Following a legacy of spin-offs, the NCIS franchise introduces NCIS: Origins, a series that explores the early days of Agent Gibbs’ career, but with a darker edge than before.NCIS stands out as one of the most successful series franchises today, spawning an impressive array of spin-offs. The latest addition is NCIS: Origins, which takes a different approach by exploring the early days of Gibbs' career at NCIS, then still known as NIS, rather than launching a new office in a different location.
Young Gibbs is portrayed by Austin Stowell (Catch-22), and the first two episodes revolve around his inaugural case: the investigation of a woman’s death in a fire, where Gibbs’ military background proves useful as he navigates the case. The case, however, is not that strong. While the buildup is decent enough, the resolution feels underwhelming and leaves questions unanswered.
The interpersonal dynamics among the characters have promise and could become the show's foundation
The saving grace of these first two episodes is that they are not so much about the case, but rather about Gibbs and the team. The team is quite good, especially Kyle Schmid (Six) as Mike Franks. Schmid stands out with the best performance of all, embodying Franks' abrasive charm. While Franks may not be particularly likable, that’s in line with his character's established persona. Other side characters show potential; for instance, Special Agent Lala Dominguez (Mariel Molino, The Watchful Eye) could evolve into an intriguing character, although she needs more development. Randy (Caleb Foote, Made for Love) adds a comedic touch but walks a fine line between amusing and irritating. The interpersonal dynamics among the characters have promise and could become the show's foundation.
The major problem is Gibbs, however, and in two ways. Each episode opens and closes with narration from the older Gibbs (Mark Harmon, who played Gibbs in the original NCIS). While these narrations aim to provide context and drama, they are also purposely vague and feel overly dramatic. There seems to be some kind of buildup for future events, but so far they have not convinced me.
The second Gibbs-problem is Stowell. He is not convincing so far. He should be putting forward a traumatized man grappling with his past mistakes, but his portrayal comes across as somewhat wooden. Online discussions have also pointed out discrepancies in his outer appearance compared to the older Gibbs, particularly his height. While I’m open to overlooking these details for a strong actor, Stowell hasn’t quite reached that level yet.
This series is darker and moodier than the rest of the franchise
It might be good to note that this series is darker and moodier than the rest of the franchise, which thrived on its likable characters, light jokes, and light-hearted banter. So far, the team feels broken, with few characters emerging as genuinely likable. This shift raises questions about the target audience; while there’s certainly a market for darker narratives with borderline unlikable characters, it's uncertain whether it aligns with the traditional NCIS fan base. These two episodes ooze pessimism, while the whole franchise always had an air of optimism despite the violence and setbacks the characters face. To carry this somber show, we are going to need Stowell to grow into his role. Franks/Schmid cannot carry this show on his own.
Overall, Origins appears to be in search of its identity. Will it fit neatly within the franchise or carve out a darker path? And if the latter, will it attract an audience? I am at least curious enough to see where they are going to take this. Let’s hope for some improvement.
About the writer, Nienke de Boode
She started with watching NCIS, CSI and Bones, but over time her passion for TV shows has grown to what it is today, with dozens of shows that need to be watched. You can always wake her up for a good crime show, but she is also open to different things. Comedy and fantasy are on her list of favourites as well. Since October 2014, she also writes for MySeries to combine her love for TV shows and writing.
I agree with the review. This series has not convinced me either and I do not understand why Hawaii had to make way for this. There is also a very big mistake in this series and I find it downright scandalous that it is in there. This could have been prevented so easily. Gibbs comes to work at NIS after he has taken revenge on the murderer of his wife. In this series the murder is still unsolved.
Agree with the review and The_Phenom. I watched the two episodes and already had the idea that I would not continue watching the series. Also the way Gibbs is portrayed I find very out of character. I did not click with the rest of the team either. Franks reminded me most of the Franks from the original series. But I always thought he was a nice side character and not someone who could carry a series. And he has to, because the actor who plays the young Gibbs makes absolutely no impression. No, yet another spin-off that I am not impressed with and will therefore pass on.
Yeah, I don't see this young Gibbs becoming the Gibbs we have known for 19 seasons. I liked young Gibbs in the original series before I learned that he was actually Mark Harmon's son Sean. He was believable as young Gibbs; Austin Stowell is not.
what a god awful bolt series I say I'm already getting sick of those popular women these days what comes out of my throat and a bunch of B actors pffff especially the one playing Gibbs and the rest all so worked up and just shouting all the time no not for me but they show the true nature of how sick those Americans are worked up frustrating people those agents there disgusting
This series has not convinced me either and I do not understand why Hawaii had to make way for this. There is also a very big mistake in this series and I find it downright scandalous that it is in there. This could have been prevented so easily. Gibbs comes to work at NIS after he has taken revenge on the murderer of his wife. In this series the murder is still unsolved.