As a dedicated fan of NCIS for over a decade now, I must say that the creators have always managed to keep us hooked with their intricate plots and character development. The 200th episode, “The 200th Episode,” was particularly moving as it delved deep into Gibbs’ past, showcasing alternate worlds where he made different choices. It was a poignant reminder of how our choices shape us, and that we should never regret the man we have become.
NCIS: Origins is debuting, so here are some classic NCIS episodes to watch to get ready for it!
As a die-hard NCIS fan, I’ve truly felt the absence of Agent Jethro Gibbs. He’s been the soul of this series since its initial appearance as a spin-off from JAG. Gibbs was adored for his no-nonsense attitude, unwavering commitment to his work, occasional dry wit, and heartbreaking personal history, which included the loss of his wife and child. Mark Harmon brought this character to life so vividly that it was a jolt when Gibbs decided to call it quits at the start of Season 19, choosing instead to head off to Alaska for retirement.
Luckily, Harmon is set to rejoin the series in a distinctive manner. The upcoming show “NCIS: Origins” transports us to 1993, featuring Austin Stowell as a younger Gibbs joining the agency and exploring his journey to becoming the agent we recognize. This new take on the franchise promises to be engaging, so it’s essential to catch these episodes to learn about aspects of Gibbs’ past that might influence the storyline.
Hiatus (Season 3, Episodes 1&2)
In the thrilling two-part Season 3 finale, I found myself in a harrowing predicament – injured by an explosion and grappling with amnesia dating back to 1991. Enter Mike Franks, who stepped in to fill me in on the details I had lost. The memories he shared left me reeling, especially those of pivotal events like 9/11, which hit me hard. As flashbacks flooded my mind, I was transported back to my past – recalling my late wife, my decision to join the service, and more. Although it seemed like I had decided to leave, we all knew deep down that I wouldn’t stay away for long.
In addition to shedding light on his history, this episode also presented Mike Franks, a character who gained popularity and eventually took on the significant role of being Gibbs’ mentor within the series “Origins”.
Requiem (Season 5, Episode 2)
When the child of his longtime friend shows up at work asking for aid, it’s only natural that Gibbs offers assistance. It seems like a straightforward instance of her attempting to deter her former Marine boyfriend from harassing her, with Gibbs issuing a warning to him. However, things take a turn when the Marine abducts the girl, revealing that there’s more at play than initially thought.
A poignant instance unfolds as Gibbs finds himself trapped inside a submerged vehicle, where he experiences a hallucination of his wife and child reassuring him everything will be alright. This significant scene underscores the deep-seated memories of his family that Gibbs continues to hold dear. Given that Origins will portray Gibbs grappling with their loss in 1993, this episode serves as a powerful precursor to those events.
Ex-File (Season 5, Episode 3)
In this episode of the show, a recurring theme involved Gibbs’ many former romantic partners who shared the trait of being redheads. In a particularly challenging situation, his ex-wife, Stephanie Flynn (Kathleen York), turns out to be a key witness in a murder case. To make matters even more complicated, his current girlfriend Hollis Mann (Susanna Thompson) is also working on this case, which means that Gibbs finds himself in the uncomfortable position of both women being involved in the same investigation, effectively putting him in a situation where his current love and ex are discussing the details of the same case.
In the comedy scenes, there are also subtle hints about how every woman in Gibbs’ life has had to confront the lingering impact of Shannon and his ongoing struggle with her memory. Though not extensively explored like his other ex-lovers, this episode offers a glimpse into Gibbs’ complex romantic history, which includes past turmoil.
Heartland (Season 6, Episode 4)
For quite some time, the personal life of Gibbs, as far as his colleagues and audiences were concerned, remained a well-kept secret. However, this mystery was eventually solved when a case necessitated Gibbs’ return to his birthplace, Stillwater, Pennsylvania. This journey home led to a heartfelt reunion with his father, Jackson, played by Ralph Waite.
It’s a classic episode with Gibbs remembering how he met his future wife Shannon in the town and the father and son being pretty distant. They are able to bond by the end, and Origins will play on this difficult father/son relationship, which had a beautiful showcase here.
