As a longtime fan of NCIS, I must say that diving into “NCIS: Origins” felt like stepping back in time while also experiencing something entirely fresh and invigorating. The casting choices are intriguing, with Stowell embodying a younger Gibbs who seems more of a Brian Dietzen doppelganger than the Harmon we know. His performance is captivating, as he towers over his co-stars, both figuratively and literally, much like a beefy athlete thrust into the role of a preternaturally intuitive agent.
On the long-running series “NCIS,” Mark Harmon portrayed the enigmatic Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Over 22 seasons, Gibbs was a character shrouded in mystery, with a haunted look in his eyes that hinted at a deep and troubled past. Despite his stoic demeanor, there were numerous flashbacks to the traumatic events that had shaped him into a solitary figure. As the series came to an end, it seemed like Gibbs’ backstory had been thoroughly explored. However, when it was announced earlier this year that a prequel series focusing on Gibbs would be produced, some fans might have pondered: Could there still be untold stories about his longing for his deceased wife and daughter?
Contrary to initial expectations, “NCIS: Origins” does indeed have a purpose beyond the routine weekly murder mysteries and repeated Shannon-and-Kelly dynamics (although these elements are certainly abundant). Upon viewing the early episodes, one might question whether the show’s existence is merely an attempt to extract more dramatic glances from Gibbs. However, it appears that the creators aim to correct a mistake made in the original series or rectify a decision widely criticized by fans: the sudden death of beloved character Mike Franks in Season 8. Since bringing him back was no longer possible at that point, the producers have found an alternative method – reviving Franks in this spin-off and providing Gibbs with an opportunity to star in a buddy drama. The new series seems poised to be more focused on two main characters, or at least it aspires to be if all goes well.
However, prior to the October 13th premiere, it’s important to note that none of the original cast members from the ongoing series will be reprising their roles from 1991. Regrettably, enthusiasts of de-aging technology won’t see their favorite actors this time around, but t Origins” has a long runway to attempt this transformation, and it’ll be interesting to see how long it takes for fans to fully adjust their perception.
In the two-part premiere “Enter Sandman”, we encounter Gibbs again, who has already experienced a heartbreaking tragedy – the loss of his wife and daughter. Thankfully, the show spares us the detailed depiction of this tragic backstory’s buildup. This recent loss has left Gibbs emotionally scarred, as he’s failed a psychological evaluation, a fact that is frequently mentioned. It seems either that Franks has an unwavering confidence in Gibbs’ skills as a sniper-turned-investigator or sees his assignment to NIS as a form of rehabilitation. In this new series, the acronym should be NIS, as the Naval Investigative Service didn’t adopt its “C” until 1992. This minor detail playfully hints at the fact that before the “NCIS” series debuted in 2003, most civilians were unfamiliar with either acronym. The team is stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, under the supervision of Special Agent Cliff Walker (played by Patrick Fischler, who may be remembered by some as the man who met a terrifying end behind a diner in “Mulholland Drive”). In an unusual twist for a primary “NCIS” series, neither Walker nor any other superior is initially portrayed as ambiguous or potentially adversarial – at least not yet; he merely appears somewhat anxious and preoccupied.
Mike Franks, portrayed as a self-assured and brash character with a hint of Southern roots, is the least emotionally troubled special agent in the NCIS franchise, perhaps since the early days of DiNozzio. His boldness and lack of political correctness might be overplayed, but viewers could find amusement in an initial episode where a suspect’s belief in the Mothman legend is being interrogated, and the show cuts frequently to Franks and his colleagues laughing raucously about it. Meanwhile, female team members discuss among themselves whether Franks is intentionally biased against them for promotions or if he’s merely misogynistic. If he is, the character’s charm might lead to a change of heart before the season ends. In essence, Schmid’s portrayal of Franks resembles a more rough-around-the-edges version of Ted Lasso, making his performance an engaging tightrope act in this early stage of the series.
In this new portrayal, Stowell’s entrance as Gibbs presents an unexpected challenge. His choice of Pearl Jam as his theme music encourages viewers to reevaluate their perception of the character they thought they knew: He arrives at Camp Pendleton blasting Pearl Jam, raising questions about whether Gibbs was once a fan of Eddie Vedder. Is this just for period authenticity, or does it hint at a more profound connection? In contrast, Franks is introduced with some early-’90s Hank Jr., fittingly enough.
Certainly, Gibbs was a distinct individual in 1991, carrying the weight of recent trauma yet remaining an innocent in the wilderness, and a skilled marksman at the same time. As we progress through the series, we may grow more accustomed to his character or the producers’ portrayal of him. There are instances where Stowell seems to soften his deep voice and move towards Harmon’s softer tone – this is significant because Harmon is the one who narrates the series, primarily at the start and end of episodes, sharing insights into a life spent mostly alone. The original actor also makes a brief appearance at the beginning of the pilot, apparently in the present day, chopping wood. It’s uncertain which direction the series will take with the character – whether it will delve into how he developed the inherent loneliness that Harmon portrayed, or if it will depict him as more of a cherished ally to Franks, or perhaps a blend of both.
Initially released for critical appraisal, the first four episodes primarily focus on solving routine procedural cases, which are swiftly overshadowed by the beloved character development they provide. Episode 4 centers around safeguarding a soldier’s young daughter, triggering emotional turmoil for Gibbs due to his own tragic past loss. It’s only a matter of time, likely in this season itself, that the show will revisit Gibbs’ journey to Mexico to exact revenge on the man believed to have caused his family’s demise, an event hinted at in “NCIS” history as occurring approximately in 1991. Interestingly, Gibbs’ father, Jackson Gibbs (portrayed softly by Ralph Waite in the original series, and more aggressively by Robert Taylor in this one), appears merely to dissuade his son from embarking on this dangerous mission to Mexico. In essence, he might as well advise him against constructing a boat in a confined space.
In the latest series, Gibbs may have found a potential love interest in Lala Dominguez, played by Mariel Molino. However, Frank makes an unfortunate comment about her being “in heat,” hinting at potential trouble for her aligning with Gibbs. The ominous tone of Harmon’s narration suggests that she might not fare well in the NCIS world, as her character didn’t appear in the main series. Actress Mariel Molino is charming, so it’s possible that Stowell will get some romantic scenes that Harmon was hesitant to participate in. Hopefully, they won’t write off her character too soon, as it would be unfair for Gibbs to suffer emotional turmoil because of a hasty romance, rather than due to another murder he may have been involved with.
However, it’s evident that Mike Franks is the one whom Gibbs develops romantic feelings for in “Origins”. They make an ideal pair, if such a relationship were to occur.
“NCIS: Origins” premieres on CBS on Oct. 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
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2024-10-14 19:48