NCIS: Origins Episodes 1 & 2 Recap – Gibbs Joins the Naval Investigative Service Team

The inaugural episodes of NCIS: Origins, titled 1 and 2, premiered back-to-back on CBS on October 14, 2024. This latest addition to the acclaimed American investigative drama series, NCIS, is both narrated by and features the renowned Mark Harmon, who famously portrayed the lead character in the original series.

As the sixth entry in the NCIS media franchise, NCIS: Origins delves into the backstory of the iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs, who serves as a Supervisory Special Agent and Special Agent in Charge.

The narrative unfolds on Gibbs’ first day at work, introducing him to his fellow agents and his superior, Mike Franks. Gibbs’ initial case as a special agent with the NIS revolves around the gruesome murder of a woman named Melanie, who is discovered charred within her home. As the plot advances, the mystery deepens with the revelation of a sniper’s involvement in the murderous events.

The Recruitment of Leroy Jethro Gibbs to the NIS

Set in 1991, NCIS: Origins opens with Gibbs driving to his new workplace. Viewers meet his colleagues, his boss Mike Franks, and special agent Bernard Randolf, who provides an overview of the precinct.

However, their orientation is abruptly interrupted as they are called to a crime scene where Melanie’s body is discovered in her home, surrounded by peculiar items resembling props for satanic rituals. At the scene, Gibbs encounters agent Lala Dominguez and is overwhelmed by the horrific sight, resulting in him expressing his distress.

As the narrative progresses, we discover that Gibbs is grappling with the painful loss of his wife and daughter, having failed his psychological evaluation required for NIS recruitment. Nonetheless, Mike Franks defies protocol and selects Gibbs for the team, a decision that raises concerns for Lala, who worries that Gibbs’ unstable state could jeopardize field operations and sees him as a potential threat to her position.

Mark Harmon Narrates NCIS: Origins

Mark Harmon gained widespread recognition from his role as Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS. After departing the show following its 19th season, he returns in a new capacity as both the narrator and executive producer of NCIS: Origins.

By the conclusion of the first episode, Harmon is depicted sitting by a fire, reflecting on his early days in the NIS with a notebook in hand. He shares that the narrative focuses on Lala Dominguez, and his voiceover carries a somber tone, hinting at tragic events that may unfold in the series.

Intriguing Developments in NCIS: Origins Episodes

The investigation intensifies as Gibbs uncovers that Melanie was eliminated by a sniper, and the fire that consumed her house was merely a diversion orchestrated by the murderer to mislead authorities into believing the case stemmed from satanic rituals.

As further events unfold, another sniper shooting occurs at the beach, with media outlets sensationalizing the perpetrator as the “Sandman.”However, by the end of the second episode, it is disclosed that Melanie’s death was at the hands of her friend and possible boyfriend, Bugs, a former military sniper, driven by jealousy over her desire to be with someone else.

Though the sniper case reaches a conclusion, Mark Harmon’s closing narration hints at more complex and sinister stories set to be explored in future episodes.

Currently, NCIS: Origins episode 3 is scheduled to air on CBS on October 21, 2024.

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