NCIS: Origins Christmas Episode to Explore Gibbs’ Emotional Past
The NCIS universe is expanding with NCIS: Origins, delving into Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ (Austin Stowell) backstory in the early 1990s. The upcoming holiday episode, Blue Bayou, airing December 16, will spotlight Gibbs’ first Christmas without his wife and daughter while exploring his complex relationship with mentor Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid).
This pivotal episode reveals Gibbs’ journey to joining the NIS and his bond with Franks, described by showrunner David J. North as the foundation for their future partnership. The episode also teases a deeper look into former Marine Lala Dominguez (Mariel Molina), with showrunner hints that her character plays a significant role in the series.
Austin Stowell shared with TV Insider that the episode provides a key moment in Franks and Gibbs’ relationship, explaining why Franks gave Gibbs a second chance, setting the stage for everything to come.
NCIS: Origins continues its 18-episode debut season through January, offering fans a fresh look at Gibbs’ early days.