Since its inception, NCIS has been one of the most enduring crime procedural dramas on television. However, with the release of NCIS: Origins, the prequel series meant to explore the early days of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, long-time fans have found themselves questioning the direction of the franchise. While the concept of delving into Gibbs’ formative years had potential, one particular episode has demonstrated why the flagship NCIS series has been struggling in recent years. This episode, which attempts to explore Gibbs’ past in a way that contradicts established canon, serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of prequels and the franchise’s ongoing identity crisis.
A Canonical Disaster
One of the biggest issues with this episode of NCIS: Origins is its inconsistency with the lore of the original series. Over the years, NCIS has carefully built up a backstory for Gibbs, painting him as a man shaped by tragedy, discipline, and an unrelenting sense of justice. However, NCIS: Origins introduces elements that directly conflict with the established timeline, creating a disconnect for loyal viewers. Instead of reinforcing Gibbs’ well-known traits, this episode rewrites key aspects of his youth, making his transformation into the hardened, yet honorable leader of NCIS feel less organic.
The inconsistency extends beyond just Gibbs’ character development. The episode struggles to balance nostalgia with innovation, reintroducing familiar names and events in a way that feels forced rather than meaningful. As a result, it alienates long-time fans who have followed Gibbs’ journey for two decades.
A Reflection of the Flagship’s Struggles
The missteps in this NCIS: Origins episode mirror the broader challenges the main NCIS series has faced in recent years. With Mark Harmon’s departure, the show has struggled to maintain the same compelling leadership dynamic. Attempts to fill the void left by Gibbs have led to uneven storytelling, with new characters lacking the same depth and gravitas. The prequel’s failed attempt to explore Gibbs’ past only reinforces the notion that the franchise is relying too heavily on nostalgia without delivering substantive, fresh storytelling.
Furthermore, the episode’s lackluster writing and execution reflect a broader issue in the flagship NCIS series: a reliance on formulaic plotlines and underdeveloped character arcs. Instead of pushing the envelope with innovative cases and complex moral dilemmas, both NCIS and NCIS: Origins seem content with retreading old ground.
Can NCIS Recover?
The critical reaction to this episode of NCIS: Origins should serve as a wake-up call to the franchise’s creators. While NCIS remains popular, its long-term viability depends on the ability to tell new and engaging stories without contradicting its own history. The franchise must prioritize character-driven narratives that respect existing lore while bringing something new to the table. If it fails to do so, NCIS risks alienating its loyal fanbase and becoming yet another procedural that overstays its welcome.
