The NCIS universe aired a two-part crossover event on November 12, 2025, blending present-day investigations with '90s flashbacks. Mark Harmon returned as Gibbs, Muse Watson reprised Franks, and Roma Maffia came back as Vera Strickland to help close a decades-old case. The episodes connected NCIS and NCIS: Origins through a sailor's murder and an inmate's escape tied to hidden family secrets.
Crossover Overview
The crossover began with NCIS: Origins, flashing back to the 1990s where a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Mike Franks investigated the murder of sailor Louis Burke, ruled a suicide but suspected otherwise. The town sheriff confessed to protect a woman he loved, leading to his imprisonment. Present-day Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, appeared briefly in Alaska, tinkering at his cabin with a dog companion while Willie Nelson's 'Funny How Time Slips Away' played, evoking reflections on his past.
The episode ended with Kyle Schmid's young Franks facing an interrogation room where the suspect's face morphed into Muse Watson's original portrayal of Franks, honoring the character's legacy.
Part 2: NCIS Investigation
In the NCIS episode, the team reopened the case after Tommy Mulligan, the imprisoned sheriff, escaped prison weeks before his parole. Mulligan had confessed to Burke's murder to shield Lainey Sims, who was pregnant with his child. Vera Strickland, portrayed by Roma Maffia, returned after tracking Mulligan to her home; she insisted on his innocence and joined the team in a limited capacity.
Investigations revealed Burke did not kill Congressman James Wallace's grandfather; Wallace's DNA matched the murder weapon. Lainey's ex-husband confirmed she killed Burke, and Mulligan's son Jason sought revenge against Wallace, who profited from the grandfather's valuable property over an aquifer.
Resolution and Returns
The team intervened at Wallace's campaign event, where Vera convinced Jason to surrender. Wallace was arrested, Mulligan freed, and the case closed. Showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal explained in an interview that a Gibbs-Lala reunion is 'too soon,' emphasizing Gibbs' isolation themes. They confirmed Watson's on-set cameo and teased potential young Nick Torres in future crossovers.
Vera quipped about Torres and Jessica resembling 'the new Tony and Ziva,' adding nostalgic humor. The episodes highlighted NCIS lore, including old VHS tapes and Franks' hauntings over the wrongful conviction.