NCIS: Origins dives into the early life of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell, but also reserves an impactful role for Mark Harmon’s version of the character, adding a unique layer of complexity. Set in 1991, just after the tragic deaths of Gibbs’ wife Shannon and daughter Kelly, the show explores how this trauma shaped his life and hardened his personality. Although Stowell’s portrayal captures Gibbs’ raw grief and hopelessness, Harmon’s occasional narrations bring emotional depth to these moments, blending past and present to reveal a more profound understanding of Gibbs.
In Episode 4, Gibbs’ darkest moment unfolds as he learns of Shannon and Kelly’s murders through a devastating letter while on deployment. The scene captures his breaking point, with Stowell embodying his despair and Harmon’s voiceover adding the seasoned Gibbs’ reflections, bridging his painful past with the man fans know today. The combined performances elevate the scene, allowing NCIS: Origins to deepen Gibbs’ character in a way that resonates across the franchise.
