Spoiler Alert for NCIS: Origins season 1, episode 7, “One Flew Over"Gibbs' bird storyline inNCIS: Originsepisode 7 also has a tragic meaning.NCIS: Originsepisode 7starts with a flashback of Gibbs moving into an apartment after he can not bring himself to return home after losing his wife and daughter. it also reveals a deep look into Gibbs' pained psyche at the time before he joined the organization, which is still called NIS.
However, not all is lost. Throughout the episode, Gibbs gains a better understanding of himself and an appreciation of his life. He also becomes incredibly close with Franks, who supports him through his grief. Meanwhile, in the foreground of the episode, theNCIS: Originscastsolves a Jane Doe murder whileGibbs takes care of an injured bird at his apartment. Gibbs' bird arc may seem out of place in the grand scheme of things, but it is fitting for what he is going through.
Gibbs' Bird Arc In NCIS: Origins Episode 7 Represents Himself Heling From The Death Of Kelly & Shannon
While Uncharacteristic Of Gibbs' Character, The Bird Represents Good News
While Gibbs argues on the phone about trying to return an overdue pair of crutches to the hospital,a bird flies into Gibbs' apartment and stuns itself, leaving it helpless. Gibbs quickly begins caring for it, making it a nest and giving it food and water. While Gibbs is tending to the bird,Mark Harmon’s narrationreveals that even though he was alive, there were reminders all around him that he was supposed to be dead. The bird was just one example of that.
Franks tells Gibbs that he has come a long way. He saw firsthand what grief did to Gibbs and helped him in any way he could…
The bird’s injuries are comparable to Gibbs'.Lost and alone, both Gibbs and the bird were limited by their woundsand they both needed some help to heal. For Gibbs, that wasNCIS' Mike Franks. Throughout episode 7, Franks tells Gibbs that he has come a long way. He saw firsthand what grief did to Gibbs and helped him in any way he could, and now it was Gibbs' turn to help the bird. The bird’s healing journey metaphorically represents Gibbs'. When it is ready, it will fly away, no longer needing a crutch.
Gibbs' Taking Care Of The Injured Bird Helped Him Heal From His Family Tragedy
Losing Shannon and Kelly means that Gibbs no longer has anyone to care for anymore. Not only did he lose his partner, but he lost his baby as well. From the flashbacks inNCISandNCIS: Origins, it is clear that when Gibbs was not deployed,he was very involved in both Shannon and Kelly’s lives. Losing them left a physical and emotional hole in his life.
What Happened To Gibbs’ Wife & Daughter In NCIS
The tragic past of NCIS' Leroy Jethro Gibbs' daughter and first wife, Kelly and Shannon Gibbs, is vital to the exposition of NCIS: Origins.
The bird crashing into Gibbs' apartment was serendipitous. He could care for someone again, however briefly. Not only does the bird mirror Gibbs' healing journey, but it also shows that Gibbs' appreciation for life and love has returned inNCIS: Origins. After months of pain and heartbreak, Gibbs could show love and care for new life and momentarily fill the hole his family’s tragedy gave him.
NCIS: Origins
Cast
NCIS: Origins is set in 1991, preceding the events of the original series. The series introduces Leroy Jethro Gibbs as a new special agent at NCIS Camp Pendleton. Under the leadership of NCIS legend Mike Franks, Gibbs navigates his role within a tenacious, unconventional team.
