💣 Let’s Talk About It: Why One NCIS Character Should Be Killed Off In Season 2
Whether you love NCIS: Origins or are still skeptical of its place in the franchise, one thing’s clear: it’s not afraid to take risks. But here’s a controversial hot take—season 2 needs to kill off a beloved character, and not for shock value, but for storytelling depth and long-term payoff.
So grab a coffee and let’s dive deep into why this could be the most powerful move the series makes.
🧨 The Weight of Loss: Why High Stakes Matter
A major character death does more than tug at heartstrings. It raises the emotional stakes. Think back to when Caitlin Todd died in NCIS Season 2—viewers were devastated, but it cemented the show’s commitment to realism and consequence.
NCIS: Origins is a prequel, which means we know who makes it to the flagship series. That’s where the problem starts—it lacks suspense. Introducing a beloved character only to remove them in a meaningful way could change everything.
🎯 Setting the Stage for Bold Storytelling
What Origins is doing right now is establishing backstories. But in prequels, writers often fall into the trap of “safe storytelling.” A well-timed character death would break that mold.
Killing a popular character—someone who fans grew attached to—would say: No one is safe, even if this is a prequel. And it opens the door for unpredictable plotlines.
👤 Who Should Die? Meet the Contender: Mary Jo
Let’s be real—Mary Jo is the emotional heart of NCIS: Origins. She’s smart, relatable, and acts as a grounding force in Gibbs’ life. But precisely because we’re so attached to her, her death could be an unforgettable turning point.
Why her?
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She doesn’t exist in the future NCIS timeline
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She holds emotional sway over young Gibbs
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Her loss could be the catalyst for Gibbs’ iconic stoicism
🧠 Psychological Impact on Gibbs’ Character
Gibbs is a man shaped by loss. We know about Shannon and Kelly—but what if Mary Jo was the first major loss? This would lay emotional groundwork for his character arc across NCIS.
Imagine Season 2 ending with her unexpected death—viewers would grieve with Gibbs. And in doing so, understand him better than ever before.
📉 Avoiding Predictability in a Prequel Format
Prequels often fall into a predictable loop: fans already know the future. But if Origins is willing to kill someone we weren’t expecting to die, it keeps viewers on edge.
It’s about injecting suspense where timelines don’t allow for it naturally.
💔 Death That Means Something—Not Just Shock
We’re not talking about killing off a side character just to spark temporary tears. We’re talking about a purposeful narrative sacrifice.
If Mary Jo’s death:
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Happens saving Gibbs or a teammate
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Exposes a mole or corrupt officer
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Leads to the formation of his famous rules
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Pushes Mike Franks to be more protective of Gibbs
…then it’s not just emotional—it’s essential.
🗣 What The Fans Are Saying
Many NCIS fans are vocal about not wanting to see their favorites go—but underneath the surface, there’s a hunger for deeper, riskier storytelling.
Social threads are filled with “what-if” speculations, and a common theme is that Origins needs to “go there” to be memorable.
🎬 The Cinematic Opportunity For A Gut-Wrenching Goodbye
Let’s paint the scene: it’s late at night, rain pouring down, Mary Jo confronts the real villain. A gunshot. Silence. Gibbs arrives seconds too late. Cue credits.
Tell me you wouldn’t be glued to your screen.
📈 Ratings Surge Potential
Shows that take bold narrative swings often see a spike in ratings. Think:
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Grey’s Anatomy (Denny’s death)
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The Walking Dead (Glenn under the dumpster)
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Game of Thrones (Ned Stark)
Controversy = conversation. And Origins needs that viral edge.
🔍 Foreshadowing Is Already There
Writers have subtly built Mary Jo’s importance. She’s shown mentoring, protecting, and standing up for what’s right. These are all heroic traits—the kind that usually lead to self-sacrifice.
It wouldn’t feel forced—it would feel inevitable.
💥 The Ripple Effect Across the NCIS Universe
Killing her doesn’t just affect Gibbs. It affects Franks. The team. The agency. It becomes part of NCIS lore, adding a new chapter that reshapes how we watch the original series.
🎯 Making NCIS: Origins More Than Just Nostalgia
Let’s be honest—prequels often rely too heavily on nostalgia. While it’s fun seeing younger versions of our favorite characters, Origins needs to forge its own legacy.
Taking the brave route—killing a central figure in a meaningful way—can do that.
⚠️ The Risk of Playing It Too Safe
If Origins doesn’t take narrative risks, it’ll fall into the background. Another spinoff, easily forgotten. Viewers need to believe anything can happen—even if the timeline says otherwise.
That belief can only come from bold choices.
🏁 Final Word: Why Mary Jo’s Death Could Be a Game-Changer
This isn’t about shock—it’s about growth. For Gibbs. For the franchise. For the audience.
Mary Jo’s death would hurt, no doubt. But it would mean something. It would elevate the show from “just another prequel” to “must-watch television.”
Sometimes, in order for a story to live, a character must die.
🤔 Conclusion
Killing off a beloved character in NCIS: Origins Season 2 might sound like heresy, but it’s exactly what the show needs to reach its full potential. Emotional weight, narrative courage, and unforgettable scenes all come from high-stakes risks. And if done right, Mary Jo’s death could be the most important moment in the NCIS universe since its inception.
Are fans ready? Maybe not.
Should the writers do it anyway? Absolutely.
❓ 5 Unique FAQs About NCIS: Origins Character Death Theory
Q1: Is Mary Jo confirmed to die in NCIS: Origins Season 2?
No official confirmation exists. This theory is speculative, based on narrative hints and her absence in the NCIS timeline.
Q2: Why would Mary Jo’s death be significant to Gibbs’ character?
Her loss could be his emotional turning point, explaining his hardened demeanor in future episodes.
Q3: Has NCIS killed off important characters before?
Yes—Kate, Ziva (briefly), and Ducky (eventually). Major deaths have always shaped the show’s direction.
Q4: Could her death backfire with fans?
Yes, if mishandled. But if written with care and purpose, it could become a fan-favorite episode.
Q5: What’s the benefit of a risky plot like this?
It injects suspense, emotional realism, and sets Origins apart from being just another franchise spinoff.
