Introduction: A New Chapter in the NCIS Universe
The NCIS franchise has expanded with the prequel series NCIS: Origins, set in 1991 and focusing on the early career of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Kyle Schmid portrays a younger version of Mike Franks, a character originally played by Muse Watson in the original series. In this exclusive interview, Schmid shares insights into his portrayal of Franks, the challenges of stepping into a beloved role, and the dynamics of the show’s first season.
The Challenge of Portraying a Legacy Character
Taking on the role of Mike Franks was no small feat. Schmid acknowledges the pressure of honoring the legacy of Watson’s portrayal while adding his own touch to the character. He states, “I approached Mike Franks from the perspective of just trying to take over that integrity and truth that Muse brought to the character as best I could.”
Franks’ Relationship with Gibbs: Mentorship and Brotherhood
A central theme in NCIS: Origins is the evolving relationship between Franks and a young Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell. Schmid describes their dynamic as a “complex and beautiful friendship,” emphasizing the growth of their brotherhood over the course of the season. He adds, “Working with Austin has been wonderful. He’s an incredibly committed actor; he’s a wonderful person.”
Exploring Franks’ Personal Life
The series delves into Franks’ personal life, including his romantic relationship with Tish. In a poignant episode, Franks promises to help Tish find her sister’s body before a death row inmate’s execution. Schmid reflects on the emotional weight of this storyline, noting, “The guilt and the weight that he feels when he’s unable to give her what she needs… it eats Mike up inside.”
The Iconic Mustache: A Symbol of Franks’ Character
Franks’ signature mustache is a defining feature of his character. Schmid shares the backstory of how Franks acquired it, stating, “Tish trims me up, and she cuts it. And so, we slowly see the hair fall away, and you see this younger version of Mike slowly appear on camera.” He adds that the mustache serves as a lasting reminder of Tish’s influence on Franks.
Flashbacks and Character Development
The series employs flashbacks to explore Franks’ past, including his time in Vietnam. Schmid describes the preparation for these scenes, highlighting the authenticity achieved through detailed costume and makeup work. He also notes the challenge of capturing the nuances of Franks’ younger self, stating, “It was fun to play with his voice… blending the two so we can see the transition naturally occur.”
The Impact of ‘NCIS: Origins’ on the Franchise
NCIS: Origins offers a fresh perspective on the NCIS universe, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the characters’ origins. Schmid believes the series enriches the franchise, stating, “Anything that we can do to try and shed light on mental illness is a wonderful byproduct of making this show.”
Conclusion: A Compelling Addition to the NCIS Legacy
Kyle Schmid’s portrayal of Mike Franks brings depth and authenticity to the character, adding a new layer to the NCISuniverse. Through his commitment to the role and collaboration with the cast and crew, Schmid has delivered a performance that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.
FAQs
1. Who is Kyle Schmid portraying in ‘NCIS: Origins’?
Schmid plays a younger version of Mike Franks, a character originally portrayed by Muse Watson in the original NCISseries.2. 2. What is the central theme of ‘NCIS: Origins’?
The series explores the early career of Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his mentorship under Mike Franks.
3. How does Schmid prepare for his role as Franks?
Schmid worked closely with the costume and makeup teams to achieve an authentic look and collaborated with fellow actors to develop the character’s relationships.
4. Will there be more flashbacks in future episodes?
While specific details are not available, the series has utilized flashbacks to provide depth to Franks’ character, and future episodes may continue this approach.
5. Where can I watch ‘NCIS: Origins’?
NCIS: Origins airs on CBS and is available for streaming on Paramount+.
