NCIS: Origins Update Makes Me Way More Excited For Gibbs’ Prequel Story!!!!!!
The recent update about NCIS: Origins and its portrayal of Gibbs has only heightened my excitement for the prequel. While the show will still follow a police procedural format with weekly cases, its main focus will be on the early career of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The iconic NCIS character will now be portrayed by Austin Stowell, marking a notable shift from the original series. In a recent interview, Stowell shared that his version of Gibbs will differ significantly from Mark Harmon’s, which only adds to the anticipation as the premiere approaches.
I’m eager to see how the NCIS: Origins cast navigates Gibbs’ backstory, and the fact that Stowell’s young Gibbs will diverge from Harmon’s portrayal is undeniably intriguing. Given that NCIS: Origins takes place years before the events of NCIS, some differences between the two portrayals are expected. However, the mystery of just how different Stowell’s interpretation will be is what has piqued my interest. Stowell’s recent insights offer hints about the emotional depth his version of Gibbs will bring, especially in contrast to the stoic character we’ve come to know.
How Austin Stowell’s Gibbs Will Differ from Mark Harmon’s Version
Austin Stowell’s Gibbs will be navigating many firsts in NCIS: Origins, offering a fresh take on the character. Unlike the older, more hardened Gibbs we know from NCIS, Stowell’s version will be younger and emotionally raw. NCIS: Origins is set just months after Gibbs tragically lost both his wife and daughter, leaving him in a vulnerable state. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Stowell emphasized that his Gibbs is “not the guy that fans are used to.”
Stowell further explained that this younger Gibbs will be dealing with an overwhelming number of changes. Grieving the loss of his family and starting a new job, Gibbs will be going through significant emotional turmoil, which will undoubtedly shape his character. The stress of these events will show a side of Gibbs that viewers have never seen before, making him much more vulnerable. This portrayal is closely tied to the raw emotions Gibbs is grappling with, creating a stark contrast to the emotionally distant Gibbs seen in the first 19 seasons of NCIS.
In NCIS, Harmon’s Gibbs is reserved and cautious about sharing personal details, likely as a result of the trauma he endured. It took years for his team to truly get to know him. By exploring these earlier experiences, NCIS: Origins promises to provide deeper insight into why Gibbs became so closed off, offering a more emotionally rewarding experience for long-time fans.
Why Having a Different Gibbs is Perfect for the Prequel
Highlighting the evolution of Gibbs’ character in NCIS: Origins is one of the show’s biggest strengths. Watching how the events of his past shaped the stoic leader we know will not only enrich Gibbs’ backstory but also give fans a greater appreciation for his journey throughout the original series.
Having a different version of Gibbs in NCIS: Origins is great for the show because it allows the prequel to stand out. It helps keep the show distinct and adds elements to Mark Harmon’s Gibbs that are not explained in NCIS. Furthermore, by focusing on Gibbs’ character development and his emotional state, NCIS: Origins can expand on why the NCIS version of Gibbs is the way that he is. It will also be interesting to see how the experiences that Gibbs has in NCIS: Origins turn him into the character we see in NCIS.
I was nervous about NCIS: Origins breaking a common NCIS spinoff trend, but Gibbs’ team, led by Austin Stowell, offers a sense of relief.
NCIS: Origins Will Add To Gibbs’ Most Tragic Story
We Will Finally See The Impact Of Gibbs’ Greatest Losses
NCIS: Origins could be the first time a detailed account is revealed of Gibbs’ most tragic losses. In 1991, Gibbs sadly lost his first wife and daughter, Shannon and Kelly, to cartel violence. Some of the incident was revealed in a flashback in the two-part episode “Hiatus” in NCIS season 3. The episode was likely used as a way to give context to Gibbs’ hardened emotional state. Besides those flashbacks, not much else is known about Gibbs’ wife and daughter, which gives NCIS: Origins a chance to explore the topic further.
Season 3, episode 23 of NCIS revealed that Shannon and Kelly were killed in a car accident after Shannon testified against a cartel leader, Pedro Hernandez.
The death of Shannon and Kelly led to Gibbs being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps and joining NIS, the precursor to NCIS. NCIS: Origins examines this period of Gibbs’ life. Despite the series starting after Gibbs’ losses, the prequel will likely reveal more details about Shannon and Kelly through flashbacks or dialogue, as Gibbs will be going through a very difficult time in his life. The story is already so heartbreaking, but I am looking forward to gaining a more inside look at Gibbs’ relationships with Shannon and Kelly.
NCIS: Origins Sounds Like The Most Essential NCIS Spinoff Yet
A Detailed Look At A Singular Character Is New To The Franchise
NCIS: Origins will do something that no other NCIS spinoff has done before. It will focus on a singular character: Gibbs. So far, NCIS and all of its spinoffs have focused on team dynamics, and while the NIS team will still be a major aspect of NCIS: Origins, the prequel will largely focus on Gibbs’ story. I think that the show’s premise is a refreshing change from the typical NCIS series format. It will be interesting to see how the showrunners and writers balance keeping the show focused on Gibbs while also including standard NCIS features like weekly cases.
NCIS: Origins also stands out from the other spinoffs by featuring Mark Harmon as Gibbs years after he left NCIS. It has been confirmed that Harmon will be the narrator in NCIS: Origins, and he will give needed context and emotional sentiments to Stowell’s scenes as the young Gibbs. Having Harmon appear in the spinoff also means that an iconic NCIS actor is returning to the franchise. Harmon’s appearance in the spinoff will help solidify NCIS: Origins as the most essential spinoff so far, since his portrayal of Gibbs is one of the most memorable things about NCIS.