands for Naval Criminal Investigative Service, is a seemingly limitless series that follows an elite team of military investigators. At first glance, one might wonder how a show based on military personnel cases could sustain multiple iterations over the years, but the series has proven that it can redefine its premise as needed.
The franchise delivers a mix of genres, encompassing elements of police procedurals, family comedies, workplace antics, soap operas, melodramas, and low-budget action adventures. Audiences enjoy a blend of attractive lead characters, quirky medical examiners, and romantic subplots, all while maintaining a balance between casual entertainment and gripping suspense. The military backdrop adds a layer of patriotism, appealing to viewers who appreciate a nuanced portrayal of the armed forces.
Over the years, the franchise has expanded to various locations, including Los Angeles, New Orleans, Hawaii, and Sydney, each adding its own unique flavor to the familiar structure. However, none have matched the original series’ enduring popularity, which is gearing up for its 22nd season on CBS.
The latest addition to the franchise, “NCIS: Origins,” takes a different approach by going back in time to 1991, where we meet a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed by Austin Stowell and originally played by Mark Harmon, who narrates the series. Gibbs, a newly minted special agent, joins a team that has yet to add the “C” to its acronym, an amusing detail considering the show’s current branding.
Set in Oceanside, the series contrasts its surroundings with the low-tech atmosphere characteristic of the early ’90s. The team’s headquarters—a Quonset hut—serves as a stark reminder of the past, contrasting sharply with the high-tech settings of the contemporary iterations of “NCIS.” The world of “Origins” is filled with nostalgic technology like pagers and bulky computers, presenting a simpler yet more challenging environment for the characters.
Mark Harmon, who previously led the series until season 19, established the archetype of the “NCIS” team leader as a stern but caring mentor. The younger Gibbs, however, is portrayed in a more vulnerable light, grappling with personal trauma, including the recent loss of his wife and child, and his struggles with mental stability.
The dynamics of the team shift as Gibbs, despite being a fresh recruit, is expected to shine and tackle challenges with a unique perspective. The team is led by Mike Franks, Gibbs’ mentor, whose rugged persona and outdated fashion choices bring a touch of humor. Meanwhile, agent Lala Dominguez provides a competitive edge, and Vera Strickland is introduced but underutilized in the early episodes.
The series showcases emotional tension among the team members, marked by raised voices and intense confrontations. To balance the serious tone, characters like agent Randy Randolf add levity with their friendly demeanor, while support staff like Mary Jo Hayes and Granville “Granny” Dawson contribute additional layers of interaction.
Austin Stowell’s portrayal of young Gibbs offers a square-jawed interpretation, although he may not yet resonate with the iconic legacy of Mark Harmon. Ultimately, “NCIS: Origins” provides an intriguing glimpse into the early days of a beloved character while maintaining the elements that have made the franchise a staple of television.