Follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he starts his career as part of the Naval Investigative Service operating out of Camp Pendleton.
Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round your screens because Hollywood has done it again. They've taken a beloved character, thrown him into the time machine, and served up a prequel that nobody asked for but everyone is mildly curious about. Yes, I'm talking about NCIS Origins, the latest spin-off that's attempting to show us a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs before he became the coffee-chugging, rule-making enigma we all know and love.
The Cast: Fresh Faces in Old Roles
First up, we have Austin Stowell stepping into the boots of young Gibbs. Stowell brings a certain boyish charm to the role, but it's a bit jarring to see Gibbs without the perpetual scowl and a boat project in his basement. Then there's Kyle Schmid, who seems to be channeling every 80s action hero rolled into one, swagger included. Rounding out the trio is Mariel Molino, whose character is so sharp she could cut glass—with a wit to match.
Plotting the Course: Back to Camp Pendleton
The series takes us back to where it all began: Gibbs starting his career with the Naval Investigative Service at Camp Pendleton. It's like watching a superhero origin story but with fewer capes and more naval uniforms. The show attempts to peel back the layers of Gibbs' stoic demeanor by presenting him as—wait for it—a bit of a mess. It's an interesting choice, like deciding to make a chocolate cake without the chocolate.
What I Liked: A Deeper Dive into Gibbs
Let's start with the positives. The idea of exploring Gibbs' backstory is undeniably intriguing. He's one of the franchise's most compelling characters, and seeing the events that shaped him has the potential for rich storytelling. There are also some unique characters introduced who could add depth to the narrative if given the chance. The setting of Camp Pendleton provides a fresh backdrop away from the hustle of Washington D.C., offering new scenery for the franchise.
What I Disliked: A Few Misfires
However, not all that glitters is gold-plated. One can't help but notice a certain trend in CBS shows where the male lead is overshadowed by a female character who seemingly does everything better. Equality is fantastic, but balance is key. It's as if the writers are saying, "Look, we support strong women—by making the men look incompetent!" Additionally, the portrayal of young Gibbs as a floundering rookie feels off-key. This is the guy who becomes the backbone of NCIS, and watching him stumble through his early days feels like watching a superhero trip over his own cape.
Moreover, the series seems to be bending historical norms to fit modern sensibilities, which can feel a bit forced. It's important to handle such shifts with nuance to maintain authenticity.
The backdrop of the show's timeline coincides with the real-life Tailhook scandal of 1991—a pivotal moment that led to the transformation of the NIS into the NCIS we know today. This event had significant repercussions in the Navy and could provide a compelling storyline. Unfortunately, the show only gives it a cursory nod, missing an opportunity to delve into deeper, more impactful narratives. Lets hope they adjust that in future episodes.
The Verdict: Sailing in Uncharted Waters
Rating: 7.0/10
NCIS Origins isn't a sinking ship, but it's not smooth sailing either. It has the potential to evolve into a worthy chapter of the NCIS saga if it addresses its missteps. For die-hard fans, it's a chance to see a different side of Gibbs. For newcomers, it might serve as a decent entry point, albeit with some choppy waters.
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