NCIS: Origins Will Delve into Gibbs’ Early Days as an Agent at Camp Pendleton, But May Also Explore Traumatic Events in 1991
CBS recently unveiled its fall TV schedule, and fans are buzzing with anticipation for the new “NCIS” spinoff, “NCIS: Origins.” Slated to premiere on Monday, October 14, at 10 p.m. Eastern, the two-hour special will kick off the series, exploring Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ early career as an NCIS agent. However, there’s more to Gibbs’ story in 1991 than the network has revealed.
The series promises to take viewers back to Gibbs’ initial days at the Camp Pendleton office, following his transition from a military career to NIS (later rebranded as NCIS). But this period in Gibbs’ life wasn’t just about a career change—it was marked by profound trauma. Gibbs joined NIS driven by personal tragedy, and the show will likely touch on these pivotal events.
The year 1991 is particularly significant for Gibbs, not just for his new job but also because it’s the year his wife and daughter were murdered. While the promotional material has highlighted Gibbs’ early days as an agent, the extended premiere suggests that the show will delve into his traumatic past. Fans of “NCIS” will recall the emotional weight of these events, especially those depicted in Season 3, Episode 24, “Hiatus Part II,” where Gibbs relived his most painful memories.
Adding depth to Gibbs’ backstory, “NCIS: Origins” will reintroduce characters like Mike Franks and Vera Strickland. Kyle Schmid has been cast as Franks, Gibbs’ mentor, ensuring that the series will offer rich insights into Gibbs’ formative years with NCIS. The inclusion of a character to portray Jackson Gibbs, Jethro’s estranged father, further hints at the show’s intention to explore the profound impact of Shannon and Kelly’s deaths on Gibbs.
The prospect of revisiting such traumatic events is both exciting and concerning. While fans are eager to see Gibbs’ early days, the showrunners must handle the portrayal of his family’s murder with sensitivity. This is particularly important for viewers who have experienced similar losses. Authentic and respectful storytelling will be crucial in portraying these events, ensuring they resonate genuinely with the audience.
Ralph Waite’s portrayal of Jackson Gibbs in the original series adds another layer of expectation. Given that “Heartland,” Season 6, Episode 4, established Jethro’s estrangement from his father following Shannon and Kelly’s funeral, the new series might revisit these moments to provide a fuller picture of Gibbs’ emotional landscape.
“NCIS: Origins” has the potential to offer compelling new insights into Gibbs’ character while honoring the legacy of the original series. With a talented cast and a rich narrative to explore, the show is poised to deliver a captivating mix of drama and personal history. Here’s hoping that the series handles Gibbs’ trauma with the care and respect it deserves, making it a worthy addition to the “NCIS” franchise.
Source: Parade
