NCIS: Origins

Folks who are fans of the original series don't always understand the medium.

As I read the reviews, I'd like to address a few things.

First, Stowell is one inch taller than Harmon. One inch. Also, when a person gets older, they often lose height. One inch makes little difference. However, the original cast-mates were taller making Harmon look less imposing than Stowell. This is a casting choice to give a character a storied feel.

Second, it doesn't have the same feel as NCIS on purpose. This is an origin story. Gibbs was a very different character in a very different time. You're literally a couple stories into the understanding of who he was and how he came to be the person you knew. Think of doing a story about yourself in grade 5 vs. You now. Would it look exactly like who you are now? I know of boys growing up as 8 yr olds with bowties who ended up bikers. This is the point to the series.

Give the series time to show you the progression. I like the feel of this series so far. I find it well-written, well-acted, fairly true to period and fairly true to the origin we knew of Gibbs. He will grow into the person we know. I look forward to watching more and seeing how this develops.

Get out of your own way and go for the ride...enjoy.

Will it be perfect? No... nothing is. Will there be inconsistencies... probably. So far so good though. It shows a vulnerable Gibbs, everyone is used to the seasoned, experienced Team Leader, and we giggled when Muse Watson as Franks called him Probie in the Mothership, but now we actually get to see the "McGee" moments of Gibbs! Just settle down and enjoy it!

And for those screaming about 4-5" height difference, blah blah! Mark Harmon is 6'0", Austin Stowell is 6'1" hardly a complete difference and Gibbs by the time we meet him in the Mothership could have shrunk an inch, we all lose some height as we age!

I did manage to get through the first two episodes, so it deserves at least 6 stars. I may revisit my rating later as the series progresses, but for now it's just so-so. It looks like the NCIS version of Young Sheldon. The past is being narrated by one of the original stars. For the most part, the acting was sufficient, except for the guy that plays Gibbs. He's pretty wooden. If he doesn't pick it up or get some better direction, this series will go downhill quickly.

I don't understand why Hawaii and New Orleans were cancelled, but as it stands right now, both this show and Sydney are not doing a very good job of replacing them. We'll see though.

I like the storyline, which is unlike all of the others NCIS series. This one tells a story. You can't just watch a couple episodes to get the picture. You have to actually watch and pay attention. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next episode. Mark Harmon narrating as he is reading from his "diary" or maybe a book he is writing about his life gives it that extra 👍🏼 You learn a lot about THE GIBBS! Why he seems to almost always have no expression, rarely smiles or why he has high expectations. This show is making that very clear. The cast in the show is always a good match. High praise from me on this one!

Good show, it's the beginning so it's just building up. Can't replicate the original, but Austin Stowell seems to get the Gibbs expressions down. Portrays a man that is coming back from the worst fear a dad or husband can have...losing a wife and child. Of course he's not going to be upbeat and fun. Not Gibbs' schtick anyway. It's hard to recast iconic characters. Stowell is a pretty good choice for Gibbs...but Kyle Schmid is a home run for Franks. The rest of the cast is likable as well.

A lot of reviews mention Austin Stowell being significantly taller than Mark Harmon. Do some research...Stowell is only 1" taller.

If you're a fan of the original, it's worth checking out. It may not be for everyone, but I certainly am enjoying it.