NCIS: Origins will go deeper into Gibb's backstory with more flashbacks that promise to surprise the audience with more unexpected details. NCIS: Origins episode 4 focused on a girl who went missing after witnessing a murder, resulting in an emotional story that brought Gibbs' painful past to the forefront. His bond with the girl stirred memories of the tragic loss of his daughter, Kelly, and his wife, Shannon, who were killed in a car crash. The episode featured a flashback to 1991, during Gibbs' final days in Desert Storm, revealing the moment he found out about his family's tragic deaths.
After seeing the flashback of Gibbs being overtaken by grief, co-showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal confirms that the flashbacks will continue to be a core part of the show in an interview with TV Line. Although Gibb's story has already played out in NCIS, Monreal reveals that the audience should expect surprises in how major events in his story are reached. Read her full quote below:
The flashbacks are going to continue. Part of the DNA of the show is that we want to show how our characters got to the place where we meet them, so we’re really interested in showing these stories that reveal the ‘making of’ these characters. We know the tentpoles from OG show that are in Gibbs’ past, but I think we’ve packed some pretty good surprises as to how we get from one tentpole to the next.
What This Means for NCIS: Origins
A Deeper Look Into The Team
The use of flashbacks as a narrative tool in NCIS: Origins story aims to give long-time viewers a deeper understanding of the franchise's most iconic characters. While audiences are already familiar with many of the defining moments in Gibbs' life, the show's approach hints that there is more to uncover. Monreal's confirmation that the flashbacks will contain "pretty good surprises" also signals that the series isn't just rehashing stories that the audience is already familiar with, but also introducing new twists that might change perceptions about Gibbs.
This creative decision could also be a smart way for the show to appeal to both old and new audiences. For long-time viewers, the flashbacks offer a nostalgic look at the origins of the characters, while also keeping the story fresh and exciting. Meanwhile, new viewers unfamiliar with the original series can enjoy the show as a standalone, with the story unfolding in a way that feels independent yet rich with context.
Our Take On NCIS: Origins’ Flashbacks
They Bring New Life To The Franchise
The flashbacks in Origins offer more than just a sentimental glimpse of the past; they add emotional depth and new insights to characters fans thought they knew. By digging into Gibbs' traumas, the series provides a more intimate understanding of the man behind the stern demeanor seen in the original NCIS. This approach could also allow the prequel to alter or recontextualize facts about Gibbs and the rest of the team. This strategy could also pave the way for the want of additional origin stories for other NCIS major players.
Ultimately, Origins is laying the groundwork for more than just nostalgic flashbacks. If done correctly, the series has the potential to not only appease dedicated fans but also breathe new life into one of CBS's most enduring assets. By revisiting old wounds and revealing new secrets, NCIS: Origins has the potential to turn into an essential chapter of the NCIS franchise.
Source: TV Line
