NCIS: Origins

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.

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.

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!

For those expecting the usual action-packed, lighthearted NCIS, NCIS: Origins takes a darker, more introspective turn. It explores the early life of Gibbs, charting his transformation from a man shattered by loss to one who finds purpose again. The storytelling is masterful, shifting between past and present to gradually reveal the full picture of his journey. It's intense, layered, and deeply emotional, offering a raw look at Gibbs' origins. Every episode so far has been gripping, and I've thoroughly enjoyed this powerful and beautifully told series. This deserves to be renewed for many more seasons!

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.