NCIS: Origins captivated fans in Season 1 by peeling back the layers of Gibbs’ past—from his memorable bourbon preference to meeting Diane. Now, Season 2 is gearing up to expand the world further. Most notably, Special Agent Vera Strickland, a one-off character from NCIS Season 11, is set to finally shine—proof that origins can bring overlooked legends back into the canon spotlight.
Who Is Vera Strickland?
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Originally portrayed by Roma Maffia, Strickland appeared briefly in NCIS Season 11’s “Under the Radar” as Mike Franks’ former partner.
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In Origins, she’s portrayed by Diany Rodriguez, introduced as a young, no-nonsense agent at Camp Pendletonreddit.com+15collider.com+15sportskeeda.com+15sportskeeda.com+8screenrant.com+8cbr.com+8people.com+7slashfilm.com+7reddit.com+7.
Why Strickland’s Return Makes Sense
Deepening Mike Franks’ Backstory
Strickland’s presence sheds light on Franks’ pre-Gibbs career and personal relationships, surfacing a hidden layer of his past .
Honoring Canon with Fidelity
Showrunners Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North have been adamant in Origins about strictly adhering to established timelines—Strickland’s return is a prime example of that commitmentpeople.com+11cinemablend.com+11gamerant.com+11.
What to Expect From Her Season 2 Role
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While her initial NCIS cameo was fleeting, Origins plans to weave her into Franks’ formative years, exploring their complex bond—career, comradeship, and all gamerant.com+15collider.com+15ew.com+15.
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The show has also confirmed that Mike Franks’ brother, Mason, will feature prominently—hinting at deeper family ties that might even intersect with Strickland’s journey collider.com+5cinemablend.com+5reddit.com+5.
A Return Still Rooted in Canon
Origins isn’t reinventing Strickland—it’s contextualizing her importance. She’s not a retcon but a natural extension of established narrative threads tied to Gibbs and Franks .
Why Fans Should Care
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Nostalgia and discovery: Rediscovering familiar yet forgotten characters taps into the franchise’s rich history.
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Character layers: Strickland bolsters the credibility and depth of Franks, a beloved mentor figure.
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Future spin-off potential: Successful character arcs here might open doors for more Origins alumni in future series.
Final Take
NCIS: Origins Season 2 is set to spotlight Vera Strickland—an overlooked but significant figure from Gibbs and Franks’ past. By honoring canon, enriching character backstories, and deepening emotional resonance, the series proves that even minor players can become major forces in the universe’s expanding tapestry.
FAQs
Q1: Who is Vera Strickland?
A former partner of Mike Franks, originally introduced in NCIS Season 11’s “Under the Radar.”reddit.comreddit.com+15collider.com+15reddit.com+15
Q2: Why include her now?
Origins aims to uncover obscure yet impactful characters from Gibbs’ early years—Strickland offers depth to Franks’ timeline.
Q3: What will her presence reveal?
Expect insight into Franks’ past relationships, missions, and how they shaped his mentorship of Gibbs.
Q4: Is Origins sticking to franchise lore?
Absolutely—showrunners have emphasized strict adherence to NCIS canon, and Strickland’s arc is a testament to that dedication. ew.com+4people.com+4people.com+4reddit.com+10cinemablend.com+10screenrant.com+10
Q5: Who else will return in Season 2?
Mike Franks’ brother, Mason, and potentially other Fed‑5 members like Dwayne Pride—showrunners have hinted they may explore these canon figures in future episodes. reddit.com+3cinemablend.com+3cinemablend.com+3
