Let’s be honest—NCIS: Origins has cracked open a treasure chest of backstories. Season 1 gave fans a fresh look at Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ early days, but the show barely scratched the surface of the team that shaped him. Now, as Season 2 looms on the horizon, one forgotten NCIS character is finally positioned to make a big return.
And if CBS sticks to what’s already been canon? This mystery player could shake things up in a major way.
What Is NCIS: Origins Anyway?
A Prequel With Serious Potential
Set years before the original NCIS timeline, NCIS: Origins explores Gibbs’ rise through the ranks of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. It’s a prequel, yes—but not a predictable one.
With a younger Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) navigating the gritty cases of the ’90s under Mike Franks’ mentorship, the show rewrites the history fans thought they knew. But with that comes opportunity—and risk.
Season 1 Recap: Seeds Planted, Not Fully Grown
So far, Origins has focused on the foundational figures: young Gibbs, Mike Franks, and a few new faces. But fans of the flagship series know there’s more history waiting in the wings.
The Forgotten Character: Special Agent Vera Strickland
Remember Vera Strickland? Probably Not—And That’s the Problem
If the name Vera Strickland doesn’t ring a bell, you’re not alone. Played by Roma Maffia, she only appeared in NCIS Season 11, Episode 2 (“Past, Present and Future”). But her brief appearance hinted at a deeper connection to Gibbs and Franks.
She wasn’t just some background agent. She was a retired field agent who once served under Mike Franks—and yes, she worked with a young Gibbs.
So why did she vanish from memory? Timing. She was introduced during Ziva David’s emotional departure arc, which overshadowed nearly everything else.
Why Vera Strickland Deserves a Comeback
She’s Already Canon—And She Fits The Timeline Perfectly
Let’s do the math: if Vera worked under Franks and alongside Gibbs, and Origins covers that era, she should already be in the picture. Bringing her in wouldn’t just honor canon—it would enrich it.
Female Representation Matters—Especially in the ’90s Setting
The original NCIS team was predominantly male for years. Including Vera in Origins wouldn’t just deepen the story; it would balance the cast and bring a strong, capable female voice into a historically male-dominated environment.
How Vera Strickland Could Be Introduced in NCIS: Origins
As Franks’ Trusted Second-In-Command
We already know that Mike Franks ran his team like a tight ship. Vera could easily be his right hand—a sharp, no-nonsense investigator who helped mold Gibbs’ early approach to leadership.
Mentor or Mirror? Vera’s Influence on Gibbs
In many ways, Vera could represent who Gibbs might’ve become if his moral compass pointed slightly differently. Her character offers room for contrast: both experienced, both tough, but shaped by different life choices.
A Missed Opportunity If Ignored
CBS Risks Undermining Their Own Lore
If Origins skips over Vera, they’re not just ignoring a great character—they’re contradicting established canon. Fans remember details, and continuity counts in a franchise this deep.
Legacy Means Respecting the Whole NCIS Universe
It’s not just about honoring the past for the sake of fan service. Including Vera builds a bridge between the NCIS we know and love and its younger, prequel form.
Casting Ideas: Who Could Play a Young Vera?
Tough Yet Empathetic—That’s the Formula
The perfect Vera actress needs to command respect while showing vulnerability. Think Gina Torres (Suits), Melanie Liburd (Power Book II), or Michelle Monaghan (True Detective)—women who can stand toe-to-toe with Gibbs or Franks and not blink.
How Vera’s Backstory Could Unfold
A Veteran With Ghosts of Her Own
Every good character has baggage. Vera could bring complexity—personal losses, professional sacrifices, or a history with a shady case that parallels Gibbs’ own trauma.
Room for Conflict and Growth
She could clash with Gibbs over tactics, question Franks’ decisions, or take charge in ways that push the young team to evolve. That tension = compelling TV.
Fan Theories: Could She Be a Secret Connection to Another Character?
Ties to Director Vance or Jenny Shepard?
Some fans speculate Vera could’ve had a hand in recruiting other future NCIS legends. Maybe she once trained Jenny Shepard. Or maybe she and Leon Vance crossed paths during a risky op gone sideways.
There’s a web of connections just waiting to be explored.
What NCIS Writers Have Said (Or Not Said)
Radio Silence—But That Might Be a Good Sign
So far, the Origins showrunners haven’t confirmed or denied Vera’s return. That kind of silence might be strategic—especially if her introduction is meant to be a surprise in Season 2.
Why CBS Should Pull the Trigger on Vera’s Return
It’s Low-Hanging Narrative Fruit
She’s already in the canon. The timeline fits. Her presence makes sense. And fans love a good deep-cut character who suddenly becomes essential.
It Creates Long-Term Payoff
By developing Vera now, CBS opens doors for future flashbacks, legacy episodes, or even cross-series arcs in the main NCIS show. The character’s longevity potential is off the charts.
What Happens If They Ignore Her?
Missed Depth, Missed Drama
Skipping Vera doesn’t just rob us of an interesting character—it weakens the story. Every major player needs a strong supporting cast, and right now, young Gibbs’ world is missing one.
Final Thought: It’s Time to Remember Vera Strickland
Vera Strickland’s name may have faded from NCIS memory, but the opportunity to resurrect her in a meaningful, exciting way is staring CBS right in the face. Origins is about building the past that shaped the future—and Vera was always a part of that.
All the writers have to do is follow the breadcrumbs they already laid. And if they do? Season 2 could deliver one of the most satisfying deep-lore character revivals the franchise has ever seen.
Conclusion: The Comeback Fans Didn’t Know They Needed
NCIS: Origins isn’t just about telling new stories—it’s about enriching the ones we thought we already understood. And Vera Strickland is the perfect example of how a minor moment in a past episode can turn into a major turning point when writers look back with intention.
By respecting canon, diversifying the cast, and leaning into characters with unmined potential, CBS has a chance to build something truly resonant. Vera Strickland isn’t just a footnote—she’s a cornerstone waiting to be rediscovered.
