NCIS fans have a new face to look forward to as former Olympian Shea Buckner takes on the role of Dwayne “King” Pride in the second season of the franchise’s latest spin-off, NCIS: Origins. Buckner will appear in one episode, stepping into a character previously portrayed by Scott Bakula in the original series from 2014 to 2021. The spin-off focuses on a younger iteration of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell, during his formative years at NCIS Camp Pendleton.
In this anticipated episode, set to air later in the season, Buckner’s Pride is depicted as a newly minted Probationary Special Agent from the NIS Panama office. He shares a complicated past with Gibbs, and together, they must navigate their history while going undercover on a case.
Reuniting the Fed Five Task Force
The episode will not only spotlight Pride but also bring back the Fed Five task force, a group of exceptional agents known for their role in unmasking the Privileged Killer, Spencer Hanlon, during the original series’ eleventh season. Members of the Fed Five include Gibbs, Pride, and Michael Franks, originally played by Muse Watson and now portrayed by Kyle Schmid in Origins. The task force also featured Felix Betts and Dan McLane, the latter of whom is deceased by the time of the original series. CBS is currently searching for actors to fill these roles.
The return of Mark Harmon, who left NCIS in 2021 but remains an executive producer, was a significant highlight of the season. He made a cameo appearance earlier in the second season, expressing in an interview with TV Insider that returning to the set felt like a “comfortable spot.” He praised the show’s creators, David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal, for their vision in developing Origins.
Harmon noted, “The sets are comfortable. I know who they are. You have a big backlog of time together with people, and they’re special.” He reflected on the unique camaraderie that has developed over the years, stating, “That is what 20 years in the saddle does — it gives you a comfort that is somewhat rare.”
Future Prospects for Buckner and the Series
As for the likelihood of Harmon returning for more episodes beyond his cameo, he acknowledged uncertainty but indicated that the creators do have plans in mind. “I obviously like them, I admire ’em, worked with ’em for a very long time. They had an idea, and I liked the idea,” he said. Harmon emphasized the importance of allowing the show’s writers the creative space to develop their storylines.
Buckner, who also competed as a water polo player in the 2012 Summer Olympics, brings a unique background to the role. His recent work includes a role in the series Only Murders in the Building, showcasing his versatility as both an athlete and an actor.
As NCIS: Origins continues to evolve, fans are eager to see how Buckner’s portrayal of Dwayne Pride will resonate with long-time viewers and newcomers alike. The blend of established characters and fresh talent aims to keep the franchise engaging while exploring the rich histories of its beloved figures. With the second season underway, the anticipation surrounding Buckner’s debut and the Fed Five’s reunion promises to deliver compelling storylines that fans have come to expect from the NCIS universe.
