Critic’s Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
4.5
If you’re anything like this TV Fanatic, you likely asked yourself, “How could a long-standing franchise like NCIS possibly go back in time? What is there left to tell in NCIS: Origins?”
The answer is an astounding amount! I was not prepared for that deep dive into the past. This show wasted no time jumping right into a case of love and drugs.
NCIS: Origins takes audiences into a past that feels as real and relevant as any story told in modern-day settings. The series boasts a cast as talented as they are young and attractive.
Despite the cookie-cutter procedural format, CBS’s NCIS: Origins has complex characters and an intricate story that speaks to the years of fantastic writing and plotting the franchise is known for.
Unlike Other Shows, NCIS: Origins Spends More Time On Quality Writing Than Blatant and Over The Top ‘90s Propping
Time-traveling back to the ‘90s, NCIS: Origins doesn’t ham up the era with elaborate props and over-the-top billboards that scream, “I Love The ‘90s.” Remember the cringe-fest of a show?
Despite the use of Walkmans and Beepers, the story feels grounded to the point that it’s easy to forget what decade the show takes place in.
The retro aesthetic isn’t nearly as jarring as the amount of emotion in NCIS: Origins. I have to admit that I was shocked by the number of tear-worthy moments during the premiere episodes.
The series already has so much history to draw from, and the hands behind the show are doing the most with it. But what is going to be the central focus of the NCIS prequel?
Sure, we’re exploring Leroy’s start, but die-hard fans of the franchise know he had a lot going on long before he started with the NIS.
While NCIS: Origins will likely follow a case-of-the-week format, there’s still the matter of the over-arching story. However, we may have already been clued in on what this series may be about.
NCIS: Origins Tip-Toes Around The Main Plot Of The Series
This feels like a spoiler, but considering Gibbs’s character and backstory have been entertaining fans for over twenty years after appearing on JAG, I should be able to speculate.
For newcomers to the franchise, I’ll try to be as coy about this as possible until the series tells its own story. Considering Gibbs’ timeline, there’s a good chance the main plot will focus on the events surrounding his wife and daughter’s murder.
You’re likely going, “Obviously, that’s going to be a main issue because the character is still reeling from the loss.” And you’re exactly right!
However, if you know, you know. And I don’t think NCIS: Origins will keep what I’m tip-toeing around a secret for very long. Again, what I’m referring to can easily be looked up.
Out of respect for fresh fans of the franchise who want to go into this new series blind, I’m not going to spoil anything for now. Just reference the scene where Leroy’s (Austin Stowell) dad asks him, “Did they catch him?”
Then again, NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 1 ended with the final line, “The story of her.” So, whatever this tale that present-day Gibbs is telling entails, we know Special Agent Lala Dominguez is at the center of it.
Familiar Franchise Favorites Abound, But Not All Faces Are Easily Recognizable
I’ve recently noticed a surge in stories, particularly any involving law enforcement, in which a Latin woman aids a caucasian man. Is this a trend? I saw a similar dynamic on Bad Monkey with Vince Vaughn and Natalie Martinez.
While franchise fans were meeting Lala for the first time, there were plenty of young faces of old friends. I had no idea that Kyle Schmid was playing Mike Franks.
Known for his roles in SIX, Being Human, and Copper, the actor has been active in the entertainment industry for almost thirty years.
He was utterly unrecognizable until I looked up the role. My hat is off to Schmid because he went in on the character.
Considering Franks is beloved, the actor likely wanted to do Mike justice. It was either “do a good job” or incur the wrath of the franchise’s Facebook fan groups.
However, my favorite character so far has to be Diany Rodriguez’s Special Agent, Vera Strickland. First seen in NCIS Season 11 Episode 3, “Under the Radar,” fans now know the character in her younger years.
She is a thirsty lady because she took one look at that tall drink of water, Gibbs, and was ready to climb him like a tree! I don’t blame her either. That man is damn handsome.
Now, we need to wait for Dwayne Cassius Pride, Dan McLane, and Felix Betts to round out the “Fed Five.” There’s been no word of casting, but considering Gibbs’ history, we’re bound to see them.
Austin Stowell Gives A Heartbreaking Performance of Leroy Jethro Gibbs
Speaking of the man of the hour, I have a feeling we’re seeing how all the pieces of Leroy were put back together with some parts added.
First, Austin Stowell did a fantastic job! The way he portrayed so much emotion with barely a facial expression was next-level acting. Give the man the Emmy!
He turned every emotional scene up to eleven. I lost count of how often I almost cried from his stoic expressions.
The way the character used every bit of focus and energy to keep from breaking down is HEARTBREAKING. This is why I agree with Lala (Mariel Molino) when she said his head wasn’t ready for the job yet.
She was right, and he knew it too. He didn’t hesitate to ask Franks about his psych evaluation. He is a broken man, and listening to the victim’s grandmother talk about the loss of family and loved ones certainly wasn’t helping him.
However, just in the first two episodes, you can see where Gibbs got some of his trademark personality traits.
For one, we have Special Agent Dominguez to thank for introducing the handsome widower to Bourbon. That definitely sticks.
It’s just a matter of time until Gibbs picks up on Franks’ head-slapping, but after seeing the mentor interrogate that meth dealer, I think it’s safe to say Gibbs picks up more than a few traits from his role model.
As for Gibbs’ unique ability to overhear information by standing behind or near people, it looks like that gift was procured from Caleb Martin Foote’s Special Agent Benjamin “Randy” Randolf.
NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 2 was not shy about throwing a spotlight on the character accidentally eavesdropping. If that’s not a clue or an Easter egg, I don’t know what is!
Despite Gibbs’ psych evaluation, his sharp mind still helped get the team the right guy. It would be great if he could do it without ruffling too many feathers.
Also, it would be great if he didn’t get a gold star every time he tied his shoelaces. What was with the constant positive reinforcement?
When Elsbeth or Morgan on High Potential gets anything right, their reward is the continued tolerance of their peers. It’s not like patting Gibbs on the back will make him chattier.
Regardless, NCIS: Origins is off to a strong start, promising the untold history of the character who kicked off a mountainous franchise.
This is one NCIS spinoff that won’t get the boot too soon.
Do you think the spinoff does the character of Gibbs justice?
Who are you hoping to see a younger version of from the franchise?
Please drop a comment below to let me know what you liked about this episode, and join me again when I review the next episode of NCIS: Origins!
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