As someone who has been following the NCIS franchise since its inception, I can confidently say that Mark Harmon‘s return to the fold is like a warm, familiar hug from an old friend. His connection to Leroy Jethro Gibbs runs deeper than just a character; it’s a bond forged over two decades of shared history on our screens.
In October of 2024, the debut of “NCIS: Origins” will mark the return of Mark Harmon to the larger franchise, following his departure from the main series at the start of Season 19. Although he’s stepped down to a producer and narrator position, Harmon, one of the original actors dating back to the “JAG” backdoor pilot, shared the reasons that initially attracted him to the show that eventually became a cultural phenomenon, as he made an appearance as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the prequel’s premiere.
It’s tough to envision the NCIS series without Mark Harmon, as he played a significant role in shaping the identity of the intellectual property (IP) for nearly two decades. His influence can still be seen today through NCIS: Origins, a prequel that revolves around Gibbs and underscores the character’s importance. When asked by The Hollywood Reporter why he accepted the role many years ago, Harmon partly attributed it to his character’s nickname.
Upon receiving the NCIS script, encountering the name ‘Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ left me momentarily stunned. When asked about what drew me to the story, I would often joke, “The name.” (Chuckles.) But there was certainly more to it than that. I hadn’t anticipated becoming so captivated by the character, which is a testament to both the compelling narrative and the belief that I might bring something valuable to that role.
Without a doubt, if I encountered the name “Leroy Jethro Gibbs” without any background information, I might ponder about the man hiding behind that name. People who follow the series NCIS, whether on CBS or through Paramount+, are well aware that Gibbs’ name was chosen in honor of his father’s best friend, Leroy Jethro “LJ” Moore. Of course, Gibbs is much more than just his name, but I can see why Harmon might find it intriguing upon initial introduction.
Mark Harmon might have chosen to star in NCIS: Origins due to the tumultuous events of Gibbs’ early years. This prequel series is set in the ’90s, not long after the NIS agent experiences a devastating loss – the death of his wife and daughter. The intrigue surrounding his past provides ample material for exploration, and Austin Stowell masterfully portrays the younger version of the character.
There remains optimism among some fans that Mark Harmon could reappear in the main series of the franchise, called the Mothership, since his departure several years ago. This hope has been further fueled by his return to the franchise through a spinoff. While it’s uncertain if he’ll resume his role as Gibbs for the primary series, there’s a chance that he could make an appearance on Origins instead.
20 years ago, it was hard to predict how successful the TV show NCIS would become once it was given the green light. However, the spinoff surpassed JAG in popularity and has managed to retain a dedicated audience ever since. I’m thrilled that Mark Harmon agreed to join the cast, and it’s fascinating that his character’s name was a significant factor in his decision. Here’s to hoping that the franchise thrives as time goes by, with Harmon and the rest of the team skillfully developing the story of Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
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2024-11-26 17:37