{"id":3050,"date":"2025-07-03T12:12:33","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T12:12:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/?p=3050"},"modified":"2025-07-03T12:12:33","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T12:12:33","slug":"a-forgotten-ncis-character-is-poised-for-a-big-origins-season-2-role-if-cbs-sticks-with-the-canon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/?p=3050","title":{"rendered":"A Forgotten NCIS Character Is Poised For A Big Origins Season 2 Role (If CBS Sticks With The Canon)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Let\u2019s be honest\u2014NCIS: Origins<\/strong>\u00a0has cracked open a treasure chest of backstories. Season 1 gave fans a fresh look at Leroy Jethro Gibbs\u2019 early days, but the show barely scratched the surface of the team that shaped him. Now, as Season 2 looms on the horizon, one\u00a0forgotten NCIS character<\/strong>\u00a0is finally positioned to make a big return.<\/p>\n

And if CBS sticks to what\u2019s already been canon? This mystery player could shake things up in a major way.<\/p>\n

\n

What Is NCIS: Origins Anyway?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A Prequel With Serious Potential<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Set years before the original\u00a0NCIS<\/em>\u00a0timeline,\u00a0NCIS: Origins<\/em>\u00a0explores Gibbs\u2019 rise through the ranks of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. It\u2019s a prequel, yes\u2014but not a predictable one.<\/p>\n

With a younger Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) navigating the gritty cases of the \u201990s under Mike Franks\u2019 mentorship, the show rewrites the history fans thought they knew. But with that comes opportunity\u2014and risk.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Season 1 Recap: Seeds Planted, Not Fully Grown<\/strong><\/h3>\n

So far,\u00a0Origins<\/em>\u00a0has focused on the foundational figures: young Gibbs, Mike Franks, and a few new faces. But fans of the flagship series know there\u2019s more history waiting in the wings.<\/p>\n

\n

The Forgotten Character: Special Agent Vera Strickland<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Remember Vera Strickland? Probably Not\u2014And That\u2019s the Problem<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If the name\u00a0Vera Strickland<\/strong>\u00a0doesn\u2019t ring a bell, you\u2019re not alone. Played by\u00a0Roma Maffia<\/em>, she only appeared in\u00a0NCIS<\/em>\u00a0Season 11, Episode 2 (\u201cPast, Present and Future\u201d). But her brief appearance hinted at a deeper connection to Gibbs and Franks.<\/p>\n

She wasn\u2019t just some background agent. She was\u00a0a retired field agent<\/strong>\u00a0who once served\u00a0under Mike Franks<\/strong>\u2014and yes, she worked with\u00a0a young Gibbs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

So why did she vanish from memory? Timing. She was introduced during Ziva David\u2019s emotional departure arc, which overshadowed nearly everything else.<\/p>\n

\n

Why Vera Strickland Deserves a Comeback<\/strong><\/h2>\n

She\u2019s Already Canon\u2014And She Fits The Timeline Perfectly<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s do the math: if Vera worked under Franks and alongside Gibbs, and\u00a0Origins<\/em>\u00a0covers that era, she\u00a0should already be in the picture<\/strong>. Bringing her in wouldn\u2019t just honor canon\u2014it would\u00a0enrich it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Female Representation Matters\u2014Especially in the \u201990s Setting<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The original NCIS team was predominantly male for years. Including Vera in\u00a0Origins<\/em>\u00a0wouldn\u2019t just deepen the story; it would\u00a0balance the cast<\/strong>\u00a0and bring a\u00a0strong, capable female voice<\/strong>\u00a0into a historically male-dominated environment.<\/p>\n

\n

How Vera Strickland Could Be Introduced in NCIS: Origins<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As Franks\u2019 Trusted Second-In-Command<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We already know that Mike Franks ran his team like a tight ship. Vera could easily be his right hand\u2014a sharp, no-nonsense investigator who helped mold Gibbs\u2019 early approach to leadership.<\/p>\n

Mentor or Mirror? Vera\u2019s Influence on Gibbs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In many ways, Vera could represent\u00a0who Gibbs might\u2019ve become<\/strong> if his moral compass pointed slightly differently. Her character offers room for contrast: both experienced, both tough, but shaped by different life choices.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

