Thanks to NCIS: Origins, characters killed in the perilous conditions faced by NCIS agents and their families can now reemerge. This new spinoff will travel back in time, focusing on the backstory of the original MCRT character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The series will explore the period after his military service and before he becomes the Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Major Case Response Team.
The new series is in a unique position to give deceased characters new life experiences. It will feature characters like NCIS Special Agent Vera Strickland, who was introduced in the main series and could return to the present. Throughout its 21 seasons, the NCIS franchise has depicted numerous harrowing deaths, many of which had significant impacts on Jethro Gibbs. NCIS: Origins is set in 1991, over a decade before the original series began, allowing for the return of characters who were alive at that time.
Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard
One of the most anticipated character returns is Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, a retired doctor and former Medical Examiner for the team. David McCallum was an original cast member of NCIS, appearing since season 1, episode 1, and in the two-part JAG special that served as a backdoor pilot. McCallum’s portrayal of Ducky spanned from 2003 until his death in 2023.
Adam Campbell has portrayed a younger version of Ducky in multiple NCIS episodes. His return in NCIS: Origins is likely, as the franchise has already established a younger Ducky who worked with Gibbs in the past. The new series could delve into their early friendship and Ducky’s knowledge of Gibbs’ personal life, such as his affection for Shannon.
Special Agent Caitlin “Kate” Todd
Sasha Alexander’s Special Agent Caitlin “Kate” Todd could also return in NCIS: Origins. Kate was introduced in season 1, episode 1 of NCIS, working with the Secret Service before joining Gibbs’ team. Her character died in season 2, but Origins allows for her return as an adult in the early 1990s. This could explore a brief encounter with Gibbs while he is stationed at Camp Pendleton.
Jennifer “Jenny” Shepard
Lauren Holly’s Jennifer Shepard, a former NCIS Special Agent who became NCIS Director, could also appear. Jenny joined NCIS in 1999 and worked with Gibbs on a covert mission in Paris, which eventually led to her death in season 5. If NCIS: Origins progresses through time quickly or spans several seasons, it could show the beginning of Jenny’s career and her relationship with Gibbs.
Jackson Gibbs
NCIS: Origins will feature Jackson Gibbs, portrayed by Ralph Waite in the original series and now by Robert Taylor. Jackson first appeared in season 6, episode 4, “Heartland,” revealing his strained relationship with his son. The new series may revisit Shannon and Kelly’s funeral, the last time Gibbs saw his father, or go further back in time to explore their relationship before their estrangement.
Former Director Michael “Mike” Franks
Muse Watson’s Michael “Mike” Franks, who appeared in 20 episodes of NCIS, will return in Origins as a younger character played by Kyle Schmid. Franks was instrumental in Gibbs’ career, and the new series will focus on their early relationship and Franks’ influence on Gibbs. This marks the first time Gibbs won’t be the boss, highlighting his development under Franks’ mentorship.
Shannon Gibbs
Shannon Gibbs, portrayed by Darby Stanchfield and Aviva Farber, could also reappear, depending on how far back NCIS: Origins explores. Shannon and Kelly’s deaths in 1991 are pivotal in Gibbs’ backstory. Revisiting this traumatic event could provide a powerful opening for the series. Shannon’s appearance would offer a deeper look into Gibbs’ past, though it would ultimately lead to her tragic end.
Overall, NCIS: Origins offers a rare opportunity to revive beloved characters and explore untold stories from Gibbs’ early life, enriching the NCIS universe with new layers of depth and history.