With NCIS: Origins on the way, Mark Harmon’s time being Leroy Gibbs is seemingly over, but he still hopes to help the franchise. Harmon’s Gibbs exited NCIS after attempting to turn himself in for breaking the law. Parker refused to arrest him, so Gibbs elected to remain at peace in retirement, no longer spending his days investigating various crimes. Harmon’s version of Gibbs may have ended his reign, but the upcoming prequel hopes to tell the story of his earliest days. Origins is set to premiere on October 14 and will feature Austin Stowell as a younger Gibbs.
As an executive producer for NCIS, Harmon still takes opportunities to impart his wisdom to the younger actor. In an interview with TV Insider, Stowell explained that Harmon gave him direct advice. The original Gibbs told him to have faith in himself and to simply “trust yourself”. Stowell believes that Harmon’s intervention has been essential to his success as the young Gibbs, providing much-needed support. Check out his quote below:
Getting to know Mark has really been paramount to me stepping into these shoes and trying to fill them… This is a little different because some things are already in place and an audience knows where this leads years ahead.
What Will Young Gibbs Be Like?
NCIS: Origins Will Be A Very Different Show
Stowell’s inspiration is not the only thing that the TV Insider interview revealed. The other producers and stars also offered some insight into the differences between Stowell’s Gibbs and Harmon’s. Writer David J. North explained that their emotional reactions will differ, as Stowell’s version of the character has not yet learned to suppress his emotions. The newly recruited Gibbs will also lack an established place among the other investigators, which will inevitably impact his comfort levels with the team.
The premiere will see a grieving Gibbs returning from Desert Storm to find himself in a new environment, surrounded by new mentors, allies, and potential foes. Kyle Schmid (Special Agent Mike Franks) referred to Gibbs as a “lost soul” and emphasized that Franks will recruit Gibbs as a means of supporting him. With so much piled on his shoulders, Gibbs will need to balance his personal and professional lives, while also forging connections with team members, including Mariel Molino’s Special Agent Lala Dominguez.
The entire cast of NCIS: Origins will have their own unique challenges when it comes to connecting with pre-defined characters. Actors cited the use of direct discussions with their predecessors and dialogue coaches to get themselves properly invested. Additionally, Mark Harmon and his son, Sean Harmon, will both be serving as executive producers. That itself is fitting, given that Sean Harmon previously played young Gibbs. With so much support from the cast and crew, Stowell’s NCIS: Origins debut should come smoothly.