What is NCIS: Origins? It's a thrilling prequel series that takes fans back to 1991, exploring the early career of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a beloved character from the NCIS universe. Set in a time when forensic technology was still developing, the show focuses on character growth and personal relationships, offering a fresh take on the NCIS franchise. Viewers will meet a young Gibbs, portrayed by Austin Stowell, as he navigates his role as a special agent at the NCIS Camp Pendleton office. Guided by his mentor Mike Franks, played by Kyle Schmid, Gibbs embarks on a journey filled with challenges and personal struggles. With a talented ensemble cast and a commitment to historical accuracy, NCIS: Origins promises to captivate both new and long-time fans. Mark your calendars for October 14, 2024, when this exciting series premieres on CBS.
Key Takeaways:
- Step back in time to 1991 with NCIS: Origins, exploring young Gibbs' early days and personal struggles, focusing on character development and relationships.
- Meet the new faces of NCIS: Origins, including a young Gibbs and his colleagues, as they navigate the challenges of 1991 with limited forensic technology and personal dynamics.
Setting and Premise
NCIS: Origins is the latest addition to the NCIS franchise, taking viewers back to 1991. This prequel series offers a fresh perspective on the early days of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a character beloved by fans. Set in a time when forensic technology was not as advanced, the series focuses on character development and personal relationships.
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Time Period: The show is set in 1991, a time when forensic technology was not as advanced as it is today.
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Character Focus: Emphasizes character development and personal relationships, a new element for the NCIS franchise.
Main Characters
The series introduces a younger Gibbs and his colleagues, each bringing unique skills and dynamics to the team. These characters are central to the story, shaping Gibbs' journey and the show's narrative.
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Leroy Jethro Gibbs: Played by Austin Stowell, Gibbs is a young special agent finding his place within the NCIS team.
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Mike Franks: Portrayed by Kyle Schmid, Franks is an NCIS legend and Gibbs' mentor.
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Special Agent Lala Dominguez: Played by Mariel Molino, she is a skilled operative crucial to Gibbs' early days.
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Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Sullivan: Tyla Abercrumbie plays Sullivan, who provides essential support to the team.
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Special Agent Vera Strickland: Diany Rodriguez brings expertise to the team as Strickland.
Cast and Crew
The cast and crew of NCIS: Origins are a mix of familiar faces and new talent. Their combined efforts ensure the show respects the original series while introducing new elements.
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Austin Stowell: Known for "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" and "Whiplash," he brings a fresh perspective to Gibbs.
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Kyle Schmid: Recognized for roles in "Falling Skies" and "Orphan Black," he plays Mike Franks.
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Mark Harmon: The original Gibbs serves as the narrator and executive producer, alongside his son, Sean Harmon.
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Sean Harmon: Initially cast as young Gibbs, he remains involved as an executive producer.
Executive Producers
The executive producers play a crucial role in shaping the series, ensuring it aligns with the NCIS universe while offering something new.
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Production Team: Includes Mark Harmon, Sean Harmon, David J. North, and Gina Lucita Monreal.
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Co-Writers: North and Monreal co-write the premiere episode and act as co-showrunners.
Plot Details
The plot of NCIS: Origins delves into Gibbs' early days as a special agent, focusing on his relationships and personal struggles. This narrative explores the events that shape his character.
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Character Development: Explores Gibbs' relationships with colleagues and mentors.
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Personal Struggles: Includes the loss of his wife and child, impacting his character development.
Episode Structure
The series' episode structure is designed to engage viewers with intriguing storylines and character arcs. The first few episodes set the tone for the rest of the series.
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Episode Titles: "Enter The Sandman" (Episodes 1 and 2) and "Bend, Don't Break" (Episode 3).
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Pilot Director: Niels Arden Oplev directs the pilot, with Monreal and North on writing duties.
Historical Context
The historical context of the series adds depth to the narrative, providing a backdrop for the characters' actions and decisions.
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Significant Event: Takes place after the deaths of Gibbs' first wife Shannon and daughter Kelly.
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Impact on Gibbs: This event significantly impacts Gibbs' character development and approach to work.
Forensic Technology
The series' setting in 1991 means characters must rely more on their skills and instincts, adding a unique challenge to their investigations.
- Limited Technology: The show lacks advanced forensic technology, making it more character-driven.
Personal Lives of Investigators
Exploring the personal lives of the investigators adds depth to their characters, allowing viewers to connect with them on a more personal level.
- Work-Life Balance: Shows how personal lives affect professional work.
Recasting Young Gibbs
The decision to recast young Gibbs was made to ensure the character's portrayal aligned with the show's vision.
- Role Recast: Sean Harmon was initially cast but replaced by Austin Stowell.
Family Affair
The involvement of Mark Harmon and his son Sean in the production adds a personal touch to the series, ensuring it stays true to the NCIS universe.
- Harmon Family: Both Mark and Sean Harmon are involved in the production, ensuring respect for the character and world of NCIS.
CBS's Fall Schedule
NCIS: Origins is set to be a significant part of CBS's fall schedule, competing with other procedural dramas.
- Launch Date: Scheduled to launch on October 14, 2024.
Backdoor Pilot
The series follows the typical move of doing a backdoor pilot, allowing for adjustments before the official launch.
- Pilot Strategy: The first episode of the spinoff is included as a normal episode of the original series.
Changes in Character Traits
Early character development can lead to inconsistencies, but the showrunners are taking steps to ensure consistency with the original series.
