Is ‘NCIS: Origins’ Really Worth Watching?

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  • ‘NCIS: Origins‘ Doesn’t Offer ‘NCIS’ Viewers Many Surprises
  • Mark Harmon’s Voice Has Overshadowed ‘NCIS: Origins’
  • ‘NCIS: Origins’ Is a Pointless Exercise in Nostalgia

As someone who has spent countless hours watching and analyzing the NCIS franchise over the past two decades, I must admit that I find myself rather underwhelmed by the latest addition to the series: NCIS: Origins. Having grown accustomed to the fast-paced action, intriguing plot twists, and well-developed characters that have defined the franchise, I cannot help but feel that Origins is a pointless exercise in nostalgia.

In the 2021 episode “Great Wide Open,” lead character Leroy Jethro Gibbs, from the hit series NCIS, departed the show to find adventure and tranquility in Alaska. This move sparked discussion about when or how Mark Harmon might reappear as Gibbs in a future episode of NCIS. Contrary to these expectations, Harmon appeared instead as the narrator for the prequel series, titled NCIS: Origins, which debuted in 1991. In this spin-off, Austin Stowell portrays a younger Gibbs who embarks on his investigative journey with the Naval Investigative Service (NIS), the precursor to NCIS, as he deals with the loss of his daughter and wife.

NCIS: Origins has been constructed in such a way that viewers don’t need to have watched NCIS to enjoy the prequel. Accordingly, while Gibbs’ history has been explored in exhaustive detail on NCIS, the plot developments in NCIS: Origins, especially in terms of Gibbs’ pursuit of his family’s killer, will only surprise those viewers who haven’t watched NCIS previously. Moreover, as the prequel features the same case-of-the-week procedural format of NCIS, one of the only surprising aspects is the novelty of seeing the prequel’s investigators employ now archaic early 1990s technology, which, combined with the decidedly contemporary attitudes and sensibilities of the prequel’s characters, makes NCIS: Origins seem like it’s caught in a time warp.

‘NCIS: Origins’ Doesn’t Offer ‘NCIS’ Viewers Many Surprises

In essence, the series NCIS: Origins, much like other prequels, carries an air of destiny due to its connection with a legendary television figure, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Given that Gibbs’ future storyline, spanning 19 seasons of NCIS, is well-known among viewers, this prior knowledge adds suspense and intrigue as we delve into the evolution of the younger Gibbs. However, apart from this narrative thread, NCIS: Origins tends to follow a predictable trajectory.

As a devoted fan, I must admit that the heartrending backstory of Gibbs holds a special place. The loss of his daughter, Kelly, and wife, Shannon, who were brutally taken by a ruthless Mexican drug dealer named Pedro Hernandez, is deeply moving. However, the intense sorrow that drove Gibbs to seek justice for their deaths, and his relentless pursuit of revenge against Hernandez, was already portrayed in great detail on NCIS, particularly in the two-part third season finale “Hiatus”. Here, Gibbs takes revenge by eliminating Hernandez with a sniper rifle in Mexico. While it was intended to be a central theme for NCIS: Origins during its first season, the repetition seems unnecessary given this previous coverage.

Apart from Gibbs, the significant character in NCIS: Origins is Special Agent Mike Franks, portrayed by Muse Watson on NCIS and Kyle Schmid in the prequel series. Franks gained popularity when he was introduced as Gibbs’ former mentor and partner in the third season of NCIS. Fans were taken aback when Franks was killed in the Season 8 episode “Swan Song” while pursuing a serial killer, but were surprised again when he resurfaced as a figment of Gibbs’ imagination later on.

In NCIS: Origins, the developing partnership between Franks and Gibbs is one of the show’s most enjoyable elements. Franks, who was tasked with investigating the murder of Gibbs’ family, recognizes a lot of potential in the emotionally troubled Gibbs. He shares crucial information about the killer’s whereabouts with him. The contrast between the bold and straightforward nature of the younger Franks and the stoic demeanor of the younger Gibbs makes their relationship quite intriguing.

Mark Harmon’s Voice Has Overshadowed ‘NCIS: Origins’

In the premiere of NCIS: Origins, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, is first seen in a campfire scene deep within Alaska’s wilderness. This is where viewers last saw Gibbs after he bid farewell to his fellow NCIS team members. Using a notebook, the typically taciturn Gibbs then embarks on an account of how he evolved into the character that audiences have come to know so intimately for over two decades.

Although Gibbs expresses eagerness to reveal his secrets before he passes away, a significant challenge with NCIS: Origins is that most of what Gibbs might discuss or write about is already established knowledge for longtime NCIS fans. Additionally, by telling his own story, Gibbs violates one of his own rules regarding reflection, making it seem unusual for him to assume the role of narrator, unless living in Alaska has caused more transformation than expected.

In the scenes featuring the younger Gibbs, Harmon’s gravelly voice adds depth to the emotional elements. However, Harmon’s presence tends to overshadow Austin Stowell, who strives to inject sadness and sorrow into the scenes. This could potentially hinder Stowell’s long-term success in embodying the role of Gibbs within NCIS: Origins, as his performance may be overshadowed by Harmon’s narration. Since Harmon and the large, intimidating Austin Stowell share minimal physical similarities, it’s crucial for the show to reduce reliance on Harmon’s narration to allow Stowell’s portrayal of Gibbs to shine independently.

‘NCIS: Origins’ Is a Pointless Exercise in Nostalgia

If NCIS: Origins, being the sixth series in the NCIS franchise, had been the initial installment, it would have made a strong first impression. However, with three existing shows such as NCIS, NCIS: Sydney, and now Origins, one might question its necessity, given that the franchise continues to thrive without any signs of slowing down, even without Mark Harmon. The canceled spin-off NCIS: Hawai’i by CBS, in favor of NCIS: Origins, underscores the awkward position of the prequel within the franchise.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but feel the palpable excitement brewing for the upcoming spin-off, “NCIS: Tony & Ziva.” The long-awaited reunion of fan favorites Anthony DiNozzo and Ziva David promises an intriguing narrative that seems to be more about embracing the future than reminiscing about the past.

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2024-12-08 01:34