NCIS: Origins Video Officially Introduces New Leroy Jethro Gibbs After Harmon Squashes Hopes Of Appearing
Summary
Unfortunately, it does seem like there’s no chance that Mark Harmon will physically appear as Leroy Jethro Gibbs inNCIS: Origins. It has been more than two years sinceHarmon’s Gibbs retired inNCISseason 19. Based on the last update about the character, he remains in Naktok Bay, Alaska. There have been several opportunities whereNCIScould have brought back Gibbs, but nothing has panned out yet. However, when news aboutNCIS: Originscame out, there was renewed hope that that prequel might prompt Harmon’s return to the small screen as his fan-favorite character.
Unfortunately, Harmon effectively douses hopes he will appear as old Gibbs inNCIS: Originsduring the show’s Television Critics Association summer press tour panel (viaUSA Today). The actor maintains that he’s happy about his reduced role, which involvesHarmon’s Gibbs just narrating the prequel’s events, as well as producing the project. Read his full quote below:
“I’m fine with the stepback role and [to] let the [new] cast do the work. I’m pleased to be part of it. I’m a distant part. I’m just here to support.”
Why Harmon Not Appearing As Gibbs Is Better For NCIS: Origins?
Austin Stowell Plays Young Gibbs In TheNCISPrequel.
NCIS: Originsis in the process of establishing Stowell as the current version of the character.
On-screen, the role ofyoung Gibbs has been recast with Austin Stowell. BeforeOrigins, the role was originally played by Mark Harmon, but Sean Harmon primarily portrayed the younger version during the flashbacks around the prequel’s timeline. In any case, picking a different actor was inevitable. Admittedly, there were some skepticisms over Stowell’s initial casting, but after his make-over that was shared on social media, there’s some optimism about his version of Gibbs. He will be joined by a solid ensemble led byKyle Schmid’s young Mike Franks, played by Muse Watson in the flagshipNCIS.
As disappointing as it is to not see Harmon as Gibbs, it’s for the betterment of the upcoming prequel spinoff since it is in the process of establishing Stowell as the current version of the character. Comparisons are already inevitable, but it would be more difficult for the young actor to make the role his own if he simultaneously played Gibbs with Harmon in the same series, albeit in different timelines. In any case, Harmon will have a presence in the early'90s-setNCIS: Originsas its storyteller. For now, that’s enough involvement from him.
I’m Concerned About NCIS: Origins After Seeing Young Mike Franks & Gibbs Together For The First Time
As production begins for NCIS: Origins, the first look at young Mike Franks and Gibbs on the set may be a cause of concern for the new CBS show.
Just because Harmon isn’t slated to make an appearance inNCIS: Originsin its debut season doesn’t mean that it can’t change in the future. The storytelling isinspired by the success ofYoung Sheldon, which featured Jim Parsons' Sheldon narrating the show’s events, while Iain Armitage played the same role on-screen. Perhaps, whenNCIS: Originswraps up its run, it can finally feature Harmon physically for a proper send-off to the character.
NCIS: Origins
Cast
NCIS: Origins is set in 1991, preceding the events of the original series. The series introduces Leroy Jethro Gibbs as a new special agent at NCIS Camp Pendleton. Under the leadership of NCIS legend Mike Franks, Gibbs navigates his role within a tenacious, unconventional team.
