Mark Harmon Returns in the “NCIS: Origins” Crossover — But Gibbs and Lala’s Story Remains a Mystery
The long-awaited NCIS and NCIS: Origins crossover has officially brought Mark Harmon back into the NCIS universe. The episode opened with a touching sequence of present-day Gibbs living quietly in his Alaskan cabin, reflecting on his life and career. From there, the story transitioned back to the 1990s, following young Gibbs and Mike Franks as they investigated the murder of a sailor in a small town.
As the case unfolded, the team encountered resistance from locals unwilling to talk. The mystery seemed solved when the town sheriff confessed to the crime, but Franks later realized the confession was false — the man had taken the blame to protect someone he loved. The episode ended with a powerful scene in which Kyle Schmid’s young Franks stared across the interrogation room, his face gradually transforming into that of Muse Watson — the original actor who portrayed Franks in NCIS. It served as a moving tribute that connected the two timelines and honored a fan-favorite character.
Showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal explained that Gibbs’ brief return wasn’t meant to resolve everything at once. Instead, it served as a quiet check-in on the beloved character four years after his departure. They also confirmed that it’s still “too soon” to reveal what happened between Gibbs and Lala, teasing that fans will have to wait before that story unfolds.
The creative team revealed that Gibbs’ companionship with a dog was a deliberate choice — a reflection of his lifelong struggle between isolation and connection. Monreal explained that Gibbs “tries to be alone, but ultimately, he’s not meant to be.” The use of Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away” in the cabin scene, she added, symbolizes the passage of time and Gibbs’ personal growth rather than a direct hint about Lala.
Muse Watson’s surprise appearance was also confirmed to be filmed in person, not digitally created. North shared that the veteran actor eagerly returned to the set to support Kyle Schmid’s portrayal of Franks, calling the experience “very special” for both cast and crew.
Overall, the crossover succeeded in blending nostalgia with new storytelling, paying tribute to legacy characters while deepening the emotional threads that continue to define the NCIS franchise.
