NCIS: Episode 11 Review – How Sidelining Gibbs Improved the Storyline

Warning: This article discusses themes of suicide and survivor guilt. Additionally, it contains spoilers for NCIS: Origins episode 11, titled “Flight of Icarus.”

Transformative Character Focus in NCIS: Origins Episode 11

While NCIS: Origins was primarily designed to delve into the backstory of the character Gibbs, episode 11 illustrates the show’s potential when it diverges and highlights other characters. With the renewal status of season 2 still uncertain, this shift in narrative focus can be a pivotal lesson for the writing team in developing richer stories for the supporting cast. This approach serves to present distinct investigations capable of influencing team dynamics on an emotional level, independent of Gibbs’ ongoing personal struggles.

Case Study: “Flight of Icarus”

The episode revolves around the investigation of a death that initially seems to be self-inflicted. The victim’s father, a distinguished general, adamantly believes that his son was murdered. This investigation deeply affects one of the NCIS: Origins characters, allowing the narrative to shift away from Gibbs’ tragic history, specifically the loss of his wife and daughter, and instead explore a different backstory that has not been fully examined in the original series. Through this narrative pivot, episode 11 convincingly demonstrates that NCIS: Origins thrives when Gibbs occasionally steps back from the spotlight.

Highlighting Mike Franks in Episode 11

Unpacking Franks’ Relational History

The refusal of General Reid to acknowledge his son’s death as a suicide disturbs Mike Franks, ultimately revealing that Franks’ brother Mason volunteered for the Vietnam War after Mike chose not to avoid the draft. This narrative arc implies that Mason’s demise contributes to Franks’ survivor guilt, shedding light on his protective instincts toward Gibbs. Although survivor guilt is a recurring motif across NCIS franchises, this particular storyline enriches Franks’ character development and elucidates his emotional complexities.

Interestingly, Gibbs’ emotional storyline is somewhat sidelined in this episode. While Franks touches on Gibbs’ past suicide attempt, Gibbs’ primary focus is evaluating his readiness to pursue romantic relationships. This subplot lays groundwork for the emerging dynamics with Lala Dominguez, but remains minimally explored. Notably, the most engaging moment within Gibbs’ narrative is Randy’s awakening to Lala’s feelings, underscoring how even within his arc, the supporting characters emerge as the stars.

The Strength of Ensemble Storytelling in NCIS: Origins

Opportunity for Character Depth in Future Episodes

Mike Franks is not the first character to draw attention away from Gibbs, nor should he be the last. In earlier episodes, such as episode 8, the series successfully centered on Randy, delivering one of the most captivating action sequences to date. Dominguez also previously commanded the narrative, but further exploration of her character is necessary. Given that Gibbs has indicated this as her story from the premiere, the series would benefit from additional episodes focused on Lala to substantiate her significance.

Moreover, a dedicated episode for Woody could introduce valuable humor into an otherwise somber series. As NCIS: Origins prepares for overarching narratives, there remains ample opportunity to spotlight diverse characters. For instance, Mary Jo has hinted at an unexplored tragic history, further enhancing the ensemble’s depth. While Phil and Gary Callahan might not receive their standalone episodes soon, Kowalski’s role in earlier episodes illustrates that even minor characters can play pivotal roles in unfolding investigations.

Limitations of Focusing Solely on Gibbs’ Backstory

The Need for Broader Character Narratives

The main flaw in the concept of NCIS: Origins is that Gibbs’ backstory does not warrant excessive exposition. Many critical elements of his past, notably the tragedies he faced, are already established within the flagship series. While the prequel provides intriguing context, such as the influence of Ruth on Gibbs’ emotional restoration, the repetitive exploration of his grief lacks sustainability.

Nonetheless, NCIS: Origins intermittently delves into compelling aspects of Gibbs’ character, including the tentative beginnings of his relationship with Lala, which may eventually link to Rule 12 in his future. However, the majority of his rules are universally recognized, diminishing the necessity for elaborate origin tales. As the series exhausts the impactful elements of Gibbs’ character, it becomes imperative for the writers to pivot towards the rest of the ensemble to maintain viewer engagement.

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