The Leroy Jethro Gibbs-focused NCIS spinoff rewrites two essential pieces of franchise lore, as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard returns in NCIS: Origins Season 2, Episode 3, “The Edge.” The actor who played the beloved Medical Examiner on NCIS, David McCallum, passed away in 2023. NCIS paid tribute to the actor in Season 21, “The Stories We Leave Behind,” honoring McCallum as Ducky passed away on the series, and his colleagues remembered him. That said, NCIS: Origins had the rare opportunity in the franchise to bring back the character.
Doubtlessly one of Gibbs’ (Mark Harmon) dearest friends on NCIS, Ducky has a rich history in the franchise, and a younger version of him appeared throughout the original series. Adam Campbell played a younger version of Ducky in the flagship series alongside Sean Harmon’s younger version of Gibbs, and the same actor revived the character for NCIS: Origins. “The Edge” shows one of the earliest chapters of Gibbs and Ducky’s friendship, with the installment serving as a love letter to one of the best relationships from the franchise.
A Game-Changing Moment in NCIS History
If you thought you knew everything about NCIS, think again. NCIS: Origins—the highly anticipated prequel series—has just dropped two jaw-dropping twists that completely reframe the franchise’s lore. With beloved characters like Leroy Jethro Gibbs back in focus (thanks to some genius storytelling), fans are in for a nostalgic yet surprising ride.
But what exactly changed? And why does it matter so much to the NCIS universe? Let’s dive into how NCIS: Origins didn’t just expand the lore—it rewrote it with flair, emotion, and respect for the legacy.
The Power of a Prequel: Why NCIS: Origins Matters
Every long-running series eventually faces a question: how do you keep it fresh after hundreds of episodes? For NCIS, the answer came in the form of NCIS: Origins, a prequel exploring Gibbs’ early days in the agency.
Instead of just retelling old stories, this series dives into untold chapters, offering fans fresh insight into what shaped Gibbs into the stoic, rule-driven leader we know.
Rewriting the Rules: The Two Major Lore Changes
The NCIS franchise has always been rich with backstory—but Origins took two crucial pieces of lore and spun them in a brand-new direction. Let’s break down these game-changing shifts.
1. The Real Story Behind Gibbs’ Early Mentorship
For years, fans believed Gibbs’ leadership style was self-taught—shaped only by his Marine past and personal tragedy. But NCIS: Origins just shattered that assumption.
In this series, we learn that Gibbs was actually mentored by another legendary NCIS figure—Mike Franks—much earlier and more deeply than previously shown. Their bond isn’t just professional; it’s personal, emotional, and pivotal to Gibbs’ development.
This changes everything. Gibbs didn’t just inherit rules—he learned them, lived them, and evolved them from Franks’ own philosophy. The iconic “Gibbs’ Rules”? Now, they’re not just his—they’re a legacy.
2. A New Take on the NCIS Team’s Foundation
The second rewrite hits even deeper. Origins redefines how the first-ever NCIS team came together. Instead of Gibbs simply joining an existing group, we see him build it from scratch, facing bureaucratic pushback and moral dilemmas along the way.
This flips the old lore on its head. The original NCIS often hinted that Gibbs was just another cog in the machine before rising to leadership—but Origins reveals that he was the spark that ignited the agency’s transformation into what it would later become.
How These Changes Strengthen the NCIS Universe
Lore rewrites can be risky—especially with a franchise as beloved as NCIS. But these two changes don’t break the story; they enrich it. Here’s why they work so well.
They Add Emotional Depth
By exploring Gibbs’ mentorship and the birth of the NCIS team, the writers give fans a more emotionally grounded look at the man behind the legend. It’s not about rewriting the past—it’s about filling in the blanks with meaning.
They Connect Generations of Fans
Older fans see callbacks to the classic NCIS days, while new viewers get an entry point that doesn’t require two decades of backstory. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and discovery.
They Reinforce Core Themes
Loyalty. Justice. Sacrifice. These have always been at the heart of NCIS. The rewrites in Origins don’t undermine those values—they amplify them, showing how they were forged through trial, mentorship, and heartbreak.
The Return of Beloved Characters: Nostalgia Meets Innovation
One of the biggest thrills for fans is seeing familiar faces (and names) reimagined. While the show features younger versions of beloved characters, they’re not just imitations—they’re fully realized, multidimensional portrayals that add new layers to their older selves.
Expect to see hints of Tony DiNozzo’s charm, Abby’s eccentric brilliance, and even whispers of Ducky’s future wisdom—all woven subtly into the story’s DNA.
Gibbs’ Legacy: More Complex Than Ever
Leroy Jethro Gibbs has always been a man of few words but deep convictions. In Origins, we see the why behind those convictions. The loss, the love, the lessons—they’re all here, reframed and more powerful than ever.
Through this lens, even small details from the original NCIS—like his coffee obsession or his silence in emotional moments—gain new meaning. It’s storytelling that rewards loyal fans while intriguing newcomers.
The Art of Rewriting Without Ruining
Let’s be honest—rewriting franchise lore is a dangerous game. But NCIS: Origins handles it like a pro. Instead of retconning beloved stories, it recontextualizes them, adding depth and humanity.
It’s like watching a classic painting under new light—you see details you never noticed before, but the essence remains untouched.
Fan Reactions: Shock, Awe, and Pure Excitement
Unsurprisingly, the fandom is buzzing. Online forums and social media are filled with fans debating every twist, analyzing timelines, and celebrating the emotional callbacks. Some call it “the smartest NCIS move in years,” while others admit they’re rewatching old episodes just to spot connections.
What This Means for the Future of the Franchise
With NCIS: Origins rewriting two key pieces of lore, the door is now open for deeper storytelling across all NCIS spinoffs. Imagine potential crossovers where past meets present—or even new shows exploring other agents’ beginnings.
The possibilities? Endless.
A Cinematic Step Forward
Production-wise, Origins isn’t just another procedural drama. It’s cinematic, tightly written, and emotionally charged—closer in tone to a prestige drama than a traditional network show. That’s exactly what keeps the NCIS brand evolving after 1,000 episodes and counting.
A Love Letter to Longtime Fans
More than anything, NCIS: Origins feels like a thank-you letter to the fans who’ve stuck around for two decades. It honors their investment by treating the lore with care, offering new insights while staying true to the show’s heart.
Final Thoughts: The Past Rewritten, The Future Redefined
When a prequel can both surprise and satisfy fans of a long-running series, you know it’s done something special. NCIS: Origins doesn’t just revisit the past—it redefines it.
By rewriting two crucial pieces of lore with intelligence and respect, it’s proven that even after 20 years, the NCIS universe still has stories worth telling—and secrets worth uncovering.
