NCIS: Origins debuted Dwayne Pride, revealing a rocky first encounter with a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the 1980s. The episode shows their conflict evolving into mutual respect during a smuggling investigation. Austin Stowell, who plays Gibbs, shared insights into channeling the character's disdain.
The CBS prequel NCIS: Origins featured the debut of Dwayne Pride, known from the original NCIS series. In a flashback set in the 1980s, Gibbs and his father visit a bar where Gibbs steps away briefly. Upon returning, he sees his father punched by the bar's pianist, later revealed as young NIS Panama Special Agent Pride, portrayed by Shea Buckner. This incident stems from a request for a song honoring Gibbs' late mother, though Pride threw the punch in response to Gibbs' father striking first—a detail Gibbs learns later in the episode aired on Tuesday, March 18, 2026 (published date reference in source context aligns with episode timing per publication schedule, but exact airdate inferred from 'Tuesday's episode'). Eleven years after the bar fight, Pride and Panama personnel assist Gibbs' team in probing a suspected smuggling ring following a lieutenant washing ashore. Gibbs, still harboring resentment, clashes with Pride throughout the investigation. They ultimately survive a violent confrontation together, fostering initial respect and setting the stage for their future friendship. Austin Stowell, starring as Gibbs in NCIS: Origins, discussed embodying the character's anger in an interview. He drew from a personal childhood memory: 'I can remember as a kid that somebody made fun of my dad, and I punched him right in the face. So I really can connect with what happens with Gibbs.' Stowell also noted feeling Gibbs' frustration on set as colleagues warmed to Pride quickly: 'I've been here for a year and a half, and nobody speaks to me with this kind of friendly tone!' He described the episode as 'fun to play,' appreciating glimpses into Gibbs' Marine days and formative events.
