From Probie to Powerhouse — Gibbs’ Evolution Begins
Leroy Jethro Gibbs has always been the backbone of NCIS. But NCIS: Origins takes us back to his early days—the time before the stoic, rule-writing leader we know. In Season 2, that quiet, observant rookie? He’s starting to change. And according to the showrunners, “those are all stepping stones” toward the assertive, gut-trusting Gibbs we’ve come to love.
What the Showrunners Are Saying
Co-showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal recently opened up about Gibbs’ arc in Season 2. Their focus? Growth, confidence, and trust in his instincts.
“He’s still learning, but the pieces are coming together… Those are all stepping stones,” North told Entertainment Weekly.
The shift is slow, intentional, and deeply character-driven.
Why This Shift Matters
The Gibbs we meet in Origins Season 1 is far from the agent we see in the flagship series. He’s a grieving husband, still reeling from personal tragedy. He’s new to NCIS, learning the ropes, keeping quiet, and absorbing everything.
Season 2 changes that.
The Meaning Behind ‘Stepping Stones’
Let’s break it down. “Stepping stones” in this context isn’t just a metaphor—it’s the blueprint for Gibbs’ transformation:
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Step 1: Learning the rules from Mike Franks
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Step 2: Observing how leadership works
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Step 3: Developing his gut instinct
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Step 4: Choosing when to speak—and when to act
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Step 5: Forming relationships that mold his values
The Gut Instinct Awakens
Gibbs’ gut is legendary in NCIS, but he wasn’t born with it—he earned it through trial, error, and experience.
Season 2 promises to show the first real signs of this: a moment where he goes against protocol, maybe even against Franks, and ends up being right.
That moment? That’s one of the most crucial stepping stones.
Austin Stowell’s Performance Anchors It
Portraying a young Gibbs is no easy task. But Austin Stowell has already proven in Season 1 that he can channel the emotion, silence, and slow-burn intensity that Mark Harmon mastered.
As Season 2 rolls in, expect more from Stowell:
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Assertive conversations
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Pushback against authority
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Emotional vulnerability paired with rising confidence
How Season 2 Builds on Season 1’s Cliffhanger
Season 1 ended with a shocking accident involving Lala, a character central to Gibbs’ early career and emotional growth. This is no throwaway plot point—it will serve as a turning point for Gibbs to realize:
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He can’t always wait for orders
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His silence has consequences
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Taking action matters
Gibbs Will Begin Leading, Not Following
Another big shift? Showrunners hinted that Season 2 will show Gibbs slowly taking command in certain situations—mentally preparing us for the future leader who’ll one day lead teams, write rules, and trust no one without reason.
Fan Theories and Community Buzz
The NCIS fandom is already lighting up with theories:
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Will Season 2 reveal the origin of Gibbs’ Rules?
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Could this be where his obsession with justice over red tape begins?
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Will we meet more future NCIS characters in cameo form?
Reddit threads and fan groups are buzzing with speculation. Many believe Season 2 will mark the first time Gibbs makes a judgment call alone—and nails it.
Supporting Cast Fuels His Growth
Mike Franks: Mentor and Mirror
Franks (played by Kyle Schmid) remains a huge influence. But their relationship is shifting. Season 2 will see Franks offering more rope—maybe even pushing Gibbs to lead a small op or make decisions.
Diane: A Romantic and Emotional Influence
Season 2 will also reportedly introduce Diane, who plays a major role in shaping Gibbs’ emotional world. Their connection could show a softer, more open side of him—and how vulnerability helped form his future restraint.
Expect New Characters to Add Pressure
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New rival agents may challenge his competence
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Bureaucratic interference could force Gibbs to choose between protocol and instinct
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Maybe even a mole? We’re due for a deeper mystery in Season 2
Why This Slow-Burn Transformation Works
It’s Realistic
We didn’t need Gibbs to go full “boss mode” in one season. The step-by-step growth is what makes the transformation believable—and emotionally satisfying.
It Honors Canon
Long-time fans appreciate consistency. Watching how Gibbs becomes Gibbs—with all the scars and milestones—is what makes NCIS: Origins such a compelling watch.
Timeline Integrity Remains Solid
Gina Lucita Monreal emphasized that all character decisions are aligned with existing NCIS canon. That means Season 2 may:
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Show early interactions with future team members
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Set up Gibbs’ trajectory to the “Fed Five”
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Provide context to the rules he lives by in later life
Visual Storytelling Will Play a Bigger Role
Look for:
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Subtle changes in how Gibbs dresses
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Increased eye contact and shorter dialogue
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Shifts in his posture and tone when speaking to authority
These details are part of how Origins layers character development visually, not just in script.
How Season 2 Can Surpass Expectations
To truly stand out, Season 2 will need:
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A gripping central case that forces Gibbs to choose between heart and rulebook
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Moments where Gibbs fails—so we appreciate his eventual growth
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Scenes that hint at his future by showing early habits and decisions
Conclusion: “Those Are All Stepping Stones” Is a Promise to Fans
The phrase isn’t just a comment—it’s a mission statement. Every awkward silence, every wrong call, every small win? It’s building the foundation for one of TV’s most iconic characters.
Season 2 of NCIS: Origins isn’t about fireworks. It’s about slow, meaningful change. And for fans who’ve followed Gibbs from day one, this is the backstory we’ve been waiting for.
🧠 5 Unique FAQs
Q1: Why is Gibbs still quiet in Season 2 if he’s changing?
Because change takes time. He’s learning when to speak—and when it matters most. That’s what makes the arc realistic.
Q2: Will we hear the first version of Gibbs’ Rules in Season 2?
Possibly. Showrunners are teasing moments that inspire the rules. You may not hear them word-for-word yet, but the seeds are being planted.
Q3: Is Gibbs’ romance with Diane going to take center stage?
Not exactly. It’s more of a subplot, but it will deeply influence how Gibbs starts to trust—and then guard—his emotions.
Q4: Will Gibbs clash with Mike Franks?
Yes, to some extent. As Gibbs grows, he’ll begin to question Franks’ methods. It won’t be full rebellion—but friction is coming.
Q5: Do you need to have seen the original NCIS to enjoy Season 2 of Origins?
Not at all. Origins works as a standalone story, but longtime NCIS fans will find extra layers of meaning in every character decision.
