Dwayne Pride Returns to NCIS Universe in New Prequel Series

Dwayne Pride, the character portrayed by Scott Bakula, is making a return to the NCIS universe, four years after the conclusion of NCIS: New Orleans. CBS is set to explore the backstory of Pride in its new series, NCIS: Origins, which serves as a prequel to the long-running franchise. The show aims to delve into Pride’s early career and his relationship with Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon.

The original NCIS: New Orleans series, which aired for seven seasons, garnered a dedicated fan base, though it did not reach the same level of acclaim as the flagship NCIS or its Los Angeles counterpart. The spin-off was initially introduced through a backdoor pilot featuring Harmon’s Gibbs collaborating with local law enforcement, including Pride, who was part of a group known as the Fed Five. This elite team of agents operated during the early 1990s within the Naval Investigative Service (NIS).

In NCIS: Origins, CBS is actively casting for a younger version of Dwayne Pride, who will be depicted as a newly minted Probationary Special Agent in the NIS Panama office. The narrative will explore the unresolved issues between Gibbs and Pride as they work together undercover on a new case. This prequel is poised to shed light on their dynamic, which has been hinted at in previous NCIS storylines.

Exploring the Origins

Set in 1992, the show will highlight the early days of Gibbs as a special agent at NCIS Camp Pendleton. Under the guidance of the legendary agent Mike Franks, Gibbs navigates a challenging environment alongside a diverse and unconventional team. The introduction of young Pride is significant, as it connects directly to the established history of the NCIS franchise and the Fed Five’s contributions.

The timeline for the series is particularly intriguing, given that the Fed Five only operated until 1994. This limited window presents both opportunities and challenges for the writers as they aim to portray significant missions and character developments from that period. Viewers are expected to see how these experiences shaped the relationships among the characters, particularly between Gibbs and Pride.

The arrival of Pride in the series also opens doors for new storytelling possibilities. The show has previously introduced other younger versions of characters, such as Young Ducky and Lara Macy, further enriching the narrative landscape of the NCIS universe. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how the show balances these character backstories with ongoing cases at Camp Pendleton.

Future of the NCIS Franchise

As CBS prepares to launch NCIS: Origins, the anticipation surrounding the show reflects the franchise’s enduring popularity. The exploration of Gibbs’ early career and his interactions with Pride is expected to captivate both long-time fans and new viewers alike. The series stands to enhance the rich tapestry of the NCIS universe, providing insights into the formative experiences that shaped its beloved characters.

With the groundwork laid for further developments, the focus will now be on how effectively the show can intertwine its historical elements with engaging new story arcs. As the production moves forward, audiences await the first glimpses of the younger iterations of these iconic characters, eager to see how their stories unfold.