A Missed Opportunity If Ignored<\/strong><\/h2>\n

CBS Risks Undermining Their Own Lore<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If\u00a0Origins<\/em>\u00a0skips over Vera, they\u2019re not just ignoring a great character\u2014they\u2019re contradicting established canon. Fans\u00a0remember details<\/strong>, and continuity counts in a franchise this deep.<\/p>\n

Legacy Means Respecting the Whole NCIS Universe<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s not just about honoring the past for the sake of fan service. Including Vera builds a bridge between the\u00a0NCIS<\/em> we know and love and its younger, prequel form.<\/p>\n

\n

Casting Ideas: Who Could Play a Young Vera?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Tough Yet Empathetic\u2014That\u2019s the Formula<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The perfect Vera actress needs to\u00a0command respect<\/strong>\u00a0while showing vulnerability. Think Gina Torres (Suits<\/em>), Melanie Liburd (Power Book II<\/em>), or Michelle Monaghan (True Detective<\/em>)\u2014women who can stand toe-to-toe with Gibbs or Franks and not blink.<\/p>\n

\n

How Vera\u2019s Backstory Could Unfold<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A Veteran With Ghosts of Her Own<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Every good character has baggage. Vera could bring complexity\u2014personal losses, professional sacrifices, or a history with a shady case that parallels Gibbs\u2019 own trauma.<\/p>\n

Room for Conflict and Growth<\/strong><\/h3>\n

She could clash with Gibbs over tactics, question Franks\u2019 decisions, or take charge in ways that push the young team to evolve. That tension = compelling TV.<\/p>\n

\n

Fan Theories: Could She Be a Secret Connection to Another Character?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ties to Director Vance or Jenny Shepard?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some fans speculate Vera could\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a\u00a0web of connections<\/strong>\u00a0just waiting to be explored.<\/p>\n

\n

What NCIS Writers Have Said (Or Not Said)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Radio Silence\u2014But That Might Be a Good Sign<\/strong><\/h3>\n

So far, the\u00a0Origins<\/em> showrunners haven\u2019t confirmed or denied Vera\u2019s return. That kind of silence might be strategic\u2014especially if her introduction is meant to be a surprise in Season 2.<\/p>\n

\n

Why CBS Should Pull the Trigger on Vera\u2019s Return<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s Low-Hanging Narrative Fruit<\/strong><\/h3>\n

She\u2019s already in the canon. The timeline fits. Her presence makes sense. And fans love a good deep-cut character who suddenly becomes essential.<\/p>\n

It Creates Long-Term Payoff<\/strong><\/h3>\n

By developing Vera now, CBS opens doors for future flashbacks, legacy episodes, or even cross-series arcs in the main\u00a0NCIS<\/em>\u00a0show. The character\u2019s longevity potential is off the charts.<\/p>\n

\n

What Happens If They Ignore Her?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Missed Depth, Missed Drama<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Skipping Vera doesn\u2019t just rob us of an interesting character\u2014it\u00a0weakens the story<\/strong>. Every major player needs a strong supporting cast, and right now, young Gibbs\u2019 world is missing one.<\/p>\n

\n

Final Thought: It\u2019s Time to Remember Vera Strickland<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Vera Strickland\u2019s name may have faded from NCIS memory, but the opportunity to\u00a0resurrect her in a meaningful, exciting way<\/strong>\u00a0is staring CBS right in the face.\u00a0Origins<\/em>\u00a0is about building the past that shaped the future\u2014and Vera was always a part of that.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n

Conclusion: The Comeback Fans Didn\u2019t Know They Needed<\/strong><\/h2>\n

NCIS: Origins<\/em>\u00a0isn\u2019t just about telling new stories\u2014it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t just a footnote\u2014she\u2019s a cornerstone waiting to be rediscovered.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Let\u2019s be honest\u2014NCIS: Origins\u00a0has cracked open a treasure chest of backstories. Season 1 gave fans a fresh look at Leroy Jethro Gibbs\u2019 early days, but the show… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3051,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3050","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3050","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3050"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3050\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3052,"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3050\/revisions\/3052"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3051"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3050"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3050"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3050"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}