Summary

  • NCIS: Origins maintains the essence of the original series post-Mark Harmon's departure.
  • Episode 17 of NCIS: Origins reveals a compelling twist in the Sandman case.
  • Austin Stowell impressively portrays the young Leroy Gibbs in the prequel series.

Making a successful and popular prequel TV series is no small feat. Fans wonder if the new show can capture the same tone and spirit that made the original work, and sometimes, new characters pale in comparison to the originals whom fans got to know across many seasons. The NCIS prequel NCIS: Origins premiered in October 2024 and viewers were immediately curious if Mark Harmon would play Leroy Gibbs again. Although Harmon left NCIS in season 19, he narrates the prequel and also made a fun but brief appearance in the pilot episode.

NCIS: Origins season 1 has been just as adventure-packed and moving as the original CBS series that is still going strong. So, when does NCIS: Origins season 1, episode 17 come out, and where can fans watch it?

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How To Watch NCIS: Origins Season 1, Episode 17

Young Leroy Gibbs (Austin Stowell) on NCIS: Origins

NCIS: Origins season 1, episode 17, "Darlin', Don't Refrain" will air on Monday, April 21st, 2025 on CBS 10 p.m. E.T. The episode will also be available to stream on Paramount+ the following day, so fans can watch it on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025. NCIS season 22 is also streaming on Paramount+ the day after each new episode airs.

The official episode description reads:

"After the shocking developments in the Sandman case, the team works with the FBI to investigate further; while Wheeler struggles to hold onto his job, his family reaches a crisis point."

NCIS: Origins season 1, episode 17 picks up from episode 16, "Bugs," which starts with a surprising scene when Bugs (Jared Bankens), who they thought was the Sandman Sniper, pretends he wants to have a conversation with Vera Strickland (Diany Rodriguez) at the prison. Then, he says no, which is a problem since she's in charge of a psych profile program. Then the twist happens: Bugs wasn't the one who murdered Melanie, and the team has to find a second sniper.

This is an effective twist since it proves that the NCIS team can never assume that they know everything and that NCIS: Origins is shaping up to be as great as the most fascinating seasons of NCIS. The Sandman storyline also proves that Gibbs has always been a determined, motivated, and intelligent member of his team. Gibbs may be stubborn at times, especially when he gets older, but he's ultimately a team player who wants to help others. NCIS: Origins season 1, episode 17 will likely delve deeper into this hunt for the real serial killer and shed light on more of Gibbs's career history.

Austin Stowell Plays Young Leroy Jethro Gibbs On NCIS: Origins Season 1 Perfectly

Leroy Gibbs (Austin Stowell) on NCIS: Origins

While viewers would have cheered if they saw more of Mark Harmon on NCIS: Origins, it was necessary to find a younger actor to portray Leroy Gibbs at the start of his career. Thankfully, Austin Stowell does an impressive job as Gibbs on the prequel series, and he embodies this vulnerable yet tough character well.

In an interview with Variety, Stowell shared that he can relate to Gibbs because his father also passed away. On NCIS season 11, episode 14, "Honor Thy Father," Gibbs learns his dad, Jackson Gibbs (Ralph Waite), died after having a stroke.

Stowell told Variety that portraying this character on the prequel to the beloved police drama has been a positive experience. He said:

“Playing Gibbs is making me want to be a better human being. We know who Gibbs becomes — this warmhearted, loyal but justified man, and someone who has made tons of mistakes."

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NCIS: Origins
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TV-14
Crime
Drama
Action
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Release Date
October 14, 2024
Network
CBS
Directors
Niels Arden Oplev, John Terlesky, Diana Valentine, Edward Ornelas, Hanelle M. Culpepper, Lionel Coleman, Loren Yaconelli, Pete Chatmon, Pamela Romanowsky, Ruben Garcia, Jessica Lowrey
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Cast

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  • instar53702007.jpg
    Austin Stowell
    Leroy Jethro Gibbs
  • instar53702003.jpg
    Kyle Schmid
    Special Agent Mike Franks
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Mariel Molino
    Special Agent Lala Dominguez
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Tyla Abercrumbie
    FOS Officer Mary Jo Hayes
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