The NCIS universe is set for a major event as the flagship series and its prequel, NCIS: Origins, unite for a special two-hour crossover. Wilmer Valderrama, who plays Special Agent Nick Torres, promises significant surprises and emotional moments for viewers. The event will see the return of a beloved character, with Mark Harmon making a special on-screen appearance as Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
A Story Spanning Three Decades
This crossover is a cleverly woven story that connects past and present. The event begins with NCIS: Origins, which travels back to the 1990s to follow a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell. He and his team investigate the mysterious death of a naval officer in the small town of Serenity, California. The case is filled with secrets, uncooperative locals, and an investigation that will have consequences for decades.
The second hour, the main NCIS episode, shows the present-day team reopening this very same cold case. The narrative shifts between time periods, showing how the original investigation in the past continues to haunt and impact the modern team. This structure provides both nostalgic value for long-time fans and a fresh, engaging mystery for new viewers.
Mark Harmon’s Return as Gibbs
A major draw for the crossover is the return of Mark Harmon as Gibbs. The character, who left the show in 2021 to live in solitude in Alaska, will be seen back on screen. Harmon not only narrates the Origins series but also appears in a special guest role during the crossover event.
The showrunners, David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal, provided some insight into Gibbs’ current life. “Four years ago, Gibbs disappeared to Alaska to live a life of solitude,” they shared. “We know how much fans have missed seeing Mark and have wondered what Gibbs is up to today. Well, we’re so excited to announce that Mark Harmon will return as Leroy Jethro Gibbs.” They added a tease, saying, “We don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say Gibbs is no longer alone.”
Harmon himself expressed his support for the prequel and his decision to return, stating, “I’m very proud of the storytelling that David and Gina are doing on ‘Origins.’ They continue to push boundaries and dive deeper into the characters’ backstories. They came to me with an idea for Gibbs that I liked, and it seemed like a good time to check in with him. I hope fans enjoy it.”
Wilmer Valderrama’s Promises and Teasers
Wilmer Valderrama has been vocal about the scale of this event, building excitement among the fanbase. He assured viewers that the crossover would deliver on multiple fronts, from action to deep character moments.
“There’s gonna be some major surprises. There’s gonna be some nostalgic surprises, and we have a lot of big episodes. From the Navy anniversary, to the crossover with the Origins… and then towards the last half of the season — we’re gonna start lighting stuff on fire,” Valderrama told Entertainment Weekly.
He also hinted that the episode would be emotionally powerful, suggesting that fans should “bring tissues.” He explained that the story is very personal and will strike directly at the hearts of long-term viewers, focusing on character development and relationships as much as on the case itself.
A Personal Case with Emotional Weight
This crossover is designed to be more than just a case-of-the-week. The producers have emphasized that the mystery is deeply personal to the characters, particularly connecting to Gibbs’ past. The event is structured to pay tribute to the long history of the show, with heartfelt references to former characters like Ducky, while also giving the current team a story with significant emotional weight.
Fans can expect the return of other familiar faces and the introduction of new characters that add layers to the narrative. The crossover aims to honor the franchise’s core while allowing new characters to have their moments to shine, creating a bridge between the celebrated history of NCIS and its ongoing future.
How to Watch the Crossover Event
The special two-night event features a unique scheduling twist. The story begins with NCIS: Origins at 8 pm ET/PT, which will focus on the past investigation. It is followed immediately by the flagship NCIS episode at 9 pm ET/PT, where the present-day team works on the case. This timeslot swap underscores the interconnected nature of the two episodes, making for a seamless viewing experience of a story thirty years in the making.
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