Fans of NCIS: Origins were thrilled and taken by surprise when beloved character Tobias Fornell made a cameo in the latest spinoff episode.
The episode, titled “Incognito,” saw Leroy Jethro Gibbs embark on his very first undercover mission. However, many viewers were sidetracked when FBI agent Fornell appeared on screen. Originally portrayed by Joe Spano in NCIS, the younger version of Fornell in Origins is played by Lucas Dixon, known for his roles in The Tick and Z: The Beginning of Everything. One fan excitedly tweeted, “Tobias… hey, that’s T.C. Fornell! #NCISOrigins,” while another chimed in, “He even sounded like him!”
Another viewer celebrated the throwback: “Ohhh, the introduction of Special Agent Tobias Fornell!!! This makes me miss the original #NCIS. I loved the dynamic between Gibbs, Fornell, and Franks. #NCISOrigins #NCISVerse.” Yet another fan reacted in disbelief, saying, “DUDES! Did we just meet Young Fornell?! #NCISOrigins #NCIS.” Some fans even suggested a new spin-off: “I’d love a Fornell-centered show. #FBI #NCIS #NCISOrigins.”
In Origins, Fornell appears only briefly, meeting with Gibbs’ team to share key information related to their case. After providing insights to NIS agents Cliff Wheeler and Mike Franks, he’s dismissed by his superior, FBI Detective Noah Oakley.
