After discovering a key detail about *NCIS: Origins*, I’m now convinced that a Leroy Jethro Gibbs prequel series is exactly what we need. While the thrill of watching the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) solve Navy-related crimes is undeniable, the real heart of *NCIS* lies in its characters and their dynamic. Over the years, my favorite cast member has changed, as the show is truly an ensemble. However, Mark Harmon’s Gibbs has always been the face of the series.
Like long-time cast member Sean Murray, I once doubted whether *NCIS* could continue without Gibbs. Amid all the cast changes, he provided the stability that held the show together. I always felt that as long as Gibbs was around, the agency would endure. When Harmon officially departed in Season 19, it was bittersweet, but at least CBS gave him a proper send-off. Now, a couple of years later, Gibbs is set to return to the small screen, and while I had mixed feelings at first, I now believe *NCIS: Origins* is exactly what the franchise needs.