The new NCIS spinoff series NCIS: Origins is working to craft an authentic relationship between main characters Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his father Jackson Gibbs. However, some details depicted in Origins seem to stray from information given about the characters in the original NCIS series.
Origins portrays Gibbs and his father maintaining contact in the years after Gibbs’ wife and daughter are killed, which contradicts the original show suggesting the two had no contact for around 15 years after that tragedy. In a recent Origins episode, Jackson shows clear worry for his son’s wellbeing and even talks to Agent Mike Franks about removing Gibbs from dangerous field work. This depicts a level of ongoing involvement in each other’s lives that is inconsistent with their complete estrangement established previously.
An additional difference arises regarding when Jackson and Franks first met. While NCIS said this happened during a season 8 storyline, Origins places their initial connection earlier when both were concerned for Gibbs after his family’s deaths.
Despite these inconsistencies, NCIS: Origins co-showrunner David J. North has confirmed that audiences will see more of Robert Taylor as Jackson Gibbs. While noting the casting of Taylor and Austin Stowell as Gibbs has produced “magic,” North acknowledged the challenge of maintaining continuity while crafting new plotlines. He said the production team will adhere to established NCIS canon and known timeline points, but will also add undisclosed backstory details in between.
The episode concluded with Jackson leaving unsuccessfully trying to get his son out of law enforcement. However, a final scene hinted their story may not be over, as Jackson saved memorabilia that eventually makes its way back to Gibbs in the original show. This suggests further potential interactions that could fit within Origins’ narrative.
