In the intricate narrative of NCIS : Origins episode 6, titled Incognito, a long-standing plot hole within the franchise is finally addressed through the introduction of a beloved character. This latest installment from CBS delves into the early years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs within the agency, offering a fresh perspective.
The cast features a blend of recognizable figures, such as Mike Franks and Vera Strickland, alongside newcomers like Lala Dominguez and Randy Randolf.
Although the series is limited in its ability to include most of Gibbs’ MCRT agents due to its timeline, it skillfully uncovers the hidden history of some of his earliest connections.
Staying true to its focus on NCIS : Origins and Lala’s hidden narrative, Incognito showcases her challenges in proving herself as a competent agent in a male-dominated environment.
The situation is further complicated by Franks’ misogynistic tendencies, which both she and Vera recognize.
While the main case is engaging and thrilling, what often goes unnoticed is NCIS : Origins’ clever introduction of a beloved character from the flagship series — Joe Spano’ (Tobias Fornell).
NCIS : Origins Episode 5 Unveils The Early Years of Tobias Fornell
Franks pressures Cliff Wheeler to contact the FBI for any information regarding the tomahawks linked to their investigation. They sit down with FBI Detective Noah Oakley and his assistant, Fornell.
Portrayed by Lucas Dixon in NCIS : Origins episode 6, Tobias Fornell bears a resemblance to Joe Spano’ character from the original series, though he appears less confident and is still finding his footing within the bureau.
In contrast to the older version of Fornell, this younger portrayal exudes a more laid-back demeanor. After sharing his insights with Franks and Wheeler, he is ultimately sent away by his superior.
In 1991, Both Fornell & Gibbs Found Themselves On The West Coast
Although Joe Spano’ Fornell was not part of Gibbs’ original team, he made his first appearance in Yankee White, where he clashed with Mark Harmon’s character over jurisdiction as an FBI officer.
Their meeting on Air Force One was presented as their initial encounter, which created some confusion when it was later disclosed that they shared a past, having both been married to the same woman.
NCIS capitalized on their friendship in later episodes, yet it never clarified the timeline of their acquaintance. Nevertheless, the introduction of young Tobias Fornell in NCIS : Origins Episode 6 effectively suggests that their relationship predates Yankee White.
While Gibbs and Fornell have not yet crossed paths in NCIS : Origins, introducing Dixon’s character at this early stage seems illogical unless there are concrete plans for his involvement.
The connection between Fornell’s superior and Wheeler, along with Franks’ encounter with the younger version of Joe Spano’ character in the main series, sets the stage for Gibbs to meet one of his closest friends sooner rather than later. Therefore, it’s reasonable to conclude that the longstanding plot hole in NCIS is on the verge of being addressed.