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Note: This story contains spoilers from “NCIS: Origins” Episode 10.
In the latest episode of “NCIS: Origins,” the narrative takes a poignant turn as it delves into Gibbs’ past. The episode not only sheds light on his quest for vengeance against the individual who murdered his family but also unveils another tragic chapter in his life. Making a distinct mark in the franchise’s history, this episode stands out as it eschews the usual case-of-the-week formula, focusing instead on character development and emotional depth.
The buildup from the previous episode left viewers in suspense, revealing that Gibbs had killed Pedro Hernandez, the cartel leader linked to the death of his wife and daughter, even before he officially became part of NIS. In Episode 10, titled “Blue Bayou,” viewers find Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) grappling with the fallout of this revelation, particularly as it strains his relationship with Lala (Mariel Molino), who contemplates leaving the team due to trust issues stemming from Gibbs’ secrecy.
During a contentious discussion with Lala, Gibbs receives a troubling phone call that prompts him to leave work abruptly. The emotional weight of the moment deepens as it marks his first Christmas without his family. He finds solace in mundane tasks, opting to build shelves at headquarters instead of facing the holiday’s reminders of his loss.
The episode shifts into flashbacks, showing Gibbs’ journey to Mexico where he confronts and kills Pedro. These sequences capture the turmoil and psychological conflict that ensues upon his return, particularly during a haunting night that culminates in a gripping dialogue with his landlady, Ruth (played by London Garcia). Initially, Ruth pushes Gibbs away, but she soon allows him back, leading to a profound friendship that develops over time, with Gibbs affectionately referring to her as his sister.
Ruth emerges as a critical figure in Gibbs’ life, aiding him in processing the darkness that follows his violent act. The storyline takes a heart-wrenching turn when Ruth encourages Gibbs to pursue a career with Franks (Kyle Schmid), facilitating his path into the NIS. However, the narrative takes a tragic turn when Ruth reveals her terminal cancer diagnosis, which explains the devastating phone call Gibbs received earlier: the notification of her passing.
In a moment of reconciliation, Lala finds Gibbs in distress and chooses to stay on the team after recognizing the potential challenges of having a new supervisor. This exchange leads Gibbs to open up about both Pedro and the unfortunate fate of Ruth.
Co-creator David J. North discussed the creative decisions behind this impactful episode, emphasizing its focus on character development rather than the typical procedural approach. North reflected on his long-time experience writing for “NCIS,” sharing his desire to explore Gibbs’ life post-Pedro, a period often overlooked in the existing canon.
TheWrap: Episode 10 shows us the immediate aftermath of the Gibbs’ killer reveal, and then we go backwards in flashbacks when we see those months after Gibbs killed Pedro, bonding with his landlady Ruth, who becomes kind of like a sister to him. How did that idea come together?
North: As someone who has written for “NCIS” for years, I felt a significant gap in the narrative concerning what transpired after Gibbs killed Pedro. The existing lore shared limited insights, mainly stating that Gibbs became an NIS agent afterward. We wanted to address what occurred during those formative months. We initially brought in London Garcia for a minor role, but as we brainstormed the storyline, it became clear that Ruth could be a vital presence in Gibbs’ life during a time when he was isolated.
We’re truly proud of the resulting episode. It’s a departure from the series’ typical structure and it offers a unique look at character-driven storytelling.
It goes to the root of “NCIS: Origins,” which is to be more of a character-focused spinoff.
Even before fully fleshing out the narrative, I was compelled by the notion that Gibbs, this iconic figure we’ve known for decades, owed his transformation as an agent to the support he received from Ruth. This notion inspired us to craft a deeply emotional story that remained true to the established character canon.
What else can this man go through? Why kill Ruth off on top of everything else?
Ruth is a new character, and to tell her story authentically, it’s integral to note that Gibbs’ loyalty would imply that if Ruth had lived longer, she would have appeared before us in previously established episodes. I’m captivated by how unexpected individuals can enter our lives at crucial junctures, sometimes leaving a lasting impact despite their brief presence. This sentiment motivated us to share her story.
Episode 10 ends on a huge cliffhanger, with the shredded documents showing that Bugs had a second sniper helping him. Where does that take us moving forward?
The conclusion of the two-hour pilot sets up a foreboding tone; Gibbs senses that there is more than meets the eye regarding Bugs. The reveal of a partner intensifies the stakes, assuring viewers that this antagonist will play a significant role as the season progresses.
We have eight episodes left of Season 1. What can you tease about where we’re going next?
There’s much more on the horizon. Gibbs and Lala are still progressing through their unresolved issues. Lala’s relationship with her boyfriend, Eddie, will also resurface, adding complexity to her character arc. Additionally, Franks will face personal challenges that will ripple throughout his life and influence his decisions moving forward.
Exciting developments are ahead as we build toward the season finale in Episode 18.
“NCIS: Origins” returns with new episodes Monday, Jan. 27, on CBS.
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www.thewrap.com