Summary
Young Mike Franks is revealed in a brand newNCIS: Originsset image, and he looks so much like the originalNCISversion. Originally played by Muse Watson in the flagship show, the upcoming CBS prequel spinoff will further explore the character as he plays an integral part in Leroy Jethro Gibbs' start in the agency. Kyle Schmid will step into the role, joiningAustin Stowell as the recast young Gibbs. While plot specifics are still scant at the moment about the much-anticipated project, various images and videos from the set ofNCIS: Originshave been gradually hyping the public for it.
Courtesy ofMariel Molinoon Instagram, there is a brand newNCIS: Originsset image that showsSchmid looking very much like Watson’s Franks. Check out the image below:
The image shows Molino with hisNCIS: Originsco-stars. Aside from Schmid, the snap also features Stowell andCaleb Martin Foote as Special Agent Benjamin “Randy” Randolf,who is a new character to theNCISfranchise.
How Young Mike Franks’ Relationship With Young Gibbs Is Integral To NCIS: Origins’ Success
NCIS Established Gibbs And Franks' Unshakable Bond
Aside from being his mentor, Gibbs also saw Franks as a brother.
Franks debuted onNCIS, and while he was never a regular, he was involved in some of the biggest storylines of the show, especially when it concerned Gibbs. As the mentor of Mark Harmon’s famed character, Franks was integral in teaching the no-nonsense Major Case Response Team (MCRT) leader a lot of his working style. The prequel delves deeper into their solid relationship, sinceNCIS: Originswill kick off in the early ‘90sand run throughout the decade. Even as he led his squad, it was clear that Gibbs continued to look up to Franks.
Aside from being his mentor, Gibbs also saw Franks as a brother. There was never any doubt about their loyalty to each other. Proof of how big of an impact Franks played on Gibbs’ life washis continued appearance as a vision after his heartbreaking death. That kind of bond must have been fostered over years of working together, withNCIS: Originstasked to show how the pair developed their unshakable connection. It’s arguably the most vital relationship in the show. If Schmid and Stowell fail to sell their characters' brotherhood, it will be difficult for the project to succeed.
New NCIS Gibbs Prequel BTS Image Officially Fixes Its First Major Mark Harmon Mistake
As filming starts, a new NCIS: Origins BTS image confirms that it has officially fixed its first mistake about Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
Considering where it lands in the timeline, it would be difficult forNCIS: Originsto have any kind of crossover with the main show. The flagship series may not even have any ties with the offshoot, considering Gibbs' retirement from MCRT. However,NCISseason 22can function as a launching pad for the events of the offshoot, if Harmon’s version of the character returns to DC following his retirement. Perhapsthe prequel can begin with one of his imaginary conversations with Franksagain, as he reminisces on their old life together.
What Happened To Mike Franks In NCIS?
Watson has either appeared or been referenced in almost every season since he debuted as Franks in theNCISseason 3 finale. Since reconnecting with Gibbs following his near-death experience that first revealed the brutal death of his first wife and daughter, Watson would pop up every time Harmon’s character would find himself in deep trouble. Occasionally, however,NCISalso gave Franks his own storyline. Regardless of the narrative, it was always a great time every time Gibbs and Franks got to team up again years after the latter retired.
Despite Franks' rather early death inNCIS,the procedural continued to regularly feature the character via Gibbs' visions, with Watson continuously reprising the role.
Unlike Gibbs, who continues to live, however,Franks met his swift but heartbreaking end in theNCISseason 8 episode “Swan Song.“He was fatally stabbed by serial killer Jonas Cobb. Admittedly, there’s division over how such a prolific agent, who survived the cartel going after him and had his finger cut off, was somehow murdered quite easily. Despite Franks' rather early death inNCIS, the procedural continued to regularly feature the character via Gibbs' visions, with Watson continuously reprising the role. His final flashback cameo was inNCISseason 18, “Everything Starts Somewhere.”
Will Muse Watson Also Appear In NCIS: Origins As Mike Franks?
Schmid Credits Watson For Helping Him Prepare For His NCIS: Origins Role
Whether Harmon will physically appear onNCIS: Originsis the primary question in the new CBS endeavor. That said, considering Franks' big role in the project,there’s also interest in whether Watson will make a cameo as well. Schmid has been vocal about how the seasoned actor has helped him prepare to take over the role. This hints that although Watson isn’t officially credited in the show like Harmon is, he is also involved in the creative process of the project.
Harmon is a producer onNCIS: Origins,and he’s also narrating the series.
There is no concrete indication that Watson will have an on-screen appearance inNCIS: Origins. Based on the established narrative, Schmid is expected to be the only actor to bring the character to life, and as seen in the set image, he looks the part. While the mothership show has established that a Watson cameo is possible with the right storyline,it would still be entirely dependent on Harmon’s own cameo. It wouldn’t make sense to see an older Franks but not his mentee in what’s supposed to be Gibbs' origin story.
NCIS: Origins
Cast
Set before the original entry in the long-running procedural crime-drama franchise, NCIS: Origins takes place in the 1990s and follows a younger Leroy Gibbs at the beginning of his career. The series will focus more on Gibbs' journey to becoming the star investigator he became in the original series and his relationships with past partners and colleagues.
