In the third episode, we step back into 1991 to witness the early, vulnerable days of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, as he joins the Naval Investigative Service. Austin Stowell’s portrayal of young Gibbs captures a man caught between despair and duty after the loss of his wife and daughter.
The episode opens with Gibbs visibly struggling—haunted by memories and hesitant to part with his family home. This unfiltered vulnerability shapes the foundation of the steely agent we know today.
Through flashbacks and Mark Harmon’s narration, we see Gibbs refusing to let go of his grief, even delaying his family’s funeral. His mentor, Mike Franks, sees the potential in Gibbs and extends an invitation to NIS, yet their dynamic is strained as Franks’ old-school ways collide with Gibbs’ more personal motivations.
The episode deepens with Jackson Gibbs’ protective instincts surfacing as he confronts Franks, worried about his son’s fragile mental state and foreseeing the risks of fieldwork on Gibbs’ psyche.
This episode brilliantly captures Gibbs’ inner turmoil, framing his entrance into the investigative world as both a lifeline and a crucible. The scene where young Gibbs throws out his beloved “box of rules” highlights his anguish—a foreshadowing of the guiding principles he’ll later reclaim as his moral compass.
The episode’s standout moment, however, lies in Jackson Gibbs retrieving the discarded box, quietly signifying his belief that his son needs a code to live by. It’s a subtle yet powerful scene, tying the father-son relationship back to the core values we see in Gibbs decades later.
This episode does an excellent job peeling back Gibbs’ hardened layers, revealing the painful beginning that ultimately shapes him into the formidable agent fans revere. By exploring Gibbs’ initial conflicts and budding camaraderie with Franks, the episode paints a vivid picture of how loss and resilience are inseparable threads in his journey.
This installment is not just a narrative backstory but an emotionally resonant chapter that adds profound depth to Gibbs’ legacy.
