Controversial? Maybe. Necessary? Absolutely.
Let’s be clear: I love NCIS. I’ve followed it for years, from Gibbs’ quiet fury to DiNozzo’s sarcasm, Ziva’s sharp edge, and Ducky’s charming stories. And now, with NCIS: Origins diving into the early days of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the nostalgia hits even harder. But with Season 2 looming, I’m going to say the thing most fans won’t:
I’m hoping they kill off a beloved character.
Why? Because the show needs it.
NCIS: Origins Is Still Finding Its Voice
Season 1 Played It Safe
The first season of NCIS: Origins did what all origin shows tend to do—it introduced us to younger versions of characters we already know and love. It leaned heavily on backstory and emotional nods, but let’s be honest: it felt a little… careful.
And TV that plays it too safe? Doesn’t last.
High Stakes Make for Great TV
Real Consequences, Real Emotion
The heart of any drama is conflict, and nothing raises the stakes like loss. When a show dares to kill a beloved character, it tells us: This world is real. These people can die. And you should care. It jolts the audience awake. Suddenly, every moment feels urgent.
Think about Kate’s death in Season 2 of the original NCIS. It shook fans—and changed the show forever. And that’s exactly the kind of impact Origins needs.
But Who Should Die?
Not Gibbs (Obviously)
Relax, nobody’s suggesting we lose young Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The show is about him, after all. But surrounding him are characters—new and old—that serve as emotional anchors. Taking one of them away would reshape his story in powerful ways.
Mike Franks, Maybe?
We all love Mike Franks. He’s tough, wise, and a big reason why Gibbs becomes Gibbs. But let’s not forget—he dies later in the original NCIS timeline. What if Origins rewrites that?
Killing Mike early would be shocking, sure—but it could also redefine the mentor role in Gibbs’ life and trigger the emotional spiral that shapes his no-nonsense demeanor.
Or Someone New, But Deeply Loved
Maybe it’s a new character introduced just for Origins. Someone fans latch onto quickly. Killing them off in Season 2 would hurt—but it would also prove that the writers are willing to go there.
Avoiding the “Prequel Problem”
We Know Who Lives—So Where’s the Tension?
Here’s the real struggle with prequels: we already know the ending. Gibbs survives. So do Ducky, Abby, and a few others if they pop up. That makes tension hard to build. You can’t threaten what’s untouchable.
But by creating new characters—and making them vulnerable—Origins can add emotional stakes where they otherwise wouldn’t exist.
The Franchise Has Done This Before—and It Worked
Remember Pacci? Kate? Jenny Shepard?
NCIS has never been afraid to kill characters—especially in ways that feel raw and personal. These deaths weren’t just for shock value. They pushed storylines, changed characters, and kept fans coming back.
If Origins wants to capture that same magic, it has to stop playing nice.
Emotional Loss Is Core to Gibbs’ Story
Trauma Made Him Who He Is
Let’s not forget what defines Gibbs: loss. The death of his wife and daughter. The betrayal of teammates. The sacrifice of friends. These moments made him hardened, focused, and quietly broken.
Origins is supposed to show us how that all started. A key death in Season 2 would be the emotional pivot point that transforms him from eager agent to the cold, calculated leader we meet in Season 1 of NCIS.
What a Tragic Death Could Do for the Series
Raise the Narrative Stakes
A meaningful death forces the audience—and characters—to confront change. It’s a storytelling tool that, when used well, can elevate a show from “good” to unforgettable.
Push Gibbs Into Darkness
If the writers really want to explore the inner workings of a young Gibbs, they need to test him. A devastating loss could be the event that triggers his infamous rules, his leadership style, or his emotionally distant behavior.
But It Can’t Just Be for Shock Value
It Has to Mean Something
This isn’t a call for random bloodshed. The death has to matter—to the characters, to the plot, and to the viewers. It has to echo across episodes. It has to haunt Gibbs.
Think Tony after Ziva’s “death”, or Vance’s reaction to his wife’s murder. That kind of lasting weight? That’s what the show needs.
Will Fans Be Angry? Probably. And That’s Okay.
Anger Means They Care
Killing off a beloved character will cause uproar. Reddit will explode. Fan forums will grieve. But that’s the point. When fans are emotionally invested enough to get mad, it means the show is doing something right.
A safe show keeps viewers. A bold one builds a legacy.
It’s the Right Time for a Bold Move
Season 1 Built the World—Season 2 Can Shake It
Season 1 laid the foundation. We met the players. We got the setup. Now, it’s time to dig deeper. If Season 2 wants to evolve beyond fan-service and truly become must-watch TV, it needs to challenge us. It needs to hurt us—just a little.
Conclusion: Sometimes, Death Is What Brings a Story to Life
Look, no one wants to see a fan-favorite die just for drama’s sake. But in the world of NCIS—especially in Origins—death isn’t just about loss. It’s about evolution. Growth. Stakes. Meaning.
So yes, I’m hoping NCIS: Origins makes the bold move in Season 2. Kill off someone we love. Break our hearts. And show us exactly what kind of show it wants to be.
FAQs
1. Which character should NCIS: Origins kill off in Season 2?
Many fans believe a new character or even Mike Franks could be the emotional centerpiece of such a twist, adding depth to the story.
2. Wouldn’t killing a main character ruin continuity?
Not necessarily. If the character is unique to Origins or if the writers alter timelines intentionally, it could still fit within the broader NCIS universe.
3. Why do fans want tragedy in NCIS: Origins?
Tragedy adds stakes and emotional weight, which helps flesh out complex characters—especially someone like a young Gibbs.
4. Has NCIS ever killed off fan-favorites before?
Yes—Kate Todd, Jenny Shepard, and even Mike Franks in later seasons. These deaths deeply impacted the show’s direction.
5. Will killing off a beloved character hurt ratings?
It depends on execution. If done well and meaningfully, it could boost engagement and critical praise. Poorly handled, it could backfire.
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