- Character Consistency: Efforts are made to ensure character traits align with the original series.
Harrison Ford's Declined Role
Harrison Ford was considered for the role of Gibbs but declined, adding an interesting tidbit to the show's history.
- Ford's Decline: Acknowledged in the pilot with a reference to "Air Force One."
Pop Culture References
Gibbs' character is known for being out of touch with pop culture, a trait that adds humor and depth to his character.
- Gibbs' Pop Culture: Known for being out of touch, as seen in a late-season four episode.
NCIS Franchise Origins
The NCIS franchise has a rich history, originating from the legal drama JAG. This background adds depth to the series and its characters.
- JAG Connection: The franchise originated from JAG, which introduced the NCIS team.
Milestones
The NCIS franchise has reached significant milestones, underscoring its longevity and popularity.
- 1,000th Episode: The franchise marked its 1,000th episode on April 15, 2024.
Spinoffs
NCIS has seen several spinoffs, each offering a unique take on the franchise's themes and characters.
- Other Spinoffs: Includes NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans.
Backdoor Pilot Changes
Adjustments made between the backdoor pilot and the real pilot ensure the series aligns with the show's vision.
- Pilot Adjustments: Changes made to ensure consistency with the show's vision.
Character Development
The series focuses on character development, exploring how Gibbs and his team navigate their personal and professional lives.
- Character Focus: Allows for a deeper investment in the characters and their world.
New Elements
NCIS: Origins introduces new elements to the franchise, differentiating it from previous series.
- Fresh Elements: Focuses on character relationships and personal struggles.
Historical Accuracy
The showrunners are committed to historical accuracy, ensuring events and character traits are consistent with the original series.
- Accuracy Commitment: Ensures respect for established canon and avoids inconsistencies.
Production Challenges
Despite challenges, the production team is committed to creating something better creatively.
- Creative Commitment: Ensures the show stays true to the NCIS universe while introducing new elements.
Cast and Crew Insights
At the Television Critics Association press tour, the cast and crew shared insights into the show's development and challenges.
- Press Tour Insights: Discussed character development, historical accuracy, and production challenges.
Sean Harmon's Involvement
Sean Harmon remains involved in the production, ensuring the show continues with integrity.
- Harmon's Role: Excited about the storyline and character handling.
Gina Lucita Monreal's Insights
Monreal discussed how the show operates differently from previous series, focusing more on character and personal relationships.
- Monreal's Perspective: Emphasizes character and personal relationships due to lack of advanced forensic technology.
David J. North's Comments
North highlighted the importance of respecting established canon and avoiding inconsistencies.
- Canon Respect: Ensures the show stays true to the original series.
NCIS: Origins in the NCIS Timeline
The series takes place shortly after the deaths of Gibbs' first wife and daughter, impacting his character development.
- Timeline Placement: Significant impact on Gibbs' character development and work approach.
The Role of Mike Franks
Mike Franks, played by Kyle Schmid, is a key figure in Gibbs' early days, providing guidance and support.
- Franks' Influence: An NCIS legend and Gibbs' mentor.
The Ensemble Cast
The series features a skilled ensemble cast, bringing a new yet familiar dynamic to the NCIS franchise.
- Cast Dynamics: Includes Austin Stowell, Kyle Schmid, Mariel Molino, Tyla Abercrumbie, Diany Rodriguez, and Mark Harmon as the narrator.
Additional Cast Members
New cast members add depth and diversity to the series, enriching the narrative and character interactions.
- New Additions: Includes Julian Black Antelope, Dollar Tan, Patrick Fischler, Daniel Roebuck, and Robert Taylor.
Executive Producers' Involvement
The executive producers ensure the show is made with a deep respect for the character and the world of NCIS.
- Producer Commitment: Mark Harmon, Sean Harmon, David J. North, and Gina Lucita Monreal are all involved.
CBS Studios Production
CBS Studios produces NCIS: Origins, integrating it into their fall schedule and ensuring quality production.
- Studio Production: Part of the larger CBS family.
Television Critics Association Press Tour
The press tour provided insights into the show's development, character focus, and production challenges.
- Tour Highlights: Discussed various aspects of the show, including character development and historical accuracy.
Austin Stowell's Background
Stowell's background and previous roles contribute to his portrayal of young Gibbs, adding depth to the character.
- Stowell's Experience: Known for roles in "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" and "Whiplash."
Romantic Relationship
Stowell's past relationship with Nina Dobrev influenced his acting career and approach to roles like young Gibbs.
- Personal Influence: Relationship with Nina Dobrev impacted his career.
Gibbs' Character Evolution
Gibbs' character evolution is central to the series, exploring his journey from a broken man to a star investigator.
- Character Journey: Explores his relationships with past partners and colleagues.
A Fresh Take on a Beloved Franchise
NCIS: Origins is set to bring a new perspective to the NCIS universe. By diving into Leroy Jethro Gibbs' early days, the show promises to explore the character's development in a way fans haven't seen before. Set in 1991, it offers a nostalgic look at a time when forensic technology wasn't as advanced, pushing characters to rely on their instincts. With a talented ensemble cast, including Austin Stowell as young Gibbs and Kyle Schmid as his mentor Mike Franks, the series is poised to captivate both new viewers and long-time fans. The involvement of Mark Harmon and his son Sean Harmon ensures a deep respect for the original series' canon. As it hits screens on October 14, 2024, audiences can expect a compelling blend of personal struggles, character relationships, and the gritty world of early NCIS investigations.
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