Dwayne Pride Returns to NCIS Universe in New Prequel Series

Dwayne Pride will make his much-anticipated return to the NCIS franchise in a new prequel series titled NCIS: Origins. This comeback occurs four years after the cancellation of NCIS: New Orleans, where Pride was a prominent character portrayed by Scott Bakula. The new series aims to delve into the character’s background and explore earlier dynamics with other key figures in the franchise.

The NCIS series, which originally premiered in 2003, has expanded significantly over the years, with NCIS: New Orleans being the second spinoff to join the franchise. Though it did not achieve the same acclaim as the flagship series or its counterpart, NCIS: Los Angeles, it garnered a dedicated fanbase throughout its seven-season run. The connection between Pride and the franchise’s lead, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, will be a focal point of the new series.

Exploring the Backstory of Dwayne Pride

According to TVInsider, casting is underway for a younger version of Dwayne Pride, who will be depicted as a newly-minted Probationary Special Agent in the NIS Panama office. This storyline will offer a glimpse into Pride’s early career, as well as his history with Gibbs. The series is set in 1992, just before Pride and Gibbs’s paths intersected within the context of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In NCIS: Origins, Pride and Gibbs will be required to confront past tensions as they collaborate on an undercover case. The show will not only introduce a younger Pride but will also feature other familiar faces from the franchise, enriching the narrative with their backstories. The introduction of young characters allows the series to explore the relationships and events that shaped the present-day dynamics familiar to fans.

Building on Established Narratives

The nature of NCIS: Origins as the franchise’s first prequel opens avenues for storytelling that have remained largely unexplored. Fans are particularly interested in the conflict between Gibbs and Pride, which predates their time with the NIS. This unresolved tension hints at a deeper friendship that will be gradually revealed over the course of the series.

While the series is set to explore the history of the Fed Five, a group that included Pride and Gibbs during their early careers, there is a limited timeframe to depict their missions, as this group was active only until 1994. The ongoing narrative will balance these historical escapades with present-day cases at NCIS Camp Pendleton, where Gibbs serves under the guidance of NCIS legend Mike Franks.

Overall, the return of Dwayne Pride signifies a fresh chapter in the NCIS franchise, as it seeks to engage both long-time fans and newcomers eager to discover the roots of its beloved characters. With its rich history and interconnected storylines, NCIS: Origins promises to captivate audiences when it debuts in the coming months.