Swan Song/Pyramid (Season 8, Episode 15 &16)
In several episodes, Mike Franks remained a cherished character who always acted as if Gibbs was still a rookie, keeping him in check. This is why fans were taken aback when Franks met his end at the hands of the Port to Port Killer, a criminal the team had been chasing. Naturally, this news hit Gibbs hard, especially when he discovered that Franks had actually chosen to die on his own terms as he was already terminally ill.
In a valiant finale, Frank succumbed to death but left crucial hints to apprehend the Killer, and for some time, Gibbs deeply felt the void that his passing left.
Life Before His Eyes (Season 9, Episode 14)
In the 200th episode of the series, the producers opted for an intriguing approach. A confrontation with a gunman led Gibbs into a dream-like diner setting, where the spirit of Mike Franks appeared to him, presenting scenarios of different worlds. These alternate realities depicted situations where Kate Todd was still alive, Gibbs didn’t avenge his family and became a broken man, and one where Shannon and his daughter didn’t perish but instead, Gibbs met an untimely end in action.
This hour presents an opportunity to delve into Gibbs’ past, helping him understand that the decisions shaping his life are not reasons for remorse; instead, they have molded him into the remarkable man he is today. It also serves as a fitting tribute to the series while hinting at exciting prospects ahead.
The Namesake (Season 10 Episode 5)
Whilst investigating who fired at a petty officer, Gibbs stumbles upon a pawnshop dealing a Medal of Honor. His surprise grows as he learns it once belonged to Jethroy Lee Moore, a friend of his father and the namesake behind his own name. Tracing his long-admired figure (Billy Dee Williams), Gibbs discovers that they had fallen out many years ago.
As a gamer, I gather Moore and Jackson in a virtual game room, but their conflict stirs up something unexpected about the demise of my gaming avatar’s mother. Things heat up between them, leading to an astounding disclosure that sheds light on my character’s past. However, the narrative takes a turn for the better as Jackson, skillfully portrayed by Waite, uncovers more layers of my backstory than ever before.
Under the Radar (Season 11, Episode 3)
In the new series NCIS: Origins, we’ll encounter a younger version of Agent Vera Strickland, who used to work alongside Mike Franks. If you want to familiarize yourself with her character, check out her initial appearance where she was portrayed by Roma Maffia. As she was about to retire, Strickland temporarily joined the team but got injured due to Tony’s actions. In this brief stint, Maffia demonstrated a quick-witted and intelligent investigator. It will be intriguing to see how her character evolves when she makes a full appearance in the upcoming prequel.
Honor Thy Father (Season 11, Episode 24)
The initial scheme for Season 11’s final episode was altered following the passing of actor Ralph Waite in early 2014. Consequently, during their usual investigation, Gibbs learns that Jackson has sadly succumbed to a stroke. Before tackling the case, the team takes a moment to honor Jackson’s memory, and Gibbs leaves for Stillwater to attend his funeral.
Undeniably, the narrative becomes intricate when it revolves around an assassination attempt against Gibbs. Yet, what truly captivates us is Gibbs reminiscing about his father, serving as a heartfelt homage to both Michael Weatherly’s character and the actor who portrayed him so authentically. It beautifully illustrates the profound bond they shared.
Everything Starts Somewhere (Season 18, episode 2)
In the 400th episode of the series, we presented a heartwarming portrayal of the bond between characters Gibbs and Ducky, which turned out to be one of their final collaborations featuring Mark Harmon and David McCallum. The storyline cleverly featured Sean Harmon as a younger version of Gibbs, who, in 1980, found himself trapped in a trunk linked to an investigation and had his first encounter with Ducky.
In this engaging episode, there’s a delightful blend of the past and present as we witness a more impulsive, younger version of Gibbs, while Ducky is already displaying his mentoring skills by encouraging him to reconcile with Shannon. It’s an enjoyable tribute to the show, its characters, and it’s intriguing to discover how different Gibbs was back then.
NCIS: Origins premieres Monday, Oct. 14 at 9/8c on CBS.
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2024-10-01 19:23