I Love Gibbs, But NCIS: Origins Has Given Me 5 Reasons To Be More Interested In Franks’ Story
Intro: The Unexpected Star of the NCIS Prequel
Look, I’m not here to disrespect Leroy Jethro Gibbs — the man’s a legend. NCIS wouldn’t be the powerhouse franchise it is without his iconic head slaps, rules, and steely stare. But let’s be real for a second…
Since NCIS: Origins dropped, there’s a new player demanding our attention: Mike Franks.
Yup. The grizzled, cigar-smoking, rule-bending mentor we mostly saw in flashbacks or spiritual visits? He’s now front and center, and if you’re not watching closely, you might miss how the prequel is rewriting everything we thought we knew about NCIS’s unsung hero.
Here’s why Franks is quickly becoming the most compelling character in NCIS: Origins — and maybe the entire franchise.
H1: 1. Franks Was the Original Maverick Long Before Gibbs
H2: A Rebel With a Badge and a Code
Gibbs is all about the rules… well, his rules. But Franks? He’s the guy who made going rogue look effortless. NCIS: Origins reveals just how bold, unorthodox, and wildly unpredictable he was in his early days. He’s not afraid to push boundaries or call out authority — and that makes for some juicy television.
H3: You Think Gibbs Was Tough? Franks Invented Tough
He’s blunt. He’s brutal. He’s exactly the kind of guy who’d tell you to your face you’re being stupid — then save your life ten seconds later. We’re getting raw, unfiltered Franks, and honestly, it’s a refreshing twist on the NCIS legacy.
H1: 2. We’re Finally Seeing the Layers Beneath the Grit
H2: Not Just a Grizzled Mentor Anymore
Before Origins, Franks felt like the ghostly conscience in Gibbs’ past — wise, a little cranky, but mostly there to drop sage advice. Now, we’re getting the man behind the myth.
He’s complex. He’s emotional. He’s haunted. And Origins gives us a glimpse at what shaped him into the hardened agent we later met in the main series.
H3: Real Life, Real Loss, Real Stakes
The show explores Franks’ personal struggles — his strained relationships, inner demons, and moral conflicts. Suddenly, he’s not just a supporting character — he’s someone we care about.
H1: 3. The Chemistry With Young Gibbs Is Absolute Fire
H2: From Mentor to Partner — With Tension and Trust Issues
Watching Franks train young Gibbs is like watching flint and steel — it’s all sparks. There’s respect, sure, but also friction, clashing philosophies, and a whole lot of “Who’s really in charge here?”
Their dynamic gives Origins an emotional pulse. You can see the roots of who Gibbs will become, but it’s Franks who’s doing the heavy lifting to get him there.
H3: It’s the Origin of the Origin
Without Franks, there is no Gibbs. Origins leans into that truth hard, showing us the early stages of a mentorship that shaped a legend.
H1: 4. The Show’s Tone Fits Franks Perfectly
H2: Darker, Rougher, Grittier — Just Like Him
Let’s face it — NCIS: Origins has a different vibe. It’s more raw, more intense, and it digs deep into moral gray areas. That kind of storytelling is tailor-made for a character like Mike Franks.
He thrives in the murky middle — not fully hero, not fully anti-hero. He’s a survivor, a realist, and a guy who makes the hard calls without looking back.
H3: The Show Needed a Gritty Heart — And Franks Delivers
This isn’t your light procedural with quirky lab techs and banter. It’s a slow-burn character study — and Franks gives it the soul it needs.
H1: 5. We Already Know How His Story Ends — But That Makes His Beginning Way More Powerful
H2: Tragic Backstory? Check.
Franks’ death in the main NCIS series was one of the most emotional gut punches the show ever delivered. But now that we’re seeing who he was before all the scars, every decision he makes in Origins hits harder.
H3: Watching the Beginning With the End in Mind
There’s something incredibly moving about watching a man live his younger years when you already know how it all ends. It adds gravity, emotion, and weight to every scene he’s in. It’s Shakespearean, almost — a tragedy in reverse.
H1: Bonus Reason — The Actor Playing Franks Is Crushing It
H2: Toby Ziegler Who?
Okay, that’s a West Wing joke. But seriously — the actor stepping into young Franks’ shoes (if you’re following casting news, you know the buzz) is absolutely nailing the balance between grit and vulnerability. It’s not easy to channel a character we already know in his later years, but he pulls it off.
H1: Final Thoughts — Franks Is the Antihero NCIS Needed
Sure, we all love Gibbs — always have, always will. But NCIS: Origins is making a bold, brilliant choice by shifting focus to Franks. He’s the kind of character who doesn’t care if you like him — and that’s exactly why we do.
If the original NCIS was about solving crimes with a team, Origins is about understanding the messy, complicated people who came before that team even existed. And at the heart of that story? Mike. Freaking. Franks.
FAQs
Q1: Who plays Mike Franks in NCIS: Origins?
A: The role of young Mike Franks is played by a new actor, carefully cast to reflect the gruff charisma of the character we knew from the original series. While the official casting may vary, fans are already impressed by how well he channels the character’s essence.
Q2: Is Gibbs still in NCIS: Origins?
A: Yes, but this time it’s a younger version of him, portrayed as a rookie agent being mentored by Franks. The dynamic is fresh and gives us new insight into Gibbs’ backstory.
Q3: Do I need to watch the original NCIS to enjoy Origins?
A: Not at all! While fans of the original series will definitely catch more emotional depth, Origins stands on its own as a gritty, character-driven crime drama.
Q4: Does Origins reveal anything new about Franks and Gibbs’ relationship?
A: Absolutely. Their early relationship is a major focus, showing the highs, lows, and defining moments that made them such an iconic duo later on.
Q5: Will other familiar characters from NCIS appear in Origins?
A: That’s the rumor! While nothing is confirmed, fans are speculating about young versions of other key characters showing up in future seasons.
