NCIS: Origins takes us back to 1991, tracing the early days of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ career, years before he became the seasoned investigator we know. This prequel series dives into a younger Gibbs, portrayed by Austin Stowell, as he steps into his first role as a special agent with the Naval Investigative Service at Camp Pendleton.
Guided by NCIS legend Mike Franks (played by Kyle Schmid), Gibbs joins a team that’s anything but conventional, setting the stage for the no-nonsense investigator we’ll come to admire.
Narrated by Mark Harmon, who originally brought Gibbs to life, NCIS: Origins is an exciting addition to the NCIS franchise, balancing fresh faces with familiar tension. Get ready for a gritty, layered look at Gibbs’ journey, and stay tuned for my episode-by-episode breakdown. This one promises to reveal the roots of an NCIS legend.
The premiere episode transports us back to 1991, where a young, freshly minted Agent Gibbs begins his journey with the Naval Investigative Service at Camp Pendleton. Gibbs is thrown straight into a murder case involving drugs, love, and a trail that seems as murky as the circumstances surrounding it.
Navigating a world filled with Walkmans, beepers, and early ’90s vibes, Gibbs quickly realizes this is more than just a job. Guided by the seasoned and often gruff Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid), Gibbs must prove himself on a team still learning what it means to be NCIS.
The story’s real anchor lies in its emotional depth, balancing action with heartfelt moments as Gibbs confronts early hardships. With Mark Harmon’s familiar voice narrating, it’s like stepping back in time yet feeling a comforting connection to the present.
Agent Lala Dominguez (Mariel Molino) emerges as a fascinating character, forming an intriguing bond with Gibbs, hinting at relationships and challenges that are just starting to unfold.
The premier episode is a bold, well-balanced start for NCIS: Origins. The episode does a great job blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling, diving into the formative experiences that make Gibbs who he is.
Austin Stowell’s portrayal of a young, vulnerable Gibbs is spot-on—he brings just the right amount of grit and eagerness, capturing early signs of the steadfast, stoic Gibbs we know from the original series. The setting avoids overdoing the ’90s aesthetic, letting the story and characters shine rather than relying on retro visuals.
While the plot introduces a complex case, it also hints at the larger emotional journey Gibbs will take, likely touching on themes that fans are familiar with from his later life. This episode not only promises depth in character arcs but also sets the stage for a season filled with revelations about Gibbs’ early life. The blend of drama, mystery, and sentimentality leaves us eager for the next episode and the unfolding story of NCIS’s origins.
