A favorite but somewhat forgottenNCIScharacter is set to have a big return inNCIS: Originsseason 2. TheNCISspinoffhas stayed true toNCIScanon so far, which hints that big changes are coming for the sophomore season of the Gibbs prequel.NCIS: Originsseason 2 will likely continue where season 1 left off.
TheNCISuniversehas numerous characters that could appear inNCIS: Origins, butthe best characters have already been featured in season 1. However, season 2 would allow for bigger and better storylines. It could also expand the currentNCIScanon by digging deeper into characters that are close to Gibbs, and one character in particular has the best chances of this happening.
Young Tobias Fornell Could Return In NCIS: Origins Season 2
Fornell Has A Rich History With NCIS
A young Fornell appeared inNCIS: Originsseason 1, and it is likely he will also appear in season 2.Tobias briefly turned up inNCIS: Originsseason 1, episode 6, where he was seen enjoying tacos while working with FBI agent Noah Oakley, Wheeler, and Franks. However, he holds big potential for season 2 given his relationship with Gibbs inNCIS.
NCIS: Originsco-showrunner, David J. North revealed toTV Insiderthat he “would love to see Young Fornell come back. And stay tuned. That might be happening sooner rather than later.” North was quoted afterNCIS: Originspart 1 ended. As Fornell did not appear in part 2, it suggests he might return in season 2 if the “sooner” part of North’s prediction holds true.
Tobias Fornell returning inNCIS: Originswould also align with the natural progression of his career. He is currently an FBI agent, but not yet a high-ranking one. Besides being an interesting plot development, Fornell appearing inNCIS: Originsseason 2 to work more closely with the NIS team would also match his job responsibilities, so it’s a match both for the character and the narrative.
How Fornell’s Bigger Role In NCIS: Origins Season 2 Addresses A Major Question About Gibbs' Story
Fornell Is Tied Closely To Gibbs
While Fornell’sNCIS: Originsappearance was a welcome surprise, it missed a key element. As ofNCIS: Originsseason 1, Fornell and Gibbs still have not met. In the originalNCIS, however,Fornell is one of Gibbs' best friends. Their origin story still needs to be addressed inNCIS: Origins,and the spinoff can’t wait too long to establish that bond for it to be believable.
NCIS: Originsseason 2can finally reveal how Fornell and Gibbs became friends. They clearly work in the same circles, as their bosses know each other. However,Gibbs and Fornell’s friendship is more than a work relationship. No matter how they meet,NCIS: Originsseason 2 needs to show how their friendship blossomed, too.
Their origin story still needs to be addressed inNCIS: Origins…
To demonstrate all of this,Fornell needs a more prominentrole inNCIS: Origins. His minor appearance in season 1 acted more as an Easter egg for those familiar withNCIS. However, his presence didn’t add much to the storyline, partly because it was so brief. That will have to change as he evolves to become a more important person in Gibbs' life, both personally and professionally.
What NCIS Has Revealed About Fornell’s Future
Fornell Is A Successful FBI Agent
WhileGibbs and Fornell have not met yet inNCIS: Origins, theNCIS: Originsfinale set up one of the more interesting storylines between the two characters. The finale introduced Gibbs' second wife, Diane Sterling, who would later divorce him and remarry Fornell prior to the original series. Their marriage occurred despite Gibbs' well-meaning advice, and it became an important part of all their backstories.
Fornell and Sterling also later had an expensive divorce, just like Gibbs' divorce with Sterling. However, their marriage would also lead to the birth of Fornell and Sterling’s daughter, Emily. Emily would remain an important character in Fornell’s life until her death. Even now, she is still one of the moretragicNCIScharacters.
Tobias Fornell is the only recurring character inNCISto appear more than some main characters in the show.
Besides his personal life,NCIShas also revealed a lot of information about Fornell’s career. While he started as a lower-ranking FBI agent, he eventually became promoted before retiring to become a private investigator. Throughout his time onNCIS, he has worked closely with the MCRT. This tradition could easily blend intoNCIS: Origins,but next season needs to start the process.
