Gibbs’ Unlikely Mentor: His Cranky Landlord

It’s not every day that a TV show decides to diverge from its usual crime-solving plot to tell a heartwarming story. This week, NCIS: Origins did just that. The episode "Blue Bayou" revealed that Gibbs' tough-as-nails landlord Ruth played a big role in his career path. Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell, strikes up an unexpected friendship with Ruth after helping her find some thieves. Ruth encourages him to push through his NIS training, and after he graduates, Gibbs tells her, "You’re a damn good big sister. " Showrunners David J. North and Gina Monreal wanted to explore the idea that even the most unexpected people can have a significant impact on our lives. For London Garcia, who plays Ruth, reprising her role was an emotional experience. She found herself tearing up while reading the script. Stowell also brought personal experiences into the role, using his love for puzzles and his own father’s passing as inspiration. The episode shows Gibbs and Ruth spending quiet time together doing puzzles, which was actually improvised on set. Garcia explained that this created a comfortable dynamic where they didn’t need to talk much. The scenes were meaningful because they highlighted the bond Gibbs and Ruth shared. Stowell believes that Ruth’s influence on Gibbs was crucial. The stress of learning about Ruth’s illness leads Gibbs to believe he failed his psych evaluation. This makes him prone to bar fights, but eventually, Franks (Kyle Schmid) hires Gibbs for NIS after Ruth scolds him for not believing in their friend. Stowell thinks Ruth’s impact on Gibbs is profound, noting that Gibbs has been hurt by those close to him before. Ruth’s friendship becomes a turning point in his life, leading him to the successful career we know he’ll have. For Gibbs, Ruth’s support was instrumental in building the resilience that defines him.