NCIS: Origins Finally Settles the Debate Over Mark Harmon’s Gibbs Replacement With 1 Perfect Scene

NCIS: Origins has settled a divisive debate about Mark Harmon’s original Leroy Jethro Gibbs character in its special crossover event. On Tuesday, November 11, the NCIS franchise aired a two-part episode that depicted a case unfolding over 30 years, beginning in the 1990s in NCIS: Origins Season 2, Episode 5, “Funny How Time Slips Away,” and ending in the present day in NCIS Season 23, Episode 5, “Now and Then.” The crossover consisted of each series unfolding the mystery in its own distinct tone and style, with NCIS bringing the investigation full circle.

Young Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid) and Gibbs (Austin Stowell) begin the investigation in 1992, looking into the death of a petty officer whose body was planted in his car on the railroad tracks to cover up a murder. The crossover featured special appearances from the original actors, Mark Harmon and Muse Watson, as older versions of the characters at the beginning and end of the installment. The cameo scenes had cinematic appeal and served as perfect bookends to the episode, but they also spoke to an ongoing discussion about Austin Stowell’s rendition of Gibbs.

The Controversy Over Mark Harmon’s New Gibbs Replacement in NCIS: Origins Explained

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Ever since the casting for the younger Gibbs character was announced as NCIS: Origins took form, fans have engaged in an ongoing debate about whether Harmon’s replacement resembles his original character. Some say that Stowell bears no resemblance to the original actor. Other viewers don’t mind the subtle differences between their appearances. They are more caught up by the contrasts in behavior, unable to reconcile the younger version of Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS: Origins with Harmon’s more serious Special Agent-in-Charge persona from NCIS.

In another vein, some audiences are drawn to more non-disputable factors, such as the height difference between the older and younger Gibbs. That said, according to metrics online, Stowell, standing at 6’1″ tall, is only an inch taller than Harmon. The dispute highlights the tendency of viewers to nitpick about the differences between the Gibbs characters, most of which aim to prove that Stowell bears no resemblance to Harmon. Even Stowell admits Gibbs will always be Harmon’s character. Still, the younger actor does many things right despite his appearance.

Putting appearances aside, there are times when Stowell evokes Gibbs. The actor has done his homework, and often mimics the older character’s body language, micro-expressions, and way of speaking. There’s also a certain, albeit limited, amount of freedom in Stowell’s depiction. While there are flashbacks to young Gibbs in NCIS, played by Sean Harmon, that show a milder version of Gibbs, there are also flashbacks to Harmon as Gibbs in the early 1990s, such as in NCIS Season 3, “Hiatus,” resulting in multiple renditions of younger Gibbs to reconcile.

That said, perhaps it’s less about how young Gibbs was depicted differently in past episodes and more about establishing a clear version of the younger character now. With both Mark and Sean Harmon acting as executive producers on NCIS: Origins and carefully contributing to its production, it may be worth trusting that the version of the younger character presented by the original Gibbs actors is the one they believe in and the one they want fans to accept. That said, the debate about appearance will continue, though NCIS: Origins aimed to settle it.

NCIS: Origins’ Crossover Episode Proves Austin Stowell Looks Like Gibbs

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It looks like NCIS: Origins may have been trying to win over some naysayers with Harmon’s appearance in Season 2, Episode 5. As Harmon reflects on his former team and NCIS: Origins slips into the past, the camera fixes on the older Gibbs’ face as it morphs into Stowell’s younger rendition, creating a seamless transition between the older and younger characters. Of course, there’s some editing magic at play here, which doubtlessly helps blend one face to the other smoothly. Still, the transition is reasonably convincing, speaking directly to the ongoing conversation.

There are subtle differences, but ultimately, one could argue that time and aging could account for the shifts in Gibbs’ facial shape and characteristics. What complicates the argument is that Stowell’s version of Gibbs would, in theory, blend the older and younger versions. But the baseline for that has been distorted, since both Harmons depicted Gibbs in the 1990s at times. Still, the fade from one character to another at least lays more solid groundwork for comparison, layering the characters’ faces on top of one another and showing audiences what is similar about the actors.

What Happens In Mark Harmon’s NCIS Return & What It Means

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Aside from speaking to the debate between the older and younger Gibbs actors, Harmon’s appearance in NCIS: Origins as the older Gibbs and the fade to his younger self were exciting moments for the story. The face-morph underlined Gibbs’ narrative about how quickly 30 years had passed. The transition provides a visual representation of all those years that Gibbs is reflecting on, as well as how he has changed during that time. Older Gibbs is still reflecting on his former team and his past. More than a transition to the investigation, the face morph makes it feel like a transition into Gibbs’ memories.

Harmon’s appearance is his first time returning to NCIS: Origins since the pilot and his second appearance in the franchise since he exited the flagship series in NCIS Season 19. Gibbs’ return to NCIS: Origins is a reminder that the series is delving into some of his most formative memories, but it could also be a window into his future. With his newfound solitude, Gibbs is reflecting on his past, replaying moments with Lala Dominguez (Mariel Molino). Perhaps Gibbs can do something about the missed moments they shared, with some fans believing Lala will be with Gibbs in Alaska when NCIS: Origins ends.