NCIS: Origins showrunner teases changes to Mark Harmon’s beloved character

In 1991, a fresh-faced Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) steps into NCIS at Camp Pendleton—still grieving the murder of his wife and daughter. Unlike Mark Harmon’s tightly controlled, stoic version, this Gibbs is rough around the edges, emotionally raw, and still trying to figure out who he is. The showrunners describe this younger Gibbs as “a man over his head” who hasn’t yet learned to bury his grief. (turn0search0 turn0search9)

H2: Narration by Mark Harmon—Getting Inside Gibbs’ Head

Mark Harmon returns to the franchise as narrator and executive producer, lending his voice to the series and briefly appearing on-screen in the premiere. His narration is not a mere stylistic touch—it gives viewers access to Gibbs’ unspoken thoughts and inner turmoil, creating emotional depth rarely explored in the original series. (turn0search7turn0search1turn0search5)

H2: Canon Isn’t Ignored—but There’s Room for Storytelling Freedom

Co-showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal emphasize that while they respect NCIS lore—by using a strict timeline—they’re willing to navigate around conflicting points in the original canon to deliver honest storytelling. They’ve embraced creative flexibility when necessary to serve character and narrative. (turn0search8turn0search6turn0search10)

H2: Tackling Gibbs’ Revenge Arc—Pedro Hernandez Revealed

Fans know Gibbs eventually hunted down Pedro Hernandez, the man who killed his family. Origins tackles this directly—showing not only the planning and execution of that revenge but also its emotional fallout. The showrunner promises a portrayal both “satisfying and enlightening” for longtime viewers. (turn0search2 turn0search10)

H2: A Team Behind the Man—More Focus on Mike Franks & Supporting Players

While Gibbs remains central, the prequel dedicates substantial screen time to Mike Franks—played here by Kyle Schmid—and other agents like Lala Domínguez, Vera Strickland, and Randy. Their dynamics give emotional richness and thematic breadth beyond Gibbs’ trauma arc. (turn0search6 turn0search0turn0news15)

Fans on Reddit have praised how the ensemble has grown into its own identity, preventing the show from becoming a one-man chronicle. (turn0reddit22 turn0reddit27)

H2: What’s Coming in Season 2—First Interrogation & Fed 5 Crossover

Season 2 will continue to evolve Gibbs—featuring his first official interrogation, a milestone teased by co-showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal. The series also plans to explore the formation of the “Fed 5”, a pivotal unit including Gibbs, Pride, Franks, Betts, and McLane—linking Origins to NCIS: New Orleans. (turn0news12turn0search11turn0news14)

H2: Tone Shift—Darker, More Introspective, Less Procedural

Unlike the original NCIS procedural format, Origins aims for a deeper, character-driven tone. It explores grief, duty, regret, and early identity formation, giving Gibbs space to evolve rather than operate in autopilot. Monreal says it has “more of a streaming feel”—reducing case-of-the-week rigidity in favor of emotional arcs. (turn0search0turn0news13)

H2: What Fans Are Saying

On Reddit, viewers note a shift from “Gibbs grieving and alone” toward a richer team dynamic. Many praise the new cast’s chemistry and Stowell’s portrayal, while still acknowledging continuity concerns from early episodes. The tone is described as darker and more introspective. (turn0reddit22 turn0reddit23)

Conclusion

NCIS: Origins reintroduces Leroy Jethro Gibbs as a younger, emotionally unsettled man—struggling with grief, seeking his purpose, and learning to lead. Mark Harmon returns not just in voice but as emotional anchor. The show honors NCIS canon while intelligently adjusting it to deepen character arcs. Expect a darker, richer, and more vulnerable version of Gibbs than we’ve ever seen before.

5 Unique FAQs

Q1: Is Mark Harmon still involved in NCIS: Origins?
Yes—he narrates every episode, serves as executive producer, and appears on-screen in the premiere, with potential for future appearances. (turn0search1 turn0search5)

Q2: Will the show portray Gibbs killing Pedro Hernandez?
Yes—Origins plans to depict Gibbs’ revenge plot and its aftermath in detail, staying true to canon while adding emotional context. (turn0search2 turn0search10)

Q3: How much does the show follow NCIS canon?
Showrunners use a detailed writers’ room timeline to adhere strictly to canon, but prioritize narrative honesty—sometimes adapting details to fit story goals. (turn0search8 turn0search6turn0search10)

Q4: How is this Gibbs different from Mark Harmon’s version?
This version is more open, raw, and emotionally volatile—grief-stricken, still forming his identity, and far removed from the stoicism of the later Gibbs. (turn0search0 turn0search9turn0search6)

Q5: What new stories will Season 2 explore?
Season 2 will showcase Gibbs’ first formal interrogation and dive into the origins of the Fed 5—tying into NCIS: New Orleans.