The creative team behind “NCIS: Origins” seems to be thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to sprinkle in references to the original “NCIS” series, especially those linked to the intriguing past of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed by Austin Stowell. Fans of both series were likely pleasantly surprised when Season 2’s fourth episode, “No Man Left Behind,” provided a backstory to a long-standing in-joke between Gibbs and Mike Franks, played by Kyle Schmid. This episode centers around Franks grappling with a visit from his elder brother, Mason, played by Philip Winchester, and the episode delves into the colorful stories that surround Mason’s legendary reputation.

The episode unfolds with Gibbs inquiring about Mason’s visit, posing a humorous question to Mike, “Is this the brother that you told me married the same woman as you twice?” Franks responds with laughter, dismissing it as a jest, “Come on, probie, that was a joke.” Devoted followers of the series may recall this tale surfacing in “NCIS” during the episode “Hiatus, Part 2” from Season 3, which aired back in 2006. However, the reason Gibbs recalled this amusing story during his “NCIS” tenure is rooted in a more somber context.

In “Hiatus, Part 2,” Gibbs, portrayed by Mark Harmon, is grappling with amnesia, unable to remember anything that occurred in his life post-1991. While his memories from his pre-NCIS days are intact, he has no recollection of his colleagues, the case at hand, or even significant events like 9/11. It is during a visit from Franks, played by Muse Watson, that Gibbs experiences a flashback to his earlier NIS days. Amid this memory, Gibbs recalls the amusing tale of Franks’ brother marrying the same woman twice, a story that elicits a chuckle from Franks, who fondly remembers, “She was a hell of a woman, probie.” This interaction becomes a pivotal moment for Gibbs, helping him to piece together the fragments of his past and ultimately regain his lost memories.

The reason why Gibbs brings up this reference to Franks’ love life in “Hiatus, Part 2” is because Gibbs has been suffering from amnesia. He can’t recall anything that happened in his life after 1991, which means he can remember everything that happened in his pre-NCIS life, but can’t recall his colleagues, the case he’s been trying to resolve, or even that 9/11 happened. 

Franks (Muse Watson) comes to visit him, and in his presence Gibbs flashes back to his NIS days. He recalls the story of Franks’ brother marrying the same woman as Franks twice. Within the flashback, Franks is amused by the story. “She was a hell of a woman, probie,” he laughs. From there — and thanks to that story — Gibbs begins to remember more and more of his past and finally regains his lost memories.

That just goes to show how old the relationship between Mike and Gibbs is — and how tragic it is when Franks is killed off during Season 8 of “NCIS” at the hands of the Port-to-Port Killer. It’s a scar that Gibbs eternally bears; but the memories still shine on for him, and can definitely still make him laugh.