NCIS: Origins Could Bring Back Muse Watson’s Mike Franks

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As a devoted fan of the NCIS franchise, I wholeheartedly believe that bringing back Muse Watson as Mike Franks would be a brilliant move for the upcoming prequel series, “NCIS: Origins.” With his rich acting experience and deep understanding of the character he brought to life, Watson’s presence would not only provide a heartwarming nod to the legacy of the original show but also enrich Harmon’s role in the new series.

A tale about NCIS Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ career wouldn’t be whole without his first superior, Mike Franks, who was once the head Special Agent. On “NCIS,” he was played by actor Muse Watson, depicting a younger Franks. In “NCIS: Origins,” Kyle Schmid portrays Franks at the age of 40, as written currently.

Similar to his predecessor, Schmid portrays the character with a blend of endearing traits and deliberate unpolitically correct nuances, two characteristics that made Franks one of the most beloved recurring characters in the series. He is known for being blunt, rigid in his beliefs, and exhibiting a hint of misogyny, yet he is also captivating, insightful, and unwaveringly loyal.

In the 24th episode of Season 3 in “NCIS”, Frank first appears after retiring from the agency 10 years ago, evidently content with his decision, especially when he learns a woman leads it. With the character back in focus on “Origins”, it feels like an ideal moment for a reunion of sorts within the “NCIS” universe. But how does a 76-year-old actor step into a role he played 18 years ago, in a prequel no less? As with many aspects of “NCIS”, Mark Harmon is crucial to making this work.

What happened to NCIS’ Mike Franks?

Over multiple seasons, Muse Watson frequently appeared as a recurring guest actor. In fact, he portrayed the character Mike Franks across a total of twenty episodes on the initial run of the show.

In “NCIS” Season 3, Frank makes his debut primarily as a guide for Gibbs during a phase of amnesia caused by a severe brain injury he sustained in the line of duty. Since Gibbs hadn’t regained his memories yet, Frank had to jog Gibbs’ memory about the significant events that transpired over those years. This includes Frank’s decision to retire abruptly when the agency didn’t take his warnings about Osama bin Laden seriously. Once Gibbs recovered and resumed his duties at NCIS full-time, Frank was eager to resume his retirement.

Although he tried to keep his distance, Franks found himself repeatedly drawn back into the NCIS organization, often assisting Gibbs or one of his team members. In “NCIS,” Franks would unexpectedly reappear throughout several seasons. Tragically, Franks met his end at the hands of the Port-to-Port Killer in Season 8, Episode 23 (“Swan Song”), but it was later revealed that he had been battling a terminal illness all along. Many viewers may have thought Watson’s character arc had ended there, but surprisingly, the actor continued to appear an additional eight times following Franks’ death, primarily portraying a vision that only Gibbs could perceive.

In Season 9, Episode 14 (“Life Before His Eyes”), we first see Watson, and it was then that Gibbs had a chance to reconnect with several deceased individuals from his past. Regrettably, Watson’s ghostly presence in the show was concluded after just one more brief scene in Season 15, Episode 8 (“Voices”).

How Muse Watson could return as Mike Franks in NCIS: Origins

In the 1991-set series, Austin Stowell plays a younger version of Gibbs, while Mark Harmon portrays an older, contemplative Gibbs in retirement in Alaska. Occasionally, we catch glimpses of the present day where the former federal agent is trying to pen down his experiences at NCIS (formerly known as NIS). With Gibbs being alone and preoccupied with his past, there will never be a more suitable time for Muse Watson to reprise his iconic role.

On the original “NCIS,” Frank is a frequent source of guidance for Gibbs whenever the younger agent requires advice or counsel. Interestingly, when Gibbs first retires at the end of Season 3, he opts to reconnect with Frank in Mexico. Given that Gibbs has now fully retired, it seems logical that he would take into account his former boss’s perspective on various matters.

Just as the original series often depicted after his death, the older Franks could provide Gibbs with a fresh viewpoint. Opposite his former trainee by the campfire, Franks may contemplate the gravity of his past decisions from beyond life. Not only would this scene stir nostalgia among fans, but it would also hint at the strong bond their younger selves will forge in future episodes.

Restoring Watson to appear alongside Harmon in a scene might elevate Harmon’s character beyond mere ceremonial duties in the upcoming series. This long-awaited reunion would serve as a nostalgic tribute to the original “NCIS” show, honoring the lasting impact of Watson’s role within its history and acknowledging his significant contributions.

Which NCIS character cameos are rumored or confirmed for Origins?

On the show “NCIS: Origins,” while Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Mike Franks are significant recurring characters who debuted on “NCIS,” they’re not the only ones with notable roles. Vera Strickland, an NCIS Special Agent, is played by Diany Rodriguez in “Origins.” However, the character was initially portrayed by Roma Maffia during Season 11, Episode 3 (“Under the Radar”) of “NCIS.

The prequel series has additionally presented revamped versions of Jackson, Shannon, and Kelly Gibbs. At present, no other original characters have been confirmed for return, but given the show’s history of recasting key figures, it’s possible that many familiar faces from Gibbs’ past could potentially reappear.

Initially, what may be top of mind for many viewers is the late Jenny Shepard, portrayed by Lauren Holly. It’s said that the eventual NCIS director develops an unusually close relationship with Gibbs during a covert operation in Paris circa 1999. Although the series presents brief glimpses of this romance, Jenny’s character is one of the few lacking a detailed flashback to depict her initial encounter with Gibbs.

As a die-hard NCIS fan, I can’t wait to delve back into the intriguing lore of Gibbs’ marital history, spanning the time from his first wife’s passing to the inception of the original series. Although we encounter each bride at different instances throughout NCIS, the specifics of their weddings remain shrouded in mystery and appear ripe for further investigation.

Additionally, the potential for linking the original series could also feature popular characters such as Tobias Fornell, a previous FBI agent who was once married to Gibbs’ first ex-wife, and Abigail Sciuto, a former NCIS Forensics Specialist, along with Stan Burley, an NCIS Special Agent.

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2024-10-16 05:30