
Introduction – Past and Present Could Finally Collide
NCIS has always been a master of weaving compelling character arcs with long-term payoffs. Now, as Season 23 unfolds, there’s something brewing beneath the surface — something big. Alden Parker’s storyline is starting to dig into his past, and honestly, it couldn’t come at a better time. Why? Because we now have NCIS: Origins — the prequel focusing on a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
Even though the two shows exist in different timelines, Season 23 might just be the golden bridge fans have been waiting for.
What Is NCIS: Origins All About?
A Look Back at Young Gibbs
NCIS: Origins dives into the early ’90s and explores how Gibbs became, well… Gibbs. It shows his early days in the agency, his formative missions, and the people who shaped his legendary approach to justice.
Not Just Nostalgia — It’s Storytelling Evolution
This isn’t just fan service. It’s about giving depth to a character we thought we already knew inside out. And guess what? That depth might be exactly what Season 23 needs to make Parker’s arc unforgettable.
Parker’s Past Is Finally Coming Into Focus
The Writers Are Dropping Breadcrumbs
From subtle references to his FBI days to the resurfacing of old cases, Season 23 is clearly pushing Parker’s backstoryinto the spotlight.
Fans Are Hungry for More Than Flashbacks
Flashbacks are fine, but fans want more than just memories. They want connections, payoffs, and ideally… a crossover that hits emotionally and narratively.
How Could NCIS: Origins Fit Into Season 23?
The Timeline Clash Isn’t a Dealbreaker
Sure, Parker didn’t work with young Gibbs in the ’90s. But does that mean they can’t cross paths in other ways? Absolutely not.
Creative Devices Could Bridge the Gap
Think outside the box. What if Parker is investigating a cold case from the Origins timeline? What if he uncovers files, tapes, or even hidden correspondence from a young Gibbs?
Why This Crossover Makes So Much Sense
Shared Themes: Trust, Loyalty, Justice
Both series orbit around one core truth — how personal history shapes professional integrity. A crossover would deepen these themes and make the emotional payoff much richer.
Fan Engagement Would Skyrocket
Let’s be real: a crossover would break the internet. Fans from both shows would show up in droves. Social media would explode with theories, and viewership? Through the roof.
Possible Storylines That Could Connect Parker and Origins
The “Case File” Link
What if Parker discovers a declassified NCIS file from the ’90s — something Gibbs worked on before he became the legend?
A Mentor Connection
What if someone from Gibbs’ Origins team later mentored Parker during his FBI training? That’d be a solid narrative bridge.
Family Ties or Shared History
Could Parker’s past include a relative or old partner involved with young Gibbs? It’d be an emotionally charged connection that feels organic.
Production-Wise, It’s Totally Doable
Voiceovers & Archive Footage Could Work Wonders
Even without a physical appearance, Mark Harmon’s narration could easily guide the crossover. Imagine Parker listening to an old tape or diary Gibbs recorded during his early days.
Dual-Timeline Episode? Yes, Please.
Split an episode into two parallel storylines — Parker in the present, and young Gibbs in the past, solving the same casedecades apart. It would be cinematic gold.
What The NCIS Fandom Is Saying
Reddit & Twitter Are Already Buzzing
Fan forums are speculating like wildfire. Some believe this crossover is already being foreshadowed with Season 23’s dialogue.
Viewer Excitement = Opportunity
If there’s one thing CBS knows how to do, it’s listen to fan hype. The excitement is real — and the opportunity to c
Timeline Worries? Let’s Get Over Them
Crossovers Aren’t Always Linear
We’ve seen successful crossovers across timelines in shows like The Flash, Arrow, and even NCIS: Los Angeles. It’s all about the emotional payoff.
As Long As It Makes Sense, Fans Will Buy In
Audiences today are smart. If the writing is tight, the crossover will feel earned — not forced.
What NCIS Could Gain From This Crossover
Ratings Boost
Let’s not sugarcoat it: a crossover = more eyeballs. Origins will benefit from the main show’s established audience, and vice versa.
Deeper Character Development
Parker’s character is great, but still evolving. Connecting him to NCIS history would solidify his legacy in the franchise.
The Bigger Picture – Franchise Longevity
Expanding the NCIS Universe Smartly
Instead of launching spin-offs with new characters, why not link existing ones? It’s smart storytelling and efficient franchise building.
Prequels and Main Series Can Coexist
If Marvel and Star Wars can juggle timelines and still tell cohesive stories, NCIS absolutely can too.
What CBS Should Do Next
Tease the Connection Slowly
Don’t throw everything at the audience at once. A few well-placed Easter eggs or clues will go a long way.
Build Hype Across Platforms
Release companion webisodes. Drop teaser trailers. Use social media to drop hints. Get fans invested.
Conclusion – A Timeline Difference Shouldn’t Kill a Great Idea
NCIS Season 23 is in the perfect position to pull off something bold. By exploring Parker’s backstory and subtly connecting it to NCIS: Origins, the show could create a layered, emotional, and highly entertaining crossover that fans would remember for years.
Timeline differences? Sure, they exist. But good writing can turn that into an asset — not a roadblock. So here’s hoping CBS sees the opportunity right in front of them and brings these two incredible arcs together.
🙋♂️ FAQs
1. Could a Parker and Gibbs crossover actually happen?
Yes — not directly in real time, but through past events, case files, or character connections. The writers have all the tools.
2. Why does Season 23 feel like it’s building toward a crossover?
There’s been a noticeable focus on Parker’s past and personal development — perfect conditions for a deeper story arc.
3. Would a crossover confuse fans unfamiliar with Origins?
Not if it’s handled well. The key is to keep the emotional core universal and the connections subtle but meaningful.
4. Is NCIS: Origins necessary to enjoy Season 23?
Not at all. But watching both enhances the experience and deepens your understanding of the universe.
5. Has NCIS done timeline jumps or crossovers before?
Yes. NCIS has crossed over with LA, Hawaii, and New Orleans — and has played with non-linear storytelling before.