NCIS: Origins Crossover Reveals Gibbs' New Furry Companion

The highly anticipated NCIS: Origins crossover with the flagship NCIS series delivered a surprising twist in November 2025. Fans eagerly awaited Mark Harmon's return as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, but instead of a human reunion, the legendary agent shared his Alaskan solitude with a heartwarming new companion: a loyal canine.

The Crossover Moment

In the Nov. 11 crossover episode, Gibbs was featured in his remote cabin, speaking tenderly to an unseen guest. Speculations ran wild about a potential reunion with Lala (Mariel Molino), the young love interest of Origins' Gibbs (Austin Stowell). However, the reveal left viewers both delighted and intrigued—Gibbs was pouring his heart out to a dog.

Co-showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal explained to TVLine that it was "too soon" to share Lala's story, making the dog the perfect emotional anchor. This choice deeply resonated with fans familiar with Gibbs' history with four-legged friends.

Gibbs' Lifelong Bond with Dogs

The scene wasn't just a narrative surprise—it was a masterful nod to the character's established legacy. Throughout Harmon's 18-season run on NCIS, Gibbs repeatedly demonstrated profound compassion for dogs:

Season 3: Sheltering a stray dog from rain, even at personal inconvenience.
Season 10: Bonding deeply with a service dog.
Season 18: Getting suspended after intervening to protect abused dogs, including a pitbull named Lucy.

Mark Harmon's real-life affinity for dogs further amplifies this parallel. The actor's personal devotion to his pets has been well-documented, even allegedly influencing behind-the-scenes dynamics (including a reported incident with a crew member that contributed to Pauley Perrette's exit from the series).

What's Next for NCIS: Origins?

While the crossover delighted fans, it also teased deeper storylines ahead. The deliberate delay in revealing Lala's fate suggests significant plot developments in Season 2 of NCIS: Origins. Early buzz promises intense investigations, including a December 2 episode tackling the murder of a Marine handpicked for a classified mission.

Adding to the excitement, Michigan native Caleb Foote (who plays Special Agent Bernard "Randy" Randolf) recently discussed the show's sophomore season. In a CBS Detroit interview, Foote teased fresh dynamics among the team and hinted at thrilling cases that bridge Origins' past with the present-day NCIS universe.

Why This Crossover Worked

By placing Gibbs with a dog in his isolated cabin, the scene captured the essence of his character: resilient yet solitary, yet never truly alone. The choice honored Harmon's portrayal while avoiding forced reunions, respecting the timeline of Origins' narrative.

As fans digest this emotional callback, anticipation builds for how Origins will expand its world and connect to the NCIS legacy. With Season 2 promising high-stakes cases and character growth, the future looks bright for this prequel series.

"Ultimately, it made perfect sense that Gibbs would pour his heart out to a canine instead of a human—embracing a loyal furry friend in his remote haven."

What did you think of Gibbs' furry companion? Share your thoughts in the comments!