NCIS: Origins’ Most Disappointing Gibbs Episode Sheds Light on the Flagship Series’ Ongoing Struggles

Warning! Spoilers ahead for NCIS season 22 and NCIS: Origins.

The recent episode of NCIS: Origins highlights a significant challenge that the flagship NCIS series is currently facing in terms of storytelling. As CBS resumes its popular procedural universe after the winter hiatus, both Alden Parker’s Major Case Response Team (MCRT) and Mike Franks’ Camp Pendleton squad return to the forefront. This marks a noteworthy moment as the franchise embarks on its first prequel series, complicating potential crossover opportunities due to the differing timelines. However, exploring these interconnected narratives can provide valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the series.

Since Mark Harmon’s departure in NCIS season 19, the flagship series has been striving for a fresh identity. In contrast to Gibbs’ character, Parker appears to be more approachable with his team—a shift that initially unsettled long-standing members like Tim McGee and Nick Torres. While the flagship series moves beyond its central character, the prequel’s design relies on Gibbs’ presence. Yet, notably, the latest episodes include plotlines that surprisingly minimize his involvement, particularly poignant in 2025.

NCIS: Origins Episode 12 Showcases Kowalski’s Engaging Backstory

Kowalski’s Limited Connection to Gibbs

Kowalski and Franks in the Evidence Room

In the twelfth episode of NCIS: Origins, titled “Touchstone, ”a pivotal focus is placed on NIS custodian Kowalski. The narrative kicks off as he discovers his office, typically a repository for crucial case files, in disarray. Having served faithfully for 25 years, Kowalski is visibly affected, triggering reflections on his wartime experiences. Over the course of the episode, the storyline shifts its focus almost entirely onto Kowalski, relegating Gibbs—who teams up with Lala Dominguez—to a peripheral role. His character’s presence feels almost superfluous, as the plot could progress effectively without him.

For a series heavily marketed around Gibbs, episode 12 can be classified as the least impactful for his character. Ironically, it stands out as one of the more engaging narratives of the prequel. Following an episode centered on Franks, which incorporated insightful flashbacks to his Vietnam War experiences, Kowalski’s journey now lacks direct links to Gibbs’ history, showcasing a significant narrative divergence.

NCIS Season 22 Lacks the Emotional Depth of Previous Installments

Recent MCRT Cases Fail to Captivate

Nick Torres making a hand gesture in NCIS

Although NCIS: Origins may boast about its narrative premise, its true appeal still hinges on Gibbs and his ongoing story. It has successfully explored lesser-known facets of his character’s past, previously established yet underexplored in the original series. Notably, the spin-off creatively develops compelling arcs, such as Kowalski’s, which is a refreshing departure from the increasingly farcical tone often present in the flagship. An episode titled “For Better or Worse, ”for instance, left viewers amused yet underwhelmed as agents Jessica Knight and Nick Torres pretended to stage a wedding to infiltrate a mob operation.

Given that NCIS: Origins has succeeded in crafting a grounded, character-driven arc for a new character, it raises the question of why the flagship cannot achieve similar success. While earlier seasons skillfully intertwined levity and serious themes, the current iterations feel overly formulaic, focusing on mundane cases that would typically fall into local police jurisdiction. The departure from the complex, dark realities of military and federal investigations is palpable.

Recommendations for Enhancing Storytelling in NCIS Season 22

Emphasis on Real-World Cases is Crucial

Agent Parker and Knight discussing in NCIS season 22

In its formative years, NCIS balanced lighthearted moments—like Tony DiNozzo’s playful banter and Gibbs’ no-nonsense slapstick—with weighty narratives surrounding Marines both in combat and confronting their post-war realities. Presently, many cases tackled feel trifling, almost as if they could be resolved through routine police work rather than the meticulous investigations typically associated with NCIS.

To reclaim its narrative strength, NCIS should revisit the storytelling foundations that endeared it to audiences. The renewed focus on Knight and Jimmy Palmer’s inconsequential banter, without acknowledgment of their significant emotional separations, diverges from the show’s earlier character depth. Additionally, further developing Parker’s intriguing Lily case could serve to deepen viewer engagement with the new leadership dynamic within MCRT.

Want up-to-date insights on your favorite series? Subscribe to ScreenRant’s weekly Network TV newsletter for exclusive content from actors and showrunners.

Source & Images