In NCIS, Mark Harmon’s departure as Leroy Jethro Gibbs marked the end of an era, with his final scene carrying a quiet but powerful significance. In this scene, Gibbs went fly-fishing with his trusted colleague Timothy McGee, played by Sean Murray, in the serene setting of Naktok Bay, Alaska. The case that brought them there involved stopping Sonova Industries, a corporation whose copper mining operation threatened to pollute the pristine Alaskan environment. This mission proved to be a fitting last case for Gibbs, aligning with his values and dedication to justice. However, at the time, viewers didn’t fully understand the depth of meaning behind Gibbs’ choice to remain in Alaska and spend his final on-screen moments fishing—until NCIS: Origins revisited a key piece of his backstory.
In the new spin-off, NCIS: Origins, Austin Stowell steps into the role of a younger Gibbs, portraying him in 1991 when Gibbs was just beginning his career with the Naval Investigative Service (NIS). This prequel series delves into Gibbs’ early years, revealing details about his personality and life experiences that would shape the future NCIS legend. Through these flashbacks, NCIS: Origins sheds light on Gibbs’ deep connection to fishing—a hobby that would come to mean far more than simple relaxation for him. The love of fishing, as it turns out, goes beyond recreation; it’s a grounding activity that provides him solace and peace, drawing him back to nature and to himself.
In Harmon’s final scene, Gibbs finds a rare moment of contentment, casting his fishing line in Alaska’s calm waters. Initially, his choice perplexed McGee, who couldn’t understand why his mentor would choose a quiet life in a remote place over the action of NCIS. Yet through NCIS: Origins, fans learn that fishing represents Gibbs’ deeper journey toward peace and self-acceptance—a significant shift after years of relentless work as an agent. The scene thus gains new meaning: it becomes a symbol of Gibbs’ healing and his decision to leave the chaos of his career behind for something more personally fulfilling.
By expanding on Gibbs’ past, NCIS: Origins gives fans an opportunity to see how a young Marine like Gibbs evolved into the agent viewers grew to admire over two decades. His love for fishing, now contextualized as a meaningful anchor in his life, explains the sense of completeness he feels in Alaska, marking his retirement not as an ending but as a peaceful new beginning. The prequel series has skillfully filled in the gaps, bringing Gibbs’ journey full circle, from the man he was when he started at NIS to the man who found peace in the Alaskan wilderness. This additional layer adds a final, poignant note to Mark Harmon’s farewell, offering a full and satisfying conclusion to Gibbs’ story.
