Mark Harmon expressed his approval of Austin Stowell’s performance as Leroy Gibbs in NCIS: Origins, providing guidance on posture and mindset rather than direct acting notes. Harmon, who played Gibbs for 18 years, has been supportive and welcoming on set, teaching Stowell more about being a human being than about portraying Gibbs. He has been an excellent leader for the cast and crew on the new prequel series, which Harmon serves as an executive producer and narrator for alongside his son, Sean Harmon.
The prequel series, set in 1991, follows a young Gibbs and was created with the intent of respecting the original show and its fans. Stowell emphasized that while there is pressure to live up to the character Mark Harmon created, he also needed to make the role his own. He wanted to pay tribute to Harmon’s portrayal while also bringing new characteristics and behaviors to the character of Gibbs, allowing fans to see a different side of the beloved character.
NCIS: Origins is designed to be a standalone show that can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the original series. While there are Easter eggs for fans of the original show, new viewers can also enjoy the series without any background information. The new series aims to delve deeper into the characters’ backstories and development, providing more emotional depth in addition to the typical procedural aspects of the show.
Stowell appreciated the opportunity to explore the inner journey of the characters on NCIS: Origins, pushing the boundaries of the established formula of the franchise. The new show aims to reveal what shapes the characters and how they became the individuals audiences are familiar with from the original series. By incorporating more emotional elements and personal storylines, the prequel hopes to engage viewers on a deeper level and offer a unique perspective on the characters’ development.
The format of the prequel series allows for storytelling that is not limited by the established timeline of the original show. Memories can be skewed over time, offering the freedom to explore untold stories and hidden secrets in Gibbs’ past. Stowell emphasized the mystery surrounding Gibbs’ hidden memories and the reasons behind his decision to finally reveal them. The series maintains a balance between the present and the past, showcasing Gibbs’ recollections and the impact they have on his character development.
NCIS: Origins challenges the characters to confront their emotions and past experiences, providing a new perspective on familiar characters and storylines. The balance between procedural elements and personal journeys adds depth to the show, offering a fresh take on the beloved franchise. With Mark Harmon’s guidance and support, the new series aims to captivate audiences with its exploration of character development and the untold stories of Leroy Gibbs.
