Origins Episode 4 Flashback and Gibbs’ first reaction to his family’s death, addressed by star Austin Stowell

Warning: The following contains spoilers for NCIS: Origins, season 1, episode 4, “All’s Not Lost.”NCIS: Origins Gibbs star Austin Stowell discusses the flashback scene from episode 4 where Gibbs found out about the murders of his wife and daughter in Kuwait. The prequel series NCIS focuses on a darker chapter in young Gibbs’ life as he returns home and works at the NIS following the tragedy. The flashback scene in NCIS: Origins episode 4 sees Gibbs get up while everyone else is on the ground when bombs are dropped around the base.

Chatting with TV InsiderStowell sheds some light on the scene, explaining that Gibbs “[has] I saw how fragile life is“, and he’s looking for more. Although the scene may seem like Gibbs trying to leave, he knows his death”it wouldn’t solve anything,” and “There has to be more out there..” The actor further explains that Gibbs’ lost moment is something everyone experiences because that experience is simply “part of life” and “the journey to find more.” Check out what he said:

It’s at that point you see, he’s trying to take his own life. He saw how fragile life is and of course, he knows that just leaving wouldn’t solve anything, that there has to be more out there. We all do it all the time and it doesn’t have to be circumstances like this. It could be that we’re working in a job that we’re not so happy with or we’re in a relationship that we’re not sure if we’re in love with the person and we’re looking for more and that’s okay. This is just part of life, the journey to find more.

What this means for Gibbs on NCIS: Origins

Gibbs is searching for the meaning of life

Up to this point, everyone around Gibbs in NCIS: Origins was tiptoeing near him. Gibbs’ reluctance to share personal feelings also makes it difficult for his colleagues to trust him. Stowell’s comment clarifies the flashback scene and explains what Gibbs is really going through: He is searching for the meaning of life after losing his wife and daughter. The flashback scene is where he confronts his own mortality, which takes him on a journey of discovery.

Gibbs’ flashback scene was mentioned in the first few episodes, but has never been shown until now. The scene shows what really happened that caused Gibbs to fail the psychological evaluation and his distrust of the team. The actor’s comment explains the relatability of the scene, which may seem extreme at first glance given that Gibbs is not taking active steps to protect himself. Instead of reading it as Gibbs wanting to die, the flashback is about him feeling lost in life. It’s also a pivotal moment that sends the titular character on a journey in search of more, which shows his resilience.

Our opinion on NCIS: Origins episode 4

The flashback is exciting and crucial

In NCIS: Origins episode 4, Gibbs helps locate a girl after a fatal blowout strikes a local teacher. The case is particularly triggering because Gibbs lost his own daughter. While working the case, Gibbs is forced to face his loss again. However, he finally finds exactly what he’s looking for when he helps track down the killer and keeps the girl safe until her father arrives. Gibbs is finding meaning in life after the love of his life was taken from him.

In this episode, Gibbs realizes he is not alone and that he can serve a purpose in ensuring the same thing doesn’t happen to another family. At the end of the episode, Gibbs finally joins Mike Franks and his wife for dinner. Instead of trying to exclude everyone, episode 4 of NCIS: Origins it is a crucial point where your wounds begin to heal. Professionally, this is also where Gibbs begins the journey to becoming who he eventually becomes in the original series.

Source: TV Insider