NCIS has set a golden standard for all crime drama shows out there and is also one of the longest-running shows on CBS. Now, it has also taken a bold leap into the past with NCIS: Origins, which details the early years of Leroy Gibbs. This role was most famously played by actor Mark Harmon, and the same is played by Austin Stowell in Origins.
And if the overwhelming response to one particular episode of the prequel is taken into consideration, it has all the necessary elements to thrive—even without Harmon leading the charge. The episode in question is Blue Bayou, and has a remarkable storyline that made it the highest-rated episode of NCIS: Origins.
Austin Stowell’s young Leroy Gibbs is winning over NCIS fans
For several decades, NCIS has been a go-to show for any crime drama fan, with several notable faces leading the way. But out of the lot, only a few have left a lasting impression that did not disappear even after they left the show.
The most prominent of these is actor Mark Harmon as the no-nonsense Leroy Gibbs. He was among the original cast and played the role for 19 seasons, and in 2021, he said goodbye to NCIS.
While it was hard to imagine the show without Harmon, the prequel has proven that it can thrive without him as the lead. The episode titled Blue Bayou has stood out from the rest and is the highest-rated of the series so far via IMDb, earning praise from both fans and critics.
In this, young Gibbs, played by the talented Austin Stowell, tackles a case filled with several mysteries. The story then dives deep into the early years of Gibbs and offers a fresh take on a character they’ve known for decades.
The most pivotal reason why it surpassed other episodes was its strong writing and the way it captured the true essence of what made NCIS famous. Stowell’s acting has also been greatly praised, as he’s able to bring a new yet familiar energy to the role.
So, NCIS: Origins episode Blue Bayou perfectly proves that it’s not just a nostalgia-driven prequel but a series with its own identity. While Mark Harmon’s legacy will forever be a huge part of the NCIS universe, this episode showcased that fans are willing to embrace new storytelling and faces.
Austin Stowell almost missed his big break as Leroy Gibbs in NCIS: Origins
Casting for a role that has been in the public eye for decades was no joke. This was the same issue that even NCIS: Origins makers faced when they were looking for the perfect actor to play Leroy Gibbs. While the fans have embraced Austin Stowell as the young Gibbs, he almost missed out on the role as he was off the grid enjoying time in nature.
As per Entertainment Weekly, after his initial reading, he flew all the way to Los Angeles to audition in front of Mark and Sean Harmon as well as the executive producers of the show. With guidance from the OG Gibbs himself, Stowell delivered an impressive performance. However, it wasn’t until a month later that he officially learned that he was, in fact, cast for the role.
He was living in a remote area in Vermont where he had briefly lost cell service when the call came through. But he walked towards his house and regained the signal just in time to pick up the call.
This was obviously life-changing for him, as the producers informed him that he was confirmed for the role.
You can watch all episodes of NCIS: Origins on Prime Video.
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