NCIS begins to resolve its longest-running plot hole by secretly introducing a fan-favorite character in Origins

Notice! Spoilers ahead for NCIS: Origins episode 6, “Incognito.”

In the midst of the complicated case in NCIS: Origins Episode 6, “Incognito,” also resolves the franchise’s longest-running plot hole with the introduction of a fan-favorite character. CBS’ latest expansion series from NCIS universe covers Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ first years at the agency. The cast is a mix of familiar faces such as Mike Franks and Vera Stricklandas well as newcomers including Lala Dominguez and Randy Randolf. While it can’t bring in most of Gibbs’ MCRT agents because of their location in the timeline, it can explore the secret history of some of his older relationships.

True to its revelation about NCIS: Origins centering on Lala’s untold story, “Incognito” highlights her struggles to maintain her place as a capable agent in a male-dominated field. It also doesn’t help that Franks tends to be misogynistic – something she and Vera are well aware of. The rest of the ride deals with a fake suicide that leads Lala and Gibbs to go undercover. As interesting and exciting as the real case may be, what flies under the radar is NCIS: Origins subtly introducing a member of the flagship’s original cast – Joe Spano’s Tobias Fornell.

NCIS: Origins Episode 5 introduces young Tobias Fornell

Young Fornell looks like old Fornell

After Frank forces Cliff Wheeler to contact the FBI about any information about the tomahawks related to the case, they meet with FBI detective Noah Oakley and discuss the case with his subordinate, Fornell. Played by Lucas Dixon in NCIS: Origins episode 6, he looks like the main series’ version of Spano, albeit less sure of himself and clearly still in the lower echelons of the agency. Unlike the older iteration of the character, however, young Fornell seems more relaxed. After telling Franks and Wheeler what he knows, he ends up being fired by his superior.

Fornell’s prequel debut begins to clear up the plot inconsistency of his and Gibbs’ friendship timeline

Fornell and Gibbs were on the West Coast in 1991

Although not part of Gibbs’ inaugural team Spano’s Fornell debuted in “Yankee White” while the FBI officer fought Harmon’s character for jurisdiction. Their meeting aboard Air Force One was supposedly the first time they had crossed paths, so it was confusing when it was later revealed that they had a history, as they were both once married to the same woman. NCIS later leaned on the pair’s friendship, but never clarified the truth about when they met. However, the introduction of young Fornell into NCIS: Origins episode 6 effectively establishes the idea that they knew each other before “Yankee White.”

Admitting that Gibbs and Fornell have not yet met in NCIS: Originsbut it makes little to no sense for the prequel to bring in Dixon’s character so early in the project if there are no plans for him. Fornell’s boss having a connection with Wheeler and Franks meeting the young version of Spano’s role on the flagship lays the groundwork for Gibbs to meet one of his best friends sooner or later. Because of this, it’s safe to say that it’s only a matter of time before NCIS‘The longest-running plot hole has officially been resolved.