Written by Robert Scocchi | Published
I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with long-running procedurals, but I still tune in year after year out of habit to all the various spin-offs and crossovers. I felt sick for days after watching 9-1-1: Nashville Premiere because it was the worst thing I’ve seen on television in over a decade, and time is the one thing you can’t get back. As a long-time fan of the NCIS universe, I was hooked NCIS: Los Angeles For a while, but never fully committed to it New Orleans, Sydneyor Hawaii. They’re all watered-down versions of the original, missing the chemistry that made the main series so compelling.
After struggling through NCIS: Tony and Zivawhich has the potential to reclaim the franchise by bringing back two fan-favorite characters, has come close NCIS: Origins With cautious optimism. I’m glad I did, because it’s the best spinoff the franchise has ever produced, and I’m really excited to watch it every week to see where it goes.
Young Gibbs before he became full Gibbs
NCIS: Origins The film takes place during Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ early days as a NIS agent (precursor to NCIS) before he became the special agent in charge. Portrayed by Austin Stowell, Gibbs’ story is told in hindsight, and narrated by Mark Harmon. We learn about his upbringing, the tragic deaths of his wife and daughter, and how Gibbs’ 91 Golden Rules became older and wiser.
A young field agent with an ax to grind and something to prove, Gibbs works under the supervision of Special Agent Mike Franks, played by Kyle Schmid. The dynamic between mentor and mentee is the heart of the series. Stowell captures Gibbs’s raw motivation perfectly, while Schmid presents Franks as an authoritative, unpredictable character. in NCISGibbs is the strict but fair leader who sometimes comes into conflict with the older Franks, portrayed by Moses Watson. in OriginsWe see how Franks’ aggressive leadership directly shapes the man Gibbs becomes.
Perfect casting
You can enter NCIS: Origins Cool and I still enjoy it. As a prequel, it’s much less scary to jump into, and its second season proves that the chemistry is just as strong as the main show. Schmid is the rising star here. His version of Franks is pure bravado, complete with an intimidating mustache, double wallets, and a take-no-prisoners attitude. He’s loud, controlling, and the exact kind of mentor young Gibbs needs to stay grounded. If I had to compare him to another TV character, it would be a smarter, more nuanced version of Daryl Weathers South Park (“They terk er jerrrbs!”). He doesn’t care about protocol if breaking it gets the job done.
Season 2 also introduces young Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, played by Adam Campbell. The legacy of the late David McCallum looms large, but Campbell certainly nails the role. With his perfect English, long shadows, and obsessive attention to detail, he’s like Niles Crane from… Freezer I became a criminal investigator, and I’m here for it.
Special Agent Bernard “Randy” Randolph, played by Caleb Foote, provides welcome comic relief, while Special Agent Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez adds a subtle romantic touch for Gibbs. The cast balances humor, tension, and heart in a way that feels premature NCIS. The key chain is the final ship in Gibbs’ vault. Origins It’s the hammer, nails, and sandpaper that built it.
Season 2 is well underway
If you’ve ever been curious about what makes NCIS sign, NCIS: Origins Great place to start. There are still not a lot of rules to juggle, and the storytelling is self-contained. Rewatch the original series after catching up on it Origins It actually makes knowledge more difficult. After years of uninspired sideshows, this one finally gets it right.
NCIS: Origins It airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+.
About the Author
