As NCIS: Origins moves forward, fans can expect emotional complexity, professional stakes, and romance that’s both teased and restrained. Gibbs’ journey isn’t just about love — it’s about the making of a leader, a partner, and an agent whose choices reverberate across the franchise.

One thing that NCIS: Origins has been excellent at accomplishing is staying true to the history of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ past, and tonight, they continue the trend with a story that reunites the young Gibbs ( Austin Stowell) with Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard at NIS headquarters at Camp Pendleton, CA.

"NCIS: Origins" honors David McCallum in a tribute episode Oct. 28 featuring young "Ducky" Mallard's return. USA TODAY gets an exclusive sneak peek.

Gibbs gets a visitor at Camp Pendleton from DC Headquarters in a new NCIS: Origins Season 2, Episode 3 sneak peek. See the very special reunion here.

For now though, Lala is back with Gibbs, Franks and Randy, and I think I can speak for most, if not all NCIS: Origins fans that we wouldn’t have it any other way. New episodes of the CBS series air Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET, and they can be streamed the next day with a Paramount+ subscription.