Admittedly, when NCIS: Origins was first announced, I was lukewarm about the idea. Gibbs’ personal story was already extensively tackled in the flagship series, although sporadically, since it was interwoven with its procedural format. Still, I thought that NCIS already tackled everything that it could when it came to Gibbs’ personal life, including his history with Pedro Hernandez. It wasn’t until a few episodes in of NCIS: Origins season 1 that I started to really like it — when they began expanding its storytelling beyond Gibbs to other members of Mike Franks’ NIS team.
By the time NCIS: Origins kicked off the back half of its debut year, I was fully invested. The prequel tackled a variety of stories, from learning other people who helped Gibbs during the darkest period of his life to getting to know his co-workers better thanks to having their own dedicated episode. More impressively, NCIS: Origins season 1 was able to do this by also sending the NIS to weekly cases that were both intriguing and compelling.
In terms of tone, NCIS: Origins was expectedly darker and grittier, primarily because of the premise. Throughout its run thus far, NCIS: Origins ran back-to-back with the flagship series, with NCIS serving as its lead-in, which has always been the norm for TV franchises. However, it also made it far easier to compare the shows. In terms of tone, NCIS: Origins was expectedly darker and grittier, primarily because of the premise, but also to differentiate itself from its parent show. While that helped the spinoff, it just magnified NCIS season 22’s lacking storytelling.
When NCIS: Origins was announced, fans were intrigued but skeptical. How could a prequel possibly live up to the legacy of the long-running original series, especially going up against NCIS Season 22? Surprisingly, NCIS: Origins didn’t just match expectations—it exceeded them. In many ways, it felt like a breath of fresh air compared to a formula that was starting to go stale.
So, why was NCIS: Origins better? Let’s break it down.
A Fresh Take on a Beloved Universe
A Story That Actually Surprised Us
Unlike NCIS Season 22, which leaned heavily into predictable plots and recycled drama, Origins dared to dive deeper into untold stories. We got to see young Gibbs and how he became the stoic legend fans know today. It was personal. It was layered. And, most importantly, it felt new.
A Character-Driven Narrative
Characters in Origins weren’t just crime solvers—they were real people with depth. Watching young Gibbs struggle with his moral compass added emotional stakes that Season 22 often lacked. And let’s not forget young Mike Franks—arguably one of the most entertaining characters the franchise has brought back.
Stronger Emotional Core
More Than Just Solving Crimes
Where Season 22 often went through the motions, Origins stopped to ask, “Why?” Why did Gibbs become who he is? Why does he have those rules? By exploring these roots, Origins gave us something Season 22 didn’t: emotional payoff.
It Hit Different (In a Good Way)
Remember when Gibbs first said Rule #9? In Origins, that moment wasn’t just fan service—it was earned. It felt real. It felt like something that shaped him. That level of emotional layering was practically non-existent in Season 22.
Casting That Just Worked
Austin Stowell as Young Gibbs
Let’s be honest—replacing Mark Harmon was no easy task. But Austin Stowell stepped into the role of young Leroy Jethro Gibbs and nailed it. He brought a vulnerability that still hinted at the hardened man he would become.
A Perfectly Balanced Ensemble
From young Mike Franks to a younger version of familiar faces, the chemistry in Origins felt organic. Everyone had a purpose. Contrast that with Season 22, where some characters felt like they were just checking boxes.
Writing That Took Risks
Exploring Untouched Territory
While NCIS Season 22 played it safe with episodic crime cases, Origins dared to go deeper. It wasn’t afraid to get messy with its characters. We saw internal conflicts, deep regrets, and raw emotion. It wasn’t just another crime procedural—it was a drama.
Better Pacing, More Tension
Let’s face it—some episodes in Season 22 dragged. Origins kept you guessing. Whether it was a flashback or a case that tied into a bigger arc, the momentum never died down. Every episode felt like a puzzle piece, not filler.
Thematic Depth and Story Arcs
The Making of a Marine and a Man
We didn’t just get to see young Gibbs solving crimes—we got to see what shaped his sense of justice. The loss of his family. The decisions in the field. His mentors. It all added up to a richer understanding of his character.
Morality and Gray Areas
Origins didn’t paint its characters as simply good or bad. It explored moral ambiguity in a way NCIS hasn’t done in years. And in doing so, it felt more mature, more gripping, and more human.
Fan Reactions Say It All
A New Favorite for Many
Social media lit up with praise for NCIS: Origins. Fans appreciated the attention to detail, the storytelling, and how it respected the legacy of the franchise while building something new.
Season 22? Not So Much.
On the flip side, Season 22 got mixed reviews. Critics cited a lack of creativity, weak subplots, and character stagnation. Even longtime fans admitted they were tuning in more out of habit than excitement.
Cinematography and Production Value
A Cinematic Upgrade
Visually, Origins stepped up. The color grading, camera angles, and lighting gave it a sleek, cinematic feel. In contrast, Season 22 sometimes felt like it was stuck in the early 2000s TV style.
Set in the 1990s, Origins did a fantastic job recreating the era—from tech to wardrobe to cultural references. This added an immersive layer that enriched the storytelling.
Nostalgia That Didn’t Feel Forced
Honoring the Legacy
Yes, Origins played the nostalgia card—but it did so with respect and purpose. Instead of rehashing old moments, it built new ones that explained the old. That’s smart storytelling.
Season 22 Felt Like a Loop
In contrast, NCIS Season 22 leaned too hard on formula. Same setups, same resolutions, and not much growth. It was like watching a rerun with slightly updated dialogue.
The Prequel We Didn’t Know We Needed
Expanding the NCIS Universe
Rather than being a cash grab, Origins felt like a love letter to longtime fans. It gave us context. It gave us drama. And it gave us a reason to care again.
Proof That Prequels Can Be Powerful
While many prequels fall flat, Origins proved they can deepen a universe rather than dilute it. The stakes were real, even though we “knew” the outcome—because the journey mattered.
Conclusion: NCIS Origins Reinvigorated the Franchise
Let’s call it like it is: NCIS: Origins brought back what NCIS had lost—heart, storytelling, and risk-taking. While Season 22 felt like it was coasting on past glory, Origins planted new seeds and gave fans a reason to tune in again with genuine excitement.
It didn’t just set up the past—it reignited the future.
