NCIS: Origins Season 1 and NCIS Season 22 DVD Reviews
2 NCIS shows for your viewing pleasure.
2024’s “NCIS: Origins” marks the sixth NCIS series. Set in 1991 (and 1992), this is a prequel to “NCIS” that focuses on a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs who becomes a Special Agent at Camp Pendleton for the NIS. At this point in time, Leroy (a former Marine) is struggling in life having lost his and daughter. In the 18 episode debut season, Leroy gets acclimated to his new team which features Mike Franks (the boss), Randy, Vera, Lala, Cliff and Mary Jo. The series features the usual murder investigations alongside plots about a sniper named Sandman, missing persons, an undercover job, Bugs (a criminal), and flashbacks to Leroy and Mike’s past.
Created by Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North, “NCIS: Origins” continues the young trend. We got “Young Sheldon,” we got young Dexter in “Dexter: Original Sin,” and now we have young Leroy with “NCIS: Origins” which provides backstory to Leroy’s younger days. The series (which really goes out of its way to suggest it’s the 90’s), is admittedly more enjoyable than the standard formulaic NCIS series. It’s darker, it has more characterization, and there’s something fresh about this prequel series (especially when compared to the declining “NCIS”). Unsurprisingly, the series seems to have caught on with franchise fans and a second season is on the way soon.
Cast wise, Austin Sowell may not resemble Mark Harmon much, but he does a reasonably good job portraying a younger and different version of the man he becomes. Thankfully, Mark Harmon provides narration as the character’s older self too. Kyle Schmid steals the entire series as Mike Franks. The actor brings an energy that the show desperately needs. Mariel Molino (Lala) is a welcome addition and it’s nice to see Lori Petty pop up in a supporting role as Dr. Lenora too.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: Widescreen. Grade: B+
Audio Track: Dolby Digital 5.1. Grade: B+
Extras:
* Gag reel
* “NCIS: Origins Season 1- The Story Behind The Story” featurette
* “Retro Crime-Solving: The Sets And Style Of NCIS: Origins” featurette
As mentioned above, “NCIS: Origins” feels like a fresh new series. The flagship series “NCIS” feels like the complete opposite in its 22nd season. This is a show that feels like a shell of its former self. Granted, it’s understandable why the hit show is continuing on, but with the beloved original cast gone, it’s tough to care.
Anyway, in the 20 episode 22nd season, the Navy and Marine murder NCIS team is back. The team is now led by Alden Parker and consists of Timothy McGee, Nick Torres, Jessica Knight, Dr. Jimmy, Kasie Hines, and Director Leon Vance. This season there are plots involving a mole, The Nexus Cartel, murder investigations, diplomatic relations, Nick dating Jessica’s sister, spies and leaks, Timothy’s home life, Timothy investigating Deputy Director Laroche (who has a big secret) and Mob Boss Carla Marino. Naturally, there’s a lead in to the forthcoming season 23 as well.
Without Leroy Gibbs, “NCIS” just isn’t as interesting. The investigations come across as after thoughts, the writing is more iffy than usual, and the characters are nowhere near as compelling as many in the past. The Gibbs-less “NCIS” also just feels rather empty which is probably why “NCIS: Origins” now exists to bring back the fan favorite character. Of course, fans of the franchise will still keep tuning in as it’s a comforting procedural show to many, but one has to wonder just how long this show can keep going.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: Widescreen. Grade: B+
Audio Track: Dolby Digital 5.1. Grade: B+
3 extras are included here titled “NCIS Season 22: Behind The Scenes Of A Legacy,” “Undercover I Do” and “The Expert Behind The Screen.”
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