In more than a decade on the small screen, NCIS’s eccentric, energetic, and unmistakable forensics expert Abby Sciuto has become a cultural icon. With her goth-inspired black braids, miniskirt, leather boots, and studded necklace, Abby not only stands out among a team of serious FBI investigators, but has also made her mark as one of the most unique female characters in the crime genre.
But behind her rebellious exterior and sharp intellect, NCIS has never told us a full origin story about Abby—until now.
Executive producer Gary Glasberg has confirmed that a special episode will air in February focusing on Abby Sciuto’s childhood. The episode will take viewers back to when Abby was just 10 years old—a hyperactive, imaginative girl who was starting to show her differences.
“We wanted to not only tell the story of how Abby became a great forensic expert,” Glasberg told TV Line, “but also delve into the psychology, the experiences, and the personal choices that have shaped the colorful Abby she is today.”
Abby Kid – When a Personality Is Shaped
Child actress Brighton Sharbino will play Abby as a child. This is the first time NCIS has chosen to show a main character through childhood – something the series has rarely done over the course of several seasons.
For Brighton – who gained attention in The Walking Dead – the role is more than just a regular child role. She will have to convey the spirit of Abby: her wit, her personality, but also her underlying insecurities and sensitivities. Because Abby was not born a “rebellious adult”. She was a different girl – and it was society, her family, and past events that shaped her into the person she is today.
The episode will reveal when Abby first became fascinated with crime, her curiosity about crime scene evidence, and how she developed her analytical mind in elementary school. At the same time, the writers also promise to show the audience the origins of the goth style – an interesting detail that has long been a lovable “mystery” in the eyes of fans.
“From the clothes, the hairstyle, to the walk, the voice, the familiar expressions… there is a story behind it,” Glasberg shared. “This episode will be like a gift of gratitude to the loyal fans – those who have followed Abby since day one.”
A Conflicted – And Inspiring Abby
Abby Sciuto is not a “typical” character in the crime drama genre. She is proof that one can love science, love life, live differently – and still maintain a spirit of compassion and dedication to justice.
The upcoming flashback is not only a “change of pace” in the structure of NCIS, but also an opportunity to delve deeper into the psychological and human depth of a seemingly familiar character. Flashbacks are always risky because they can easily slow down the main storyline, but with a character as multi-dimensional as Abby, this is an opportunity for the audience to bond and understand her better.
In addition, exploring Abby’s childhood can also open up suggestions for the future: How will Abby’s personality traits affect the next generations of the show? Is this the first step in “handing over” or honoring the character in case Pauley Perrette does not return? Whatever the case, this is sure to be one of the most iconic episodes of the season.
The journey from a quirky 10-year-old girl to NCIS’s number one forensic expert is not just about professional maturity – it’s also about finding identity. And in a television era that increasingly favors strong, independent, yet emotionally driven female role models like Abby Sciuto, revisiting her past is not only a sound artistic choice—it’s also a reminder that every personality has a starting point.
