The recent announcement that Mark Harmon would be returning as Gibbs inNCIS: Originsmeans that anotherNCIScharacter needs to reappear as well. AfterMark Harmon leftNCISin season 19, there were worries that he would never appear as Gibbs again. Harmon played Leroy Jethro Gibbs for over 18 years and his character’s portrayal left a profound impact on the series, making him one of the most belovedNCISactors in the history of the franchise.
Harmon’s reappearance inNCIS: Originsis an exciting development for the prequel, which will follow a young Gibbs at the start of his professional career as a special agent. TheNCIS: Originscastwill feature several new characters to the franchise, but it will also feature characters that have appeared onNCISbefore. The exciting announcement that Harmon would be returning to the franchise is exciting on its own terms, but it also sets up the possibility for another importantNCIScharacter to return – Muse Watson’s Mike Franks.
Mark Harmon Will Appear In The NCIS: Origins Premiere
Mark Harmon Will Reprise His Famous Portrayal As Gibbs
In an interview withDeadline,NCISco-showrunner, David J. North revealed that Mark Harmon would be reappearing asGibbs in theNCIS: Originspremiere. The news that Harmon would be appearing in the prequel came as an exciting announcement sinceMark Harmon’s Gibbs has not appeared inNCISfor several years. North said that Harmon was part of the discussion about having him reappear as Gibbs.NCIS: Originsis set to star Austin Stowell as the young Gibbs, with Mark Harmon playing a more minor role.
Having Harmon give important context and emotional cues will help tie the prequel toNCISand add some familiarity to each episode…
Harmon will specifically be playing the role of the narratoras he tells the story of what happened in 1991 that led to his career inNCISin the early 2000s. Having Harmon give important context and emotional cues will help tie the prequel toNCISand add some familiarity to each episode, since the cast will look completely different to any currentNCISshow. AlthoughMark Harmon’s Gibbsis not returning inNCISseason 22, it will be nice to see him reappear in theNCISfranchise through his vocal appearance inNCIS: Origins. This aspect of his performance also opens the door to Watson’s return as Franks.
Harmon’s Appearance As Old Gibbs Paves The Way For Muse Watson’s Return As Old Franks
Watson Could Appear As Another Narrator
AlthoughNCIS: Originsfocuses on 1991, the appearance of Mark Harmon’s Gibbs opens up the possibility of Muse Watson’s return as Mike Franks.Watson played Franks onNCISfor six years, from season 3 up until Franks' death in season 8, when he was killed by the Port-to-Port Killer, anNCISantagonist. Franks will also appear inNCIS: Origins, but the younger version will be played by Kyle Schmid. If Harmon is able to narrate Stowell’s scenes as Gibbs, then it’s possible that Watson could return in a similar supporting role for Schmid.
6 Dead NCIS Characters Who Can Only Return In NCIS: Origins
Some NCIS characters haven’t been able to return to the world of the living since their death, but NCIS: Origins can finally bring them back.
Even though Mike Franks is deceased in present-dayNCIS, he could still appear inNCIS: Originsvia a cameo or narration.Franks appeared onNCISseveral times after his deathon the show through Gibbs' imagination in seasons 8 through 15. Having Old Franks reappear inNCIS: Originswould not veer too far off the realm of possibilities in theNCISfranchise, since it has happened before. Watson’s reappearance would also help connect the two shows further by having two returningNCIScast members appear in the prequel.
Why Franks Is As Important To NCIS: Origins As NCIS
Franks Is Significant To Gibbs' Backstory
Even though Mike Franks first appeared onNCISin season 3, he and Gibbs have a long shared history.Franks was the former leader of the NIS Major Case Response Teambefore the organization becameNCIS. He was also a significant mentor to Gibbs and helped him become the agent he is today. InNCIS, Gibbs often called upon Franks to help solve tough cases, using his expertise and loyalty to bring justice to open investigations. Franks also played a significant role in theNCISseason 5 finale, which ended with the death ofNCISdirector Jenny Shepard.
InNCIS: Origins, Frankswill play a more direct role in Gibbs' life as the two work together closely. But everything inNCIS: Originswill set up the context of their relationship inNCIS. WhileNCISdoes feature flashbacks to explain how the two characters met, the prequel will expand on that on a closer level.NCIS: Originswill also highlight how Franks shaped Gibbs' career and offered him guidance after Gibbs lost his wife and daughter. Their professional relationship will transform into the friendship that is shown inNCIS.
NCIS: Origins
Cast
NCIS: Origins is set in 1991, preceding the events of the original series. The series introduces Leroy Jethro Gibbs as a new special agent at NCIS Camp Pendleton. Under the leadership of NCIS legend Mike Franks, Gibbs navigates his role within a tenacious, unconventional team.
