Introduction: Are We About to Lose the Gibbs We Know?
If you’ve been following NCIS: Origins, then you already know this prequel series has taken some bold swings. But as Season 2 looms on the horizon, rumors are swirling that a major character shift is coming—and it could derail everything we know and love about a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
Let’s get real: no character in the NCIS universe carries more weight than Gibbs. Mark Harmon’s portrayal defined the series for nearly two decades. So why is Origins reportedly taking him in a new direction that could undo the foundation laid across 20+ seasons?
Let’s dig into the details, explore the risks, and talk about how this potential change could set Gibbs’ character back rather than deepen it.
What Makes Gibbs So Iconic?
Before we break down the rumored shift, it’s important to understand what makes Gibbs tick.
The Stoic Leader With a Moral Compass
Gibbs isn’t just a hard-nosed Marine-turned-agent. He’s the moral backbone of NCIS. He operates with a personal code—his infamous “Rules”—and he leads by example. He’s firm but fair, emotionally guarded yet deeply loyal.
Tragic Backstory Without Being a Victim
The death of his wife and daughter didn’t break him—it shaped him. Gibbs turned personal tragedy into quiet resilience. That depth made him human, not hollow.
He Doesn’t Need to Be “Fixed”
Gibbs never begged for sympathy. He’s not the kind of character you reshape with therapy sessions and emotional monologues. And that’s exactly what makes him so compelling.
The Big Rumored Change in Season 2
According to leaks and whispers from production insiders, NCIS: Origins Season 2 will dig deeper into Gibbs’ emotional vulnerabilities. Sounds harmless at first—until you realize how far they might be taking it.
Is Therapy Going to Be a Storyline?
Word has it that young Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) will be shown attending therapy, grappling with trauma, and opening up about emotions more directly than ever before. While emotional depth is good storytelling, this feels… off.
New Love Interest?
Another rumor suggests a romantic subplot will become central to Season 2, hinting at a more emotionally available, even needy, version of Gibbs. But is that who he ever was?
Why This Could Hurt the Character Long-Term
Rewriting the DNA of Gibbs
NCIS: Origins should explore who Gibbs was before he became the seasoned agent—but it shouldn’t erase what we already know about him. If they make him too open, too emotional, they risk rewriting his DNA.
The Risk of Over-Modernization
TV today loves therapy arcs, emotional vulnerability, and introspective characters. And that’s fine—for new characters. But Gibbs is a classic masculine archetype. Recasting him through a modern emotional lens could alienate longtime fans.
Loss of Mystery Means Loss of Power
Part of Gibbs’ charm is what he doesn’t say. The things he doesn’t show. If Origins starts peeling back every layer, it takes away the mystique—and the authority—he always carried.
How Season 1 Got It Right
Let’s not forget: Season 1 of NCIS: Origins was actually pretty solid.
Faithful to the Legacy
Stowell’s portrayal leaned into the quiet intensity of young Gibbs. He showed a man learning his place, making mistakes, but never betraying the core traits we’ve come to expect.
The Chemistry with Mike Franks
The mentor-mentee dynamic with Mike Franks gave us just enough emotional depth without going overboard. It was subtle, believable, and respectful of the timeline.
The Thin Line Between Development and Destruction
Evolution vs. Alteration
It’s natural for characters to evolve. Gibbs shouldn’t be a carbon copy of his older self. But evolution doesn’t mean dismantling. It means building toward the character we already know.
Overwriting Legacy with New Tropes
Emotional vulnerability is trending, but it shouldn’t be a template for every character. Gibbs represents a different kind of strength—the silent type that doesn’t need a spotlight.
Fans React: Mixed Signals from the Fandom
Some Welcome the Depth
A portion of fans on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) argue this emotional shift could finally “humanize” Gibbs. They want more backstory, more internal struggle, more… feelings.
Others Say “Don’t Fix What Ain’t Broken”
Longtime fans are wary. They fear the writers are trying to modernize Gibbs at the cost of consistency. If Origins becomes a therapy-heavy drama, it could alienate the very fanbase that kept NCIS alive for two decades.
Could Mark Harmon Weigh In?
Mark Harmon still serves as executive producer on Origins, and his fingerprints are all over the character of Gibbs. Could he step in if things go too far?
Harmon’s Legacy Is on the Line
Let’s be honest: Harmon isn’t just protecting a character—he’s protecting his legacy. If Season 2 strays too far, don’t be surprised if behind-the-scenes changes are made.
How to Fix It Before It’s Too Late
Use Restraint in the Writing
Don’t abandon emotional arcs—just keep them grounded. Let Gibbs struggle, yes. Let him evolve. But don’t give him monologues that sound like a therapist’s handbook.
Lean on Action Over Dialogue
Gibbs has always spoken louder with actions. Season 2 should follow that lead. A clenched jaw or a lingering stare says more than any journal entry ever could.
Anchor the Character in Familiar Traits
Let him be loyal. Let him be stubborn. Let him be Gibbs. Even if he’s 20 years younger, his soul should still feel familiar.
The Future of NCIS: Origins Hangs in the Balance
NCIS: Origins is a rare chance to enrich one of TV’s most iconic characters. But that opportunity comes with a responsibility: honor what came before. Season 2 can be bold—but not reckless.
A misstep here won’t just hurt the prequel—it could undermine the entire NCIS legacy.
Conclusion: Tread Carefully, Origins Writers
Fans don’t need a new Gibbs. They need a young Gibbs. There’s a big difference.
If Origins Season 2 turns him into a hyper-emotional, overly verbal version of himself, it risks undoing decades of careful character-building. Gibbs was never broken—so why try to fix him?
Let’s hope the creative team knows what they’re doing. Because one wrong turn, and they’ll be rewriting not just a backstory—but a legend.
5 Unique FAQs
Q1: Is Mark Harmon still involved in NCIS: Origins Season 2?
Yes, Mark Harmon remains an executive producer and is deeply involved behind the scenes to ensure character accuracy.
Q2: Who plays the young Gibbs in NCIS: Origins?
Austin Stowell portrays young Gibbs, offering a compelling but still-developing take on the iconic role.
Q3: Why are fans upset about the rumored changes in Season 2?
Many believe the show is making Gibbs too emotionally open, which goes against his established character traits in the original series.
Q4: Could this change affect the broader NCIS franchise?
Absolutely. Altering Gibbs’ backstory could have ripple effects across the entire franchise timeline and weaken character continuity.
Q5: What do fans want instead of this emotional rewrite?
Most fans want subtle development—mistakes, learning moments, and quiet introspection—not dramatic emotional shifts that contradict who Gibbs becomes.
