Gibbs’ and Franks’ dynamic is set to change in NCIS: Origins, with the upcoming prequel series showing Gibbs as a “probie” under Franks’ mentorship. Austin Stowell, who plays the younger Gibbs, is depicted having an awe for Franks, in contrast to the leader he becomes in NCIS.
In a recent interview with TVLine, co-showrunners Gina Montreal and David J. North highlighted an example of this new side to Gibbs, stating that his admiration is very interesting in regard to both characters.
“The way that Austin [Stowell] is playing it, the way he looks at Franks, you can see the bit of awe in his eyes, which is so interesting for both of the characters,”
Why This Matters for Gibbs
NCIS, which debuted in 2003, follows the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as they solve military-related crimes. Mark Harmon’s portrayal of Gibbs, known for his strong leadership and rule-driven approach, became a focal point of the series. Mike Franks, one of the returning NCIS characters in Origins, was portrayed by Muse Watson, was reintroduced in the third season as Gibbs’ mentor, a retired agent who had a lasting impact on his career and approach to leadership. Franks’ influence remained a consistent theme, even after his character’s departure from the series.
The redefined relationship between Gibbs and Franks in NCIS: Origins sheds new light on Gibbs’ development as an agent and leader. In this prequel, Gibbs will be shown in the early stages of his career, learning under the experienced Franks. This mentorship reveals how Gibbs’ investigative and leadership style was shaped by his mentor’s guidance. The creators have pointed out that Stowell’s portrayal emphasizes his initial awe of Franks, which contrasts with the authoritative version of Gibbs that is seen later in the series.
This focus on their early dynamic offers a deeper understanding of why Gibbs adopted the leadership methods that defined his character on NCIS. By illustrating Gibbs as a learner, the prequel highlights how Franks’ mentorship directly impacted his approach to solving cases, managing a team, and operating within the NCIS framework. It also reaffirms their bond, which later contributed to the weight of Franks’ death in the main series.
Our Take On Gibbs’ & Franks Dynamic In Origins
NCIS: Origins provides a valuable look into the early experiences that shaped Gibbs into the leader that viewers know from the main series. This shift in dynamics between Gibbs and Franks offers an opportunity to see how mentorship influenced Gibbs’ character, adding new and complex layers to his development.
By showing Gibbs as a younger, less-experienced agent, NCIS: Origins allows for a more nuanced portrayal of his growth, offering insights into the origins of his leadership style. The upcoming series is well-positioned to expand on the core relationships that shaped Gibbs’ career, providing an even richer understanding of his journey from a “probie” to a team leader that defined NCIS.
