‘NCIS: Origins’ Boss Teases What’s Next for Franks, Mary Jo & More

When NCIS: Origins returns on Tuesday, October 6, there are two major orders of business in the ’90s timeline: what’s next for Gibbs (Austin Stowell) and Lala (Mariel Molino) after that kiss and what happened to Randy (Caleb Foote), who was kidnapped in connection to his work digitizing the agency’s files. When TV Insider spoke with showrunner David J. North for our in-depth digital cover diving into both of those as well as Mark Harmon‘s return as present-day Gibbs in every episode, we also made sure to get scoop on what’s coming up for the rest of the characters.

In Gibbs’ future (and NCIS‘ present), he may have rule 12 (never date a coworker), but his boss in the ’90s doesn’t necessarily feel the same way. When it comes to Gibbs and Lala and a potential relationship there, “I think Franks [Kyle Schmid] doesn’t really care about anything as long as things aren’t affecting the team,” North said. “But he’s not a typical boss in that he passes judgment. I think some people, you think that on the surface, but he’s a boss that understands that adults will be adults. But as soon as it starts to affect the team, that’s when Franks is going to be in your face.”

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After all, for him, his agents are “like his kids,” the showrunner continued. “He’s Papa Bear and these are his kids and he wants the best for them. And this is more than just a job for Franks, or a career. This is really his life, his passion, and he’s always looking out for the kids.”

So, that means he will be “pissed off” when he learns that Randy has been kidnapped. It “lights a fire under him,” said North. “It’s fun. Just seeing Kyle and the way he played it, it’s really cool.”
Beyond that, when it comes to Franks in the 10 episodes of NCIS: Origins Season 3, Philip Winchester may be returning as his brother, and we might see “a little bit of a love connection” for the team leader and FBI Agent Josephine Swanson (Hannah Barefoot).

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Looking at the rest of the main cast, North teased, “We’ll get a little bit more into Vera’s [Diany Rodriguez] profiling. Mary Jo (Tyla Abercrumbie), of course, as a mama bear at the office, is looking out for everyone. And I will say that she learns about the kiss between Lala and Gibbs. And of course she has her opinions on that and the fact that Lala almost left to go be with Manny in witness protection. And Wheeler’s [Patrick Fischler] dealing with the new boss in Director Morrow and is really guiding us through getting that C finally, the C in NCIS.”

What are you hoping to see in Season 3? Let us know in the comments section below.

NCIS: Origins, Season Premiere, Tuesday, October 6, 10/9c, CBS