Why Diane From NCIS: Origins Is More Important Than You Think

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Contains spoilers for “NCIS: Origins” Season 1, Episode 18 — “Cecilia”

The main character of “NCIS,” Leroy Jethro Gibbs, has always been haunted by the brutal killing of his first wife, Shannon Gibbs, and their daughter, Kelly Gibbs. This ongoing sorrow and anger lead him to carry out one of the most unforgivable acts – taking revenge on the man responsible for their deaths. However, throughout his life, he has been involved in several romantic relationships as well. In the final episode of the prequel series “NCIS: Origins,” Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell, encounters a real estate agent named Diane (Kathleen Kenny). Viewers familiar with the story may have reacted with surprise upon hearing her name, for Diane is none other than Leroy’s second wife.

Fans familiar with “NCIS” have previously encountered an older portrayal of Diane by Melinda McGraw. She made six appearances on the primary series, spread across Seasons 9 to 16. A significant number of these episodes focused on her tumultuous marriage to her third husband, Victor Sterling (Tom Gallop). In Season 16, Diane appeared as a ghost, having been killed by Russian terrorist Sergei Mishnev in a vengeful act against Gibbs during Season 12. This death was seen as one of Gibbs’s biggest mistakes in “NCIS”, as he failed to confirm the kill in Season 12’s opening episode. In Season 16’s “Daughters”, Diane primarily criticizes Gibbs for not thoroughly investigating the opioid-related death of her daughter, Emily.

Diane goes on the marry Gibbs’ friend Tobias

As a fervent admirer, I must say that even though Diane’s arrival in Season 2 of “NCIS: Origins” might lead some fans to anticipate a predictable storyline, the budding relationship between her and Gibbs will not follow the usual path. You see, Gibbs is still grappling with the aftermath of his life without his first wife and daughter, making him reluctant to let others in. However, Diane manages to bypass his defenses in a way that leaves him intrigued. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Austin Stowell shared some insights about Diane’s allure. He mentioned that there is something special about her that causes Gibbs to lower his guard. “Diane has the ability to disarm him immediately during this particularly vulnerable period in his life when he’s moving out of his house,” said Stowell. “The fact that he starts showing her around, and she compliments his eyes – a gesture that usually would elicit a scowl from Gibbs – speaks volumes about how she catches him off guard.

Absolutely, devoted “NCIS” viewers are aware that the relationship between Gibbs and Diane will develop further with intricacies ahead, as Gibbs’ longtime friend Tobias C. Fornell (portrayed by Lucas Dixon in “Origins”) becomes Diane’s second spouse. It’s significant to mention that after a costly divorce with Diane, Gibbs implores Tobias not to marry her, losing both money and his grandfather’s prized watch in the process. However, Tobias disregards Gibbs’ advice, marries Diane, and has a child named Emily with her. Fortunately, this doesn’t strain their friendship unduly, and that’s one reason why Fornell’s bond with Gibbs is the endearing bromance cherished by “NCIS” fans. Regrettably, Tobias and Diane’s marriage also ends up being unsuccessful. One lesson the show imparts is that keeping a healthy marriage in their line of work is far from simple.

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2025-04-30 18:00