The origin story of Leroy Jethro Gibbs has officially begun with CBS launching its highly anticipated prequel, “NCIS: Origins,” crafted by veteran NCIS writers-producers Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North, alongside CBS Studios. Mark Harmon made a return, both narrating and appearing in a fireside scene where he reflects on his life through journaling.
In this two-part premiere, viewers follow a young Gibbs, portrayed by Austin Stowell, as he embarks on his career as a newly minted special agent at the nascent NIS Camp Pendleton office.
Monreal and North discussed the show’s aims, noting the balance between catering to hardcore fans and attracting newcomers. They highlighted the importance of exploring Gibbs’ character depth, emphasizing the narrative’s exploration of his past, including a fictionalized failure of a psych evaluation.
The character of Mike Franks, portrayed by Kyle Schmid, also plays a significant role, with the creators expressing excitement about delving deeper into the mentor figure known for his rule-breaking and complexity.
While the show captures a different era before the transition from NIS to NCIS in 1992, the creators promised to depict investigative methods of the time. They recognized the absence of modern forensic technologies, opting for a more traditional and gritty approach to case-solving.
The complex father-son relationship between Gibbs and his father Jackson was notably addressed, particularly regarding Jackson’s belief that his son may not be suited for investigative work after a life of military service.
The show will maintain some humor but will predominantly adopt a darker tone. It incorporates serialized storytelling, allowing for deep character exploration as well as weekly cases.
Fans can expect the series to differ in various ways from the original NCIS, exploring not only the cases but also the characters’ emotional journey. As the storyline unfolds, romance may eventually be an avenue for young Gibbs, although his past still affects him.
The creators conveyed their respect for the existing fan base and their commitment to delivering a story that honors the character of Gibbs and the legacy of the NCIS franchise.