Mark Harmon’s Return in NCIS: Origins Breaks Gibbs’ Final Rule!
Mark Harmon’s involvement in NCIS: Origins has fans buzzing, but it also means he’s breaking Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ final rule. For nearly two decades, Harmon has embodied Gibbs, the iconic character whose leadership was established long before NCIS premiered, appearing first in JAG. In the prequel, Harmon will return to the small screen as a younger NIS agent on Mike Franks’ ragtag team, now played by Kyle Schmid. This time, viewers will learn stories about Gibbs that have never been revealed in the flagship series.
While there have been mixed feelings about the Origins spinoff, it promises to showcase a side of Gibbs that fans have never seen before. Austin Stowell, who takes on the role of a young Gibbs, will portray a character markedly different from Harmon’s version, as the story unfolds shortly after Gibbs’ Marine discharge and the tragic murders of his wife and daughter, Shannon and Kelly. Despite the recasting, Harmon remains involved, thus breaking one of Gibbs’ most well-known rules.
Mark Harmon’s Return in NCIS: Origins Explained
The concept for a Gibbs prequel actually originated with Mark and Sean Harmon, who believed revisiting the character’s past would make a compelling new spinoff. With the NCIS franchise still thriving, CBS was eager to greenlight the project. Besides producing the show, Mark Harmon will narrate the events of NCIS: Origins, drawing inspiration from the storytelling style of Young Sheldon.
However, unlike Young Sheldon, which held off on revealing the backstory until its finale, NCIS: Origins will make it clear from the start why Gibbs is reflecting on his early days with the agency.
Initially, there was uncertainty about Harmon’s on-screen involvement, but it was recently announced that he would appear in the premiere episode. While details about his role remain under wraps, it’s expected that his return will be crucial to establishing the show’s premise and will likely attract more viewers to Origins.
Breaking Rule #91: Gibbs’ Cardinal Rule
Since leaving NCIS in Season 19, Harmon’s return will undoubtedly delight long-time fans. However, it also signifies a break from Gibbs’ final cardinal rule. Over the years, Gibbs developed a set of guidelines—his “rules”—largely influenced by his late wife, Shannon. The last of these rules, Rule #91, states: “When you decide to walk away, don’t look back.”
After 21 years on air and over 1,000 episodes across the franchise, Harmon’s physical return to the role represents a direct challenge to this rule. While his narrative and production involvement was expected, seeing him reprise the character on-screen would be a significant departure from Gibbs’ philosophy.
Harmon’s presence is a strategic move for NCIS: Origins, designed to reassure fans who may be hesitant about the new series. His return effectively bends Gibbs’ rule about moving on, making this an exciting moment for NCIS aficionados.
