The NCIS: Origins winter finale took fans by surprise. For the first time in the show’s storied history—and the larger NCIS universe—it skipped the weekly case formula that has defined the franchise for decades. Instead, the episode, which aired on December 16, shifted focus to a quieter, more intimate story: the unexpected connection between a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his landlord, Ruth.
The decision wasn’t a random shake-up. Showrunners David J. North and Gina Monreal recently shared the reasoning behind this heartfelt episode, one that explores the foundations of Gibbs’ character like never before.
Why the Case Was Dropped for the Winter Finale
North and Monreal knew they were taking a risk. For years, NCIS has relied on its procedural roots—solving crimes, cracking mysteries, and delivering satisfying resolutions—all wrapped in character-driven arcs. But for this winter finale, they set that structure aside.
North explained the significance of the change while speaking with Deadline:
“I’ve always been fascinated by the fact that in the NCIS canon, we know Gibbs kills Pedro Hernandez and then suddenly he’s an NIS agent,” North said. “Gina and I just talked a lot and realized we’d love to see a story with Ruth and Gibbs. We think it’s really a story that matches who Gibbs is.”
Skipping the case allowed space to tell a quieter, more poignant story—one that added layers to Gibbs’ origin without distraction.
Gina Monreal’s contributions were key to shaping the episode’s direction. After Ruth’s small role in Episode 7, Monreal envisioned her as more than just a side character. “What if Ruth and he developed this friendship when he had no one else?” North recalled. “It really took off from there.”
Ruth’s Role in Gibbs’ Transformation
London Garcia, who plays Ruth, was initially brought on for a minor part, showing Gibbs his new apartment in a previous episode. Yet the character quickly became central to this pivotal moment in Gibbs’ life.
The episode explores a version of Gibbs who is lost and vulnerable—a stark contrast to the confident, unshakeable leader fans know so well. After leaving the Marines and killing Pedro Hernandez, Gibbs has no one to turn to, not even his own father. This is where Ruth steps in, providing him with a much-needed lifeline.
“Ruth was there for him when no one else was,” North told The Wrap. “In the end, we learn that Ruth really was the one that led him to believe that this could be a career for him. She saved him.”
The relationship between Gibbs and Ruth resonates deeply because it highlights a formative moment for Gibbs. Ruth doesn’t just give him advice—she offers him stability and a sense of direction at a time when he feels adrift.
The First “Case-Less” Episode in 1,000+ Installments
The decision to forego the case-of-the-week is no small feat. The NCIS universe has delivered over 1,000 episodes across its multiple series—each centered around solving crimes and military mysteries. That’s why North and Monreal are particularly proud of this installment.
“To our knowledge, this is the first episode in 1,000+ episodes that doesn’t have a case,” North said. “And we’re really proud of it.”
This “first” is a testament to the confidence the showrunners have in their storytelling. By breaking away from the formula, they created space to dive deeper into the emotional backstory of one of the franchise’s most iconic characters.
It’s a gamble that paid off. For long-time fans of NCIS and newcomers alike, the episode struck a chord. It served as a reminder that behind the weekly cases and clever one-liners, there are human stories of loss, redemption, and connection that shape the characters fans have come to love.
Fan Reaction and What’s Next
Reactions to the winter finale have been overwhelmingly positive. Fans praised the episode for its emotional depth and unique approach. Social media lit up with viewers applauding the focus on Gibbs’ backstory and Ruth’s powerful role in his journey.
The success of this episode also raises interesting questions about the future direction of NCIS: Origins. Could we see more episodes that take creative risks and break away from tradition? While the showrunners haven’t confirmed anything, this winter finale proves there’s an appetite for storytelling that dares to be different.
For now, one thing is clear: NCIS: Origins isn’t afraid to shake things up. And in the process, it’s adding rich, new layers to the legacy of Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
