Timothy McGee actor Sean Murray reveals how Mark Harmon feels about Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ upcoming return on the small screen in NCIS: Origins. Harmon popularized the much-beloved TV character, but after he retired from playing the part, another actor will step into the role as NCIS: Origins recast Gibbs with Austin Stowell. A prequel series, the new expansion show will tackle Gibbs’ earliest years with NCIS (formerly NIS). Given this new chapter in Gibbs’ story, albeit taking place in the past, there’s interest in what Harmon thinks about it.
In a new interview with TVInsider, Murray revealed that he has talked to his former co-star and shared what Harmon thinks of NCIS: Origins. While the actor won’t play the role on-screen, Harmon will narrate the events of the series, as well as co-executive produce it with his son, Sean Harmon. Read Murray’s full quote below:
“I’ve talked to Mark a little bit about it, and I know he’s excited about it. I’m sure the quality control on that one is going to be—I think they’re going to hold on to that one pretty good. I think it’s going to be done really well. I really do.”
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As exciting as it is to learn some of the unknown facets of Gibbs’ old life, the prequel also risks creating contradicting plot inconsistencies with NCIS: Origins ‘ storytelling, especially since the show is debuting new characters.
Despite Gibbs’ absence in Ducky’s NCIS season 21 tribute, Harmon’s prequel ensures he will return to the franchise. While it will be under different circumstances, the prequel could still have strong connections to what has been established about his life in the mothership series. The involvement of Mike Franks will factor into that since he was Gibbs’ mentor. As exciting as it is to learn some of the unknown facets of Gibbs’ old life, the prequel also risks creating contradicting plot inconsistencies with NCIS: Origins’ storytelling, especially since the show is debuting new characters.
NCIS: Origins takes inspiration from Young Sheldon — CBS’ premier comedy, which is a spinoff prequel to The Big Bang Theory. It tackles Sheldon’s childhood years in Texas, leading to his move to Pasadena, California, where he would spend the rest of his adulthood. As popular as Young Sheldon is, it has been widely criticized for not adhering to the established The Big Bang Theory canon, creating countless plot inconsistencies. Worse, Young Sheldon is forced to end despite being popular because of continuity. These issues could also plague NCIS: Origins, considering its prequel nature.
At the very least, Murray shares that quality control for NCIS: Origins is going to be tight with the Harmons involved. That’s a great sign, considering that it would be a shame if certain aspects of Gibbs’ story in the main series became tainted for the sake of expanding his story belatedly through the prequel. Perhaps CBS can be more careful with preserving NCIS’ continuity compared to The Big Bang Theory’s.