'NCIS: Origins' Reveals How Mike Franks Met Gary Callahan

Plus, does Gary still have a future at NIS after being stabbed on the job?

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:35am

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The latest episode of the 'NCIS: Origins' spinoff series has revealed the backstory of how veteran NIS agent Mike Franks first crossed paths with his younger colleague Gary Callahan. The two agents have a complicated history, and the new episode explores how their partnership began and the challenges they've faced together over the years, including a recent on-the-job stabbing incident that has left Gary's future at the agency in question.

Why it matters

As one of the most popular and long-running crime procedural franchises, 'NCIS' has built a devoted fanbase eager to learn more about the backstories and relationships between its core characters. This 'Origins' spinoff series provides a deeper dive into the formative years and early cases of beloved agents like Mike and Gary, shedding new light on how they came to work together and the bond that has developed between them.

The details

In the latest 'NCIS: Origins' episode, viewers see a young Mike Franks, already an experienced NIS agent, reluctantly taking on a new partner in the eager but green Gary Callahan. The two initially clash over their different approaches, with the seasoned Franks frustrated by Callahan's enthusiasm and tendency to jump into situations without thinking. However, over the course of a high-stakes case, the two agents are forced to put aside their differences and work together, leading to a gradual understanding and mutual respect that has endured for decades.

  • The 'NCIS: Origins' episode aired on April 7, 2026.
  • The events depicted in the episode are set in the late 1980s, early in Mike and Gary's partnership.

The players

Mike Franks

A veteran NIS agent with decades of experience, known for his gruff demeanor but keen investigative skills.

Gary Callahan

A younger, eager NIS agent who is partnered with Franks early in his career, bringing a more impulsive approach that initially clashes with Franks' methodical style.

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What they’re saying

“Mike and I have been through a lot over the years, but we've always had each other's backs when it counts.”

— Gary Callahan, NIS Agent

“Franks may seem like a tough old dog, but he's taught me more than anyone about what it really means to be a good agent.”

— Gary Callahan, NIS Agent

What’s next

Fans will have to tune in to future episodes of 'NCIS: Origins' to see if Gary Callahan is able to recover from his recent on-the-job injury and continue working alongside his longtime partner Mike Franks.

The takeaway

The 'NCIS: Origins' spinoff provides a valuable glimpse into the formative years and partnership of two of the franchise's most beloved characters, showing how their initial differences gave way to a deep mutual respect and loyalty that has endured over decades of working together.