Episode 16 of NCIS: Origins pumps the show’s plotline into overdrive, but it also makes a solid argument for creating a new series entirely. There’s certainly been no shortage of NCIS spinoffs, to the point that just about any of them are likely to be somebody’s favorite. Fans also have the pick of the litter when it comes to choosing a favorite among NCIS: Origins’ cast, who boast arguably one of the most diverse arrays of personality types in the franchise.
Naturally, they also display a wide range of individual skills. In particular, Diany Rodriguez’s Vera Strickland has proven herself incredibly useful as a profiler and interviewer in the past couple of episodes. And regardless of whether possible NCIS prequels in the future ever decide to focus specifically on her character, Vera’s role in NCIS: Origins suggests that a spinoff based on particular skillsets could be a fresh new approach for the franchise. Best of all, recent additions to the slate of NCIS spinoffs suggest there may be no better time for it.
NCIS Is Becoming More Experimental With Its Spinoffs
They No Longer Base The Spinoffs Purely On Location
It wouldn’t be fair to say that location is all that separates NCIS and its various spinoffs. Whether set in Los Angeles, Sydney, or New Orleans, each cast has its own unique dynamic. However, the franchise has proven that it can branch out even further by setting prequel series NCIS: Origins in its own unique timeframe. The upcoming NCIS: Tony & Ziva also takes a unique approach by placing its main focus on fan-favorite characters rather than the city in which they operate.
While it won’t dig as deeply into the past as NCIS: Origins, the Tiva spinoff will also take a somewhat unique approach to its timeframe. It’s been confirmed that NCIS: Tony & Ziva’s timeline will be largely modern, but the series will also go back more than a decade ago to show what the characters have done since leaving NCIS. The cancelation of NCIS: Red showed that CBS isn’t generally willing to take chances on spinoffs they don’t think will benefit the franchise, so it’s refreshing to see that they’re nonetheless willing to experiment with their format.
An NCIS Profiling Spinoff Would Be Interesting
It Could Arguably Be The Most Unique Series In The Franchise
Considering Vera’s future in NCIS has nothing to do with profiling, that aspect of her character has had a remarkable impact on NCIS: Origins’ storyline. Not only did she end Franks’ hunt by helping him find Tish’s assailant in episode 15, but Vera’s responsible for the NCIS: Origins episode 16 reveal that Bugs wasn’t actually the sniper known as Sandman. Although the team is ultimately too late to keep Bugs from being silenced, Vera’s still the only reason they were able to start peeling back the lid on Operation Sundown before Sandman completes his mission.
A new NCIS spinoff focusing on Vera, or even just a team of characters like her, would fill a huge hole left on network TV by Criminal Minds’ move to streaming. The closest thing to a profiling-based procedural right now is The Hunting Party, but profiling isn’t really its main focus. Plus, an NCIS spinoff has more selling power due to brand recognition. Whether the series spun off from NCIS: Origins, brought back original NCIS characters, or focused on a brand-new team, an NCIS series based on criminal profiling could become the franchise’s freshest spinoff to date.
