The BEST episodes of NCIS: Origins season 2

Every episode of NCIS: Origins season 2, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of NCIS: Origins season 2!

In 1991, years prior to the events of "NCIS," a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks.

Last Updated: 5/6/2026Network: CBSStatus: Continuing
The Beautiful Ballad of Gary Callahan
star
8.23
108 votes

#1 - The Beautiful Ballad of Gary Callahan

Season 2 - Episode 14 - Aired 4/7/2026

When the team’s trusted K-9 agent, Gary Callahan, is critically wounded at a crime scene, NIS races to track down the culprit while a surprising pre-Pendleton chapter in Franks’ life is revealed.

The Edge
star
8.07
256 votes

#2 - The Edge

Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/28/2025

When Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, a liaison from D.C. headquarters and an old acquaintance of Gibbs’, arrives to evaluate whether Pendleton needs an in-house medical examiner, not everyone trusts that’s the real reason behind his visit.

Directors: Patrick Cady
Watch Now:Amazon
Homeward Bound
star
8.02
104 votes

#3 - Homeward Bound

Season 2 - Episode 13 - Aired 3/31/2026

When Dr. Tango is arrested for stealing human remains from a national park, Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard returns to assist the team in proving his innocence.

Watch Now:Amazon
Lean on Me
star
7.84
102 votes

#4 - Lean on Me

Season 2 - Episode 10 - Aired 3/10/2026

When a marine captain shows up at Camp Pendleton exhibiting symptoms of a fatal virus, NIS goes on lockdown and Gibbs is forced to take charge. As panic spreads, the team races to determine whether it really is a deadly outbreak or something else entirely.

No Man Left Behind
star
7.84
237 votes

#5 - No Man Left Behind

Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/4/2025

Tensions rise when Franks’ estranged older brother, Mason, blows into town, desperate for help after hitting rock bottom. Also, the team investigates the robbery of a Navy bank while Lala, still struggling after her accident, makes a decision about her future.

Funny How Time Slips Away
star
7.84
256 votes

#6 - Funny How Time Slips Away

Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 11/11/2025

When a naval officer mysteriously dies in the ‘90s, Gibbs and the team travel to the small dust-blown town of Serenity, Calif., where they encounter secret-harboring residents, an uncooperative sheriff and an investigation that will reverberate for decades.

Fools Rush In
star
7.80
181 votes

#7 - Fools Rush In

Season 2 - Episode 9 - Aired 3/3/2026

As the team discovers Gibbs’ drunken Vegas elopement with Diane, the newlyweds contemplate their future. Also, the team investigates a fatal movie theater bombing with a connection to the Pruitt compound where Mason is staying.

Watch Now:Amazon
The Funky Bunch
star
7.77
261 votes

#8 - The Funky Bunch

Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 10/14/2025

Gibbs and Franks investigate the disappearance of a young Marine connected to a mysterious compound with a charismatic leader, and Lala’s fate is revealed.

Watch Now:Amazon
End of the Road
star
7.76
234 votes

#9 - End of the Road

Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 12/9/2025

When Lala’s favorite CI is shot, the team joins forces with Oceanside PD to determine who was behind the attack. Also, Franks visