“One Flew Over,” the seventh episode of NCIS: Origins, isn’t your typical procedural fare. Sure, there’s a murdered grandmother, a shady character nicknamed “Lefty,” and the usual investigative rigmarole. But nestled within the case-of-the-week is a poignant exploration of Gibbs’ past, revealing the raw wounds that shaped him into the stoic agent we know.
The episode opens with the discovery of Alice Glenn, a woman with dementia, found dead near a military base. The team initially suspects foul play, and their investigation leads them to “Lefty,” a shifty individual who seems to know more than he lets on. However, the team eventually discovers that Alice’s daughter-in-law was responsible for her death, accidentally killing her during a struggle and attempting to cover it up.
While the present-day case offers a decent dose of suspense, the true heart of “One Flew Over” lies in the flashbacks. We see a younger, grieving Gibbs, reeling from the loss of his family, and a perceptive Mike Franks, recognizing Gibbs’ need for purpose and subtly steering him toward NCIS. These scenes aren’t mere exposition dumps; they’re emotionally charged moments that deepen our understanding of Gibbs’ character, offering a glimpse into the crucible that forged his steely exterior.
There’s also a touch of symbolism in Gibbs’ tender care for an injured bird. He nurtures the creature back to health, mirroring his own need for healing and perhaps hinting at a softer side rarely seen. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes.
Elsewhere, the episode continues to explore Franks’ personal investigation into Tish’s past assault. She confronts him, delivering a sharp ultimatum: respect her boundaries or walk away. We also see Franks utilizing Vera’s new profiling program for his personal vendetta, raising questions about his methods and motives.
Overall, “One Flew Over” is a strong episode of NCIS: Origins, offering a balanced mix of procedural thrills and character-driven drama. The case itself is engaging enough, but it’s the exploration of Gibbs and Franks’ pasts that truly elevates the episode.
NCIS: Origins airs Mondays at 9/8c on CBS.
