In NCIS: Origins, the origin story of Gibbs reveals the roots of his most pivotal traits, including his iconic elevator trick, which carries unexpected depth. Mark Harmon’s portrayal of Gibbs in NCIS presents a seasoned agent with an extensive backstory that shapes his many famous rules. However, in NCIS: Origins, we witness these rules unfolding in real-time as Gibbs’ character develops. In Episode 3, the origins of one of his most crucial rules emerge from his first use of the elevator trick, a signature move that he would later use often to press fellow agents for information.

Throughout NCIS, Gibbs frequently halts an elevator between floors, creating a private space to extract information from his companion. In NCIS: Origins, this tactic makes its debut early in the spinoff. Known for his rebellious streak, Gibbs is shown pushing boundaries from the start. But whereas his rule-breaking in NCIS typically reinforces a set of established rules, NCIS: Origins portrays these formative moments as they first happen—such as when Gibbs traps a suspect in an elevator to buy time for NIS to secure enough evidence for a legal hold.

In Episode 3, Kyle Schmid’s Mike Franks benches Austin Stowell’s young Gibbs, deeming him unprepared for fieldwork. True to form, Gibbs disregards Franks’ command and discovers that the prime suspect is about to escape. His only chance to stop the suspect is by halting the elevator mid-floor, detaining him there long enough for NIS to gather the necessary evidence. This tense standoff showcases Gibbs’ sharp instincts and introduces his now-iconic elevator move as a method for achieving justice, setting a precedent he would follow throughout his career.

Another crucial piece of Gibbs’ ethos also emerges in this scene: his commitment to justice above all else. Gibbs has no qualms about detaining suspects in unconventional ways or bending protocol to ensure a just outcome. While his mental state and methods evolve between NCIS and NCIS: Origins, his core dedication to righting wrongs remains steadfast.

Gibbs’ resourcefulness is further highlighted when he uses his knife to get out of the stuck elevator, a move that connects to his NCIS Rule #9—“Never go anywhere without a knife”—first introduced in NCIS Season 1, Episode 13, “One Shot, One Kill.” In this scene, Gibbs uses his knife to release the elevator mechanism after breaking the emergency stop button, allowing him and the suspect to descend just as Franks arrives below. While Rule #9 may have already existed, its practical application during this first elevator trick in NCIS: Origins serves as an unofficial debut for the rule.

The rule’s association with Gibbs’ wife Shannon, who initially created many of the rules Gibbs lives by, adds a layer of meaning. While Gibbs’ values have grown over time, NCIS: Origins ties the birth of Rule #9 to a pivotal moment in Gibbs’ early career—one that captures the essence of both his sense of justice and his inventive problem-solving.