Fans of the NCIS universe have been captivated by the deep dive into Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ past with NCIS: Origins. The show’s first 18-episode season laid the foundation for the iconic character we know from the original series. With Season 2 premiered on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, here is everything you need to remember about the key storylines and character journeys that set the stage for the new season.
The Core Story and Setting
NCIS: Origins begins in 1991, following a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he starts his career as a new special agent with the Naval Investigative Service at Camp Pendleton. The series is narrated by Mark Harmon, the original Gibbs, who provides a reflective voice to his younger self’s experiences. Austin Stowell plays the young Gibbs, who is still processing the recent and traumatic murder of his wife Shannon and daughter Kelly by a drug dealer named Pedro Hernandez. This profound loss shapes his entire outlook and motivates his actions throughout the season.
Gibbs is part of a ragtag team led by the seasoned and gritty Mike Franks, played by Kyle Schmid. The team includes agents like Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez, Vera Strickland, and Bernard “Randy” Randolf. The season masterfully blends “case-of-the-week” investigative plots with a larger, serialized story centered on grief, loyalty, and the formation of Gibbs’ moral code.
Major Plotlines and Character Arcs
The Sandman Sniper Investigation
The season’s major overarching case involves the hunt for a mysterious sniper known as “Sandman.” This investigation threads through the entire season, creating a tense and complex mystery. In the later episodes, a criminal named Jamison “Bugs” Boyd is identified as the sniper. In the episode “Bugs,” he contacts Vera Strickland, claiming to have new information, only to suddenly change his mind, forcing the team to re-evaluate the case and race to prevent another tragedy.
Gibbs’ Personal Reckoning
Gibbs’ journey is defined by his pursuit of justice for his family. The season reveals that Gibbs killed Pedro Hernandez, the man responsible for the deaths of Shannon and Kelly. This secret becomes a central point of tension. He eventually surrenders the rifle used in Hernandez’s killing, an act that puts his own future at risk but is done to protect his team. His grief is a constant presence, with flashbacks revealing the pivotal moment that changed his life forever. The finale also introduces him to a young version of Diane Sterling, who would later become one of his future ex-wives.
Lala’s Loyalty and the Season Finale Cliffhanger
Agent Lala Dominguez becomes a crucial moral center for the team and a close confidante to Gibbs. Her loyalty is tested when her friend, military police investigator Lara Macy, looks into the Hernandez murder. Lala confesses to Macy that she knows about Gibbs’ involvement, a decision that alters their dynamic. After sharing a emotionally charged, near-kiss moment with Gibbs, Lala is involved in a serious car accident while swerving to avoid hitting a child. The season ends with her fate left unknown, creating a major cliffhanger for Season 2.
Mike Franks’ Demons
As Gibbs’ mentor, Mike Franks grapples with his own past traumas and personal relationships, including his connection with his girlfriend, Tish. His rugged, cowboy demeanor hides his own struggles, and his unwavering support for Gibbs often puts him in difficult positions. The season explores the depth of his loyalty and the personal costs of his job.
What Fans Are Saying
Viewers have shared their thoughts on the new prequel, with many praising its fresh take on a beloved character. One fan noted the show’s different tone, stating:
“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.”
Another fan appreciated the character development, writing:
“I like the fact that this shows Gibbs as the Probie… This is his learning period. When I see him starting as a Probie, it reminds me of how McGee started.”
New Faces and Returning Favorites in Season 2
The upcoming season will see the return of the core cast, including Austin Stowell as Gibbs and Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks. A significant new addition is Philip Winchester, who will play Mason Franks, Mike’s older brother, described as a “Texas-tough cowboy” trying to save the family ranch. The season will also feature a special episode paying tribute to the late David McCallum, with Adam Campbell reprising his role as a young Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard.
The premiere episode, titled “The Funky Bunch,” will immediately address the fate of Lala Dominguez while launching a new case involving the investigation into a missing young Marine connected to a mysterious compound.
Where to Watch
NCIS: Origins Season 2 was premiered on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 9/8c on CBS. The show has moved to a new timeslot as part of an all-NCIS Tuesday night lineup. For those who cannot watch live, episodes will be available for streaming on the CBS app and website, as well as on Paramount+, shortly after they air.
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