The NCIS franchise continues to expand its universe, and its latest prequel, NCIS: Origins, is diving deeper into the past with the introduction of a familiar character in a new form.
In Season 2, Episode 11, titled “Feelin’ Alright?”, viewers will meet a younger version of Dwayne “King” Pride, originally portrayed by Scott Bakula in NCIS: New Orleans. Actor Shea Buckner takes on the role in the prequel, offering fans a fresh look at the character’s early days.
The episode follows Gibbs and Mike Franks’ team as they investigate a case tied to an international smuggling ring. Their work brings them into contact with NIS agents from Panama, including a young Pride, who is just starting out as a probationary agent.
Early interactions between the characters hint at tension, including a physical confrontation, suggesting a complicated dynamic from the start.
Pride’s introduction also helps build the backstory of the “Fed Five,” a group of elite agents that included Gibbs, Pride, Franks, Felix Betts, and Dan McLane. First referenced in NCIS: New Orleans, this team played a key role in the agency’s history.
With NCIS: Origins already renewed for a third season, the series has more time to explore these early relationships and missions. However, balancing these larger storylines with the show’s core setting at Camp Pendleton may present a challenge.
As the prequel continues, the arrival of young Pride marks an important step in connecting past events to the broader NCIS timeline, giving fans a deeper understanding of the franchise’s history.