How Gibbs’ Estranged Father Fits Into NCIS Prequel Series Without Breaking Canon Teased By Creators

NCIS: Origins co-showrunner David J North confirms Jackson Gibbs’ appearance in NCIS: Origins won’t break canon. It’s a new era for CBS’ hit procedural franchise as it launches its very first prequel series. Austin Stowell will take over the role of young Gibbs while Mark Harmon narrates the show’s events and makes a one-time cameo in the pilot. The endeavor will tackle the earliest years of the character in the agency. As a prequel, the upcoming series is mandated to follow established continuity, which may be by bringing in Robert Taylor as Jackson Gibbs.

In a new interview with TV Line, North confirms that they found a way to extensively include Gibbs Sr. in NCIS: Origins. For context, Leroy Jethro said that before their reunion, the last time he saw his father was during the funeral of his first wife and daughters — Shannon and Kelly. That said, Taylor’s role in NCIS: Origins will be more than just showing up on the said occasion. Read his full quote below:

“We
did
solve it. We’re very aware of the canon and what’s been set up, and we’re working within that. But I’ll say this: Jackson is an important role, and we’ll see the influence of him on Gibbs.”

How NCIS: Origins Can Explain Jackson’s Appearance Without Breaking Canon

There’s An Easy Way To Explain Jackson’s NCIS Story

While North didn’t even share the slightest clue about how they are able to solve the issue, there’s one easy and clear solution to the matter. Gibbs simply lied about his previous entanglements with his dad. Granted that he may have not returned to Stillwater, Pennsylvania, where his father resided until his death, it’s likely that Jackson traveled to California to visit his son after they buried Kelly and Shannon. At one point in the NCIS: Origins trailer, the older Gibbs questioned Leroy Jethro about his decision to join NIS, which supports this theory.

Admittedly, this may seem like a cop-out way to solve an NCIS: Origins story dilemma. However, the prequel can sell it by leaning on the Gibbs men’s demeanor. Both were stubborn and, unfortunately, had poor communication skills. Leroy Jethro didn’t even mention what happened with Kelly and Shannon until he suffered a near-death experience. He could have kept his strained relationship with his dad a secret to not open himself up for questioning.

Our Take On Jackson’s Role In NCIS: Origins

NCIS: Origins Needs To Justify Jackson’s Role

Personally, even if North’s explanation of Jackson’s involvement in NCIS: Origins doesn’t quite work, they can still justify it by highlighting his role in the show. Viewers tend to be more lenient with plot inconsistencies if breaking canon means delivering a better story. As long as they can emphasize Jackson’s significance in NCIS: Origins‘ cast, then they can utilize him as frequently as they need.

Based on what has been revealed in NCIS: Origins trailers thus far, every time the Gibbs men meet, there’s always tension in the air. If these conversations end up explaining why Leroy Jethro ended up the way he was in the flagship show, then having his dad in the prequel is worth it. Granted that it will be heartbreaking to see them continuously argue, it will make Jackson and Gibbs’ eventual reconciliation better.

Source: TV Line

A young Gibbs embarks on his journey as a Naval Investigative Service agent in the early 1990s. Set against the backdrop of Camp Pendleton, the series explores Gibbs’ formative years, the cases that shaped him, and the mentors who guided his path, including Mike Franks.

Cast

Mark Harmon , Austin Stowell , Robert Taylor , Patrick Fischler , Kyle Schmid , Diany Rodriguez , Tyla Abercrumbie , Mariel Molino

Character(s)

Narrator , Leroy Jethro Gibbs , Jackson Gibbs , Cliff Walker , NIS Special Agent Mike Franks , NIS Special Agent Vera Strickland , Mary Jo Sullivan , NIS Special Agent Lourdes Dominguez

Release Date

October 14, 2024

Seasons

1