NCIS: Origins Brings Familiar Faces to Life in a New Light
The beloved naval investigation series NCIS has captivated audiences since 2003, following Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (originally played by Mark Harmon) and his dedicated team of investigators in Washington, D.C. More than two decades later, CBS expanded this universe with NCIS: Origins, a prequel series set in 1991 that chronicles the early career of a young Gibbs, now portrayed by Austin Stowell. This fresh perspective allows viewers to witness the formative experiences that shaped the stoic, rule-driven agent fans have come to admire over the years. The prequel doesn’t just revisit Gibbs’ backstory; it breathes new life into several familiar characters, offering fans a deeper understanding of the relationships and events that influenced their development.
When NCIS: Origins premiered in 2024, audiences were immediately introduced to a younger Gibbs alongside his mentor Mike Franks, played by Kyle Schmid. The mentor-mentee relationship, which was only glimpsed in flashbacks in the original series, now takes center stage, providing rich context for Gibbs’ professional evolution. Watching these two iconic characters interact in their prime offers a fascinating study in contrasts—Franks’ old-school, sometimes brash approach to investigation paired with Gibbs’ raw talent and developing instincts. Their dynamic serves as the emotional backbone of the prequel, demonstrating how Franks’ guidance and experience helped mold Gibbs into the legendary agent viewers have followed for years. The chemistry between Stowell and Schmid captures the essence of this formative relationship while allowing both actors to make the characters distinctly their own.
The creative team behind NCIS: Origins has been deliberately mysterious about which additional characters from the original series might make appearances. Showrunner David J. North teased fans in December 2024, saying, “I don’t want to give anything away with that,” when questioned about potential character crossovers. This strategic approach built anticipation among viewers, who eagerly watched each episode for glimpses of younger versions of their favorite NCIS personalities. The series’ second season delivered on this promise by introducing two more beloved characters from the flagship show, expanding the prequel’s connections to the established NCIS universe and deepening the intricate web of relationships that defines the franchise.
Casting younger versions of established characters presents unique challenges, requiring actors who can capture the essence of the original portrayal while bringing their own interpretation to roles that exist in a different time period. The production team has struck an impressive balance, finding performers who embody the fundamental traits of these characters without simply mimicking the original actors. Austin Stowell’s portrayal of young Gibbs is particularly noteworthy—he conveys Harmon’s intensity and moral compass while showing a less weathered, more emotionally accessible version of the character. This approach allows viewers to understand how personal and professional experiences gradually shaped Gibbs into the more guarded, rule-driven agent of the original series, creating a satisfying continuity between the two portrayals.
Beyond character development, NCIS: Origins offers a window into a different era of naval criminal investigation. Set in the early 1990s, the series showcases investigation techniques that predate the technological advances featured in the original show. This creates compelling storytelling opportunities as investigators rely more heavily on fieldwork, interviews, and intuition rather than digital databases and advanced forensic tools. The period setting also provides rich historical context, incorporating events of the early ’90s and exploring how they affected both naval operations and the personal lives of the characters. The production design, from wardrobe to set decoration, meticulously recreates the era without resorting to distracting nostalgic clichés, immersing viewers in an authentic representation of the time period.
As NCIS: Origins continues to expand its narrative, it stands as both a love letter to longstanding fans and an accessible entry point for newcomers to the franchise. The prequel honors the established mythology while carving out its own identity, exploring the formative experiences that shaped beloved characters while introducing compelling new personalities. By focusing on Gibbs’ early career, the series provides valuable context for the original show while telling engaging stories that stand on their own merits. The careful balance of familiarity and innovation has proven successful, with viewers embracing this exploration of NCIS history. As more characters from the original series appear in younger forms, the prequel continues to deepen the rich tapestry of relationships that has made NCIS one of television’s most enduring franchises, connecting past and present in a satisfying narrative continuum that enriches both series.
