Reviewer Rating: 4.5/5.0
4.5
If you’re like this TV fanatic, you’re probably asking yourself, “How can a long-running franchise like NCIS possibly go back in time? What else is there to say about NCIS: Origins?”
The answer is a surprising number! I wasn’t ready to delve into the past. The show wastes no time and jumps right into the love and drugs side of things.
NCIS: Origins takes viewers into the past and feels as real and relevant as any story told in a modern setting. The show has a talented, young and attractive cast.
Despite the cookie-cutter format of the program, CBS’ NCIS: Origins features complex characters and intricate stories that tell the story that the series has become known for over the years with great writing and plot.
Unlike other shows, “NCIS: Origins” spends more time on quality writing than “Blatant” and “90’s Top” support
Back in the 1990s, “NCIS: Origins” did not use elaborate props and exaggerated billboards to exaggerate this era, screaming “I love the 90s.” Remember that embarrassing scene from the show?
Despite the use of walkmans and pagers, the story feels so grounded that it’s easy to forget what era the show takes place in.
The retro aesthetic isn’t as jarring as the sensibilities of NCIS: Origins. I have to admit, I was shocked by the tear-jerking moments in the premiere episode.
The show already has a lot of history to draw from, and the people behind the show have done a lot of work with it. But what is the central focus of the NCIS prequel?
Sure, we’re exploring Leroy’s beginnings, but die-hard fans of the series know that he’s been through a lot long before he started serving as the N.S.I.
While NCIS: Origins may be taking a case-of-the-week format, there’s still the question of the overall story. However, we may have already seen what this series is about.
NCIS: Origins’ main plot surrounding the series
This feels like a spoiler, but considering that Gibbs’ character and backstory have entertained fans for more than two decades after appearing on JAG , I should be able to speculate.
For those new to the series, I’m going to try to be coy about it until the series tells its own story. Given Gibbs’ timeline, the main plot will likely focus on the events surrounding the murders of his wife and daughter.
You might say, “Obviously, this is going to be a major problem since the characters are still reeling from the loss.” You’d be absolutely right!
However, if you know, you know. And I don’t think NCIS: Origins will keep my carefully guarded secret for long. Again, what I’m referring to is easy to find.
I won’t spoil anything right now out of respect for new fans who want to jump into this new series blind. Just reference the scene where Leroy’s (Austin Stowell) father asks him, “Did they catch him?”
Once again, NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 1 ends with the final line, “Her story.” So whatever the present-day Gibbs telling this story means, we know Agent Lala Dominguez is at the center of it.
Familiar franchise brands abound, but not all faces are easily identifiable
I’ve noticed lately a surge in stories about Latina women helping white men, especially stories involving law enforcement. Is this a trend? I saw a similar dynamic in Bad Monkeys with Vince Vaughn and Natalie Martinez.
When fans of the series first meet Lala, there are a lot of young faces with old friends. I had no idea Kyle Schmid was playing Mike Franks.
The actor, known for his roles in Six, Being Human and Copper, has been active in the entertainment industry for nearly three decades.
Before I looked the character up, he was completely unrecognizable. I tip my hat to Schmid because he loved this character.
Considering how beloved Franks is, the actor may want to do Mack justice. Either “do a good job” or incur the wrath of the series’ Facebook fanbase.
However, my favorite character so far has to be Diana Rodriguez’s agent Vera Strickland. First appearing on NCIS Season 11 Episode 3, “Under the Radar,” fans have now gotten to know the character in her younger years.
She was a thirsty lady because she took one look at that tall water glass Gibbs and was ready to climb him like a tree! I don’t blame her either. That guy is so handsome
Now, we have to wait for Dwayne Cassius Pride, Dan McClain, and Felix Betts to form the “Federal Five.” There’s no word yet on casting, but given Gibbs’ history, we’ll definitely see them.
Austin Stowell gives a heartbreaking performance as Leroy Jethro Gibbs
Speaking of Man of the Hour, I have a feeling we’re seeing how all the parts of Leroy are put back together, with some added to the mix.
First off, Austin Stowell did a great job! The way he portrays so much emotion with almost no facial expression is a next level performance. Give this man an Emmy!
He cranked up every emotional scene to eleven. I can’t tell you how many times I almost cried because of his stoic expression.
The way this character uses every ounce of focus and energy to avoid collapse is heartbreaking. That’s why I agree with Lara (Mariel Molino) when she says his mind isn’t ready for the job.
She was right and he knew it. He didn’t hesitate to ask Franks for his own psychological evaluation. He is a broken man and hearing the victim’s grandmother talk about the loss of family and loved ones certainly didn’t help him.
However, just in the first two episodes, you can see where some of Gibbs’ signature character traits come from.
First, we want to thank Agent Dominguez for introducing this handsome widower to the Bourbons. That will definitely stick.
It was only a matter of time before Gibbs received a pat on the head from Franks, but after watching his mentor interrogate that meth dealer, I think it’s safe to say that Gibbs learned a lot of his traits from his role model.
As for Gibbs’ unique ability to eavesdrop on messages by standing behind or near people, it appears that this gift was received from Caleb Martin Foote’s agent Benjamin “Randy” Randolph.
NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 2 isn’t shy about shining the spotlight on its characters who accidentally eavesdrop. If that’s not a clue or an Easter egg, I don’t know what is!
Despite Gibbs’ mental evaluation, his sharp mind helped the team find the right fit. It would be great if he could do that without pissing off too many people.
Also, it would be nice if you didn’t get a gold star every time you tie your shoelaces. What’s up with constant positive reinforcement?
When a high-potential Elsbeth or Morgan does anything right, their reward is continued tolerance from their peers. Patting Gibbs on the back didn’t make him any more talkative.
Regardless, NCIS: Origins is off to a strong start, promising the untold history of the character that launched a mountainous series.
This is an NCIS spin-off that isn’t coming anytime soon.
Do you think Gibbs’ character is being done justice in the spin-off series?
Who would you like to see a younger version of in the series?
Leave 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!
Watch NCIS: Origins online
