NCIS Origins is deep-diving into the history of Gibbs as well as his old team, including Agent Vera Strickland who co-showrunner says he has many plans for after the break
Fans were delighted when CBS revealed that icon Mark Harmon was returning as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the premiere of the new spin-off, NCIS: Origins. The prequel has delved into Gibbs’ early days with the investigative service, then known as the NIS.
Alongside actor Austin Stowell, who has been cast as Gibbs, there will be younger versions of familiar characters like Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks.
NCIS Origins also cast actress Diany Rodriguez as Agent Vera Strickland, who worked alongside Gibbs in one episode in season 11. Rodriguez has already been a part of the NCIS universe, playing Agent Garcia in NCIS: New Orleans.
David North told TVLine that throwing Vera Strickland into the NCIS: Origins may be a deep cut even for longtime fans, but they explained why she needed to be one of the show’s key players.
“She was described [on NCIS] as Franks’ first partner… Vera has some mysterious elements as well, so being able to flesh out a character that was so clearly defined in that one [NCIS] episode has been really fun, for sure,” North said.
TV publication Deadline described Vera as a “no-nonsense, sharp-witted Brooklynite who’s tough as nails and never minces words.”
The television site added: ‘She’s spent her entire career being underestimated by misogynistic morons (as she calls them), but if it’s a fight those good ol’ boys are looking for, then it’s a fight they’re going to get.
When TVLine asked if there’s anything to expect between Vera and Franks in new episodes, the showrunner hinted at how the duo will be involved.
“Like in Episode 5, we’ll see more of Vera’s passion project, which is her pilot profiling program. Bugs Boyd is one of the criminals she’s profiling and as secrets begin to be unearthed, Franks will find himself pulled back into a case he wishes would’ve remained closed forever. When we come back from our break, it’s going to be a runaway train to the end,” North concluded.
