‘NCIS: Origins’: Austin Stowell Explains Why He Doesn’t Look Forward to Filming Gibbs Flashbacks
With the NCIS: Origins prequel, we’re seeing a Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Austin Stowell) for whom the loss of his wife Shannon and daughter Kelley is still fresh. Over the first three episodes, we’ve gotten flashbacks as well as a heartbreaking sequence of Gibbs and Shannon in his truck talking about the rules.
“All of those flashbacks, to me, are really tough days because it is, I guess, the representation that we all probably yearn for,” Stowell admits to TV Insider. “It’s a dream come to life, that so often we will dream about those who are gone. And when I’m performing those scenes, this is a reality at that point, I’m stepping into the dream and it’s really difficult to imagine those circumstances, to know that it will be gone afterward.”
He continues, “It’s not like I jump out of that dream sequence and go back to another relationship or to better days. It’s going from imagining it, this moment of bliss, this really fleeting moment and then having it, and he’s back struggling. He’s back, he’s on the horse but doesn’t have control of the reins, and he’s trying to settle the waters. I’ll just say it’s very emotional every single time we do those flashbacks. And they’re really tough for me. I understand their purpose, and I certainly love doing what I do, but it’s not like I look forward to it.”
The flashbacks we got during the original run of NCIS (with Mark Harmon, who narrates the prequel and appeared in the premiere) were gut-wrenching, and the ones in this series are just as sad.
“It’s really about highlighting that loss and the emotion of it and seeing how fresh it is for Gibbs,” co-showrunner David J. North explains. “In that scene in the car specifically, you see it all over Austin’s face, just how much he’s grieving in that moment.”
That scene in Episode 3 came after Gibbs fought with his father, Jackson (Robert Taylor), as Origins shows a previously unknown chapter of their life. Jackson tried to talk to Gibbs about packing up his house—his son said he’s throwing it all out—and coming back to Stillwater with him. Then, Gibbs left and woke in his car from a dream of talking to Shannon about the rules and not knowing what Number 1 is yet.
What have you thought of the flashbacks so far on NCIS: Origins? Let us know in the comments section below.
NCIS: Origins, Mondays, 10/9c, CBS
Conversation15 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Comments are closed on this story.
-
O
I never thought any show could match NCIS, but NCIS Origins has did it. But one I wish would return NCIS N̈ew Orleans, it never got enough seasons.
13
-
P
Never could get into New Orleans honestly, mostly because it couldn't compare to the original. Glad to hear Origins is good though, I'll watch it eventually I'm sure.
I'm stupid excited for Tiva or whatever they are calling it though, that's for certain.
-
-
G
Keep them coming I love the show and can't wait for it's season 1 extension and season 2 renewal!
8
-
C
I think that in the original Gibbs should have went to Ducky's funeral. He left a man behind and screwed over his partner. They dis Dycky dirty. So much for Semper Fi. Maybe origins would be better but I can't watch the original any more. The did Ducky wrong.
5
-
G
I am just seeing the ad for this on hulu. I am super excited gonna go watch it. I love Gibbs character and Mark Harmon hoping Mr Stowell does it Justice.
5 1
-
R
I don't care for the flash backs
3
-
G
How come young Gibbs is left handed but older Gibbs is right handed?
1
-
G
Not to mention that he's dreadfully miscast.
2 1
-
O
I prefer the original show. To me, this is a new show trying to ride on the coattails of the original. I stopped watching it
-
P
Roger Huntley, if you won't watch the original NCIS because of Gibbs not going to Ducky's funeral, then you really weren't a fan of the show! Gibbs isn't even on the show anymore. Why are you holding a grudge?
-
P
I've like all the NCIS franchise shows, except Sidney, and I was afraid for Origins but it definitely is a thumbs up! Austin Stowell is so good as early Jethro. Yesterday's show about the missing girl really brought tears to my eyes. Kudos to the writers and the actors!
-
P
Love the new program
-
O
At least its not tired like the original NCIS now is - the actors are still fleshing out their characters but the writing is good so there is hope
-
O
Having lost a child (adult} to the streets ,but dying from heart failure, last words to me "I hate you I never want to talk to you again", he served in the military ,I read the police report first call went in 7am no one came until 10:50? DOS 10:59.(6wk later) This haunts me I see him in his sleeping bag
1 1
-
G
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services