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.

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.

It hasn't started with the punch I hoped it would but its still good at the moment. Buy then we are only 2 episodes in. We've spent the whole of ncis wondering about Gibbs and how he really became.... Gibbs. This is our chance. So I'll give it its first season. Franks is well chosen and Gibbs isn't as accurate but we don't know how it is going to develop. So it needs time for me. We'll see!

Personally I find it watchable and I'm intrigued but it's going to need some action or real answers about his past. It's well shot and written but it is slow. There is a lack of chemistry in my short lived opinion but again we'll see!

I have been a fan of the original NCIS for years, but did not have high expectations for this series. A prequel on a 20 plus year old series seemed risky and I was afraid of being disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised by the first two episodes, mainly because of the characters. I loved seeing Mark Harmon again, even if it was only for a minute. I also enjoyed seeing Robert Taylor as Gibbs' father. I thought the prequel characters were consistent with the original series characters and well acted. Gibbs is still a man of little words and Franks is still a politically incorrect cowboy. Mariel Molina was immediately engaging. So far, the shows main plots have been pretty standard compared to other similar series. Gibbs' background story is what has me hooked. I am also hoping for a little closure after the Gibbs character left the original series so abruptly. In Origins, Gibbs is writing down his life experiences as Harmon narrates; I want to know why. Overall, the show was familiar in a good way, but also new. The characters have depth and a bit of intrigue.

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!