Mark Harmon is back in action as Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in," Gibbs says in the first "NCIS: Origins" trailer, which USA TODAY can exclusively debut, showcasing the iconic character's return to the "NCIS"-verse.
The former U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper, whoretired from "NCIS" and settled in Alaska five years ago, is back in business, locking and loading his rifle. The return episode is appropriately called "Don't You Forget About Me."
"Let's get to work," Gibbs tells his new Alaskan companion, a stray dog who came in from the cold.
It's thrilling days for the "NCIS" prequel spinoff "Origins," which kicks off Season 3 on Oct. 6 (10 p.m. ET/PT) with Harmon, 74, returning to the full-time character to star
alongside Austin Stowell, 41, his younger Camp Pendleton self.
The two stars spoke exclusively to USA TODAY about Gibbs' "Origins" return, which is blowing up the fall TV schedule. Their Gibbs characters will stay in their respective timelines, with prime Gibbs getting pulled out Alaskan retirement by a major case that dates back to his Camp Pendleton days.
"I came to Alaska to find peace, but ghosts from my past found me," Harmon's Gibbs says in the trailer. "I know now peace never lasts."
Younger Gibbs, who finally kissed the love of his life, Special Agent Cecilia "Lala" Dominguez (Mariel Molino), in the Season 2 finale, is deep into the pivotal relationship in Season 3. The character has a new swagger in Season 3, as young Gibbs comes closer to the confident Gibbs, who started on "NCIS" in 2003.
"Origins" standout NIS Agent Randy Randolf (Caleb Foote) was also kidnapped in the Season 2 finale, “Hollywood Ending," a case which will also play into older Gibbs' return.
"I know now that Lala's story isn't hers alone," says older Gibbs. "It's ours."
Quirky and overworked director of NIS Forensic Lab, Woodrow "Woody" Browne ("SNL" star Bobby Bobby Moynihan) appears in the older Gibbs timeline, with Gibbs telling him, "You owe me a favor." Is Woody the Russian spy alluded to in the trailer?
Young Ducky returns to 'NCIS: Origins' for Season 3
The trailer also shows Adam Campbell, who plays young Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard– the beloved medical examiner portrayed by the late David McCallum on “NCIS” – returning to “Origins" for Season 3. So "Origins" is bringing out the big guns.
The final trailer scene shows Gibbs, out of Alaska with his dog, riding up a familiar elevator. He definitely appears to be walking through the "NCIS" squad room with his backpack on, looking around the familiar open-plan office with agents’ desks and monitors.
"Turns out the final chapter is still being written," Gibbs says, as his returning character gives a slight smile.
When is 'NCIS: Origins' starting Season 3?
"NCIS: Origins" kicks off Season 3 with the full-time return of Harmon as Gibbs on Oct. 6 (10 p.m. ET/PT) on CBS and Paramount+.
Read Harmon and Stowell's first joint interview here, where Harmon vows to "grip it and rip it" for 10 episodes of "NCIS: Origins," 23 years after starting on "NCIS."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: See Mark Harmon's return as Gibbs in 'NCIS: Origins' trailer | Exclusive
