Young Mike Franks is revealed in a brand new NCIS: Origins, and he looks so much like the original NCIS version. 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, joining Austin 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 of NCIS: Origins have been gradually hyping the public for it.
Courtesy of Mariel Molino on Instagram is a brand new NCIS: Origins set image that shows Schmid looking very much like Watson’s Franks. Check out the image below:
The image shows Molino with his NCIS: Origins co-stars. Aside from Schmid, the snap also features Stowell and Caleb Martin Foote as Special Agent Benjamin “Randy” Randolf, who is a new character to the NCIS franchise.
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Aside from being his mentor, Gibbs also saw Franks as a brother.
Franks debuted in NCIS, 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, since NCIS: Origins will kick off in the early ’90s and 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 was his continued appearance as a vision after his heartbreaking death. That kind of bond must have been fostered over years of working together, with NCIS: Origins tasked 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.
Considering where it lands in the timeline, it would be difficult for NCIS: Origins to have any kind of crossover with the main show. However, NCIS season 22 can function as a launching pad for the events of the offshoot, if Harmon’s version of the character returns to DC following his retirement. Perhaps the prequel can begin with one of his imaginary conversations with Franks again, as he reminisces on their old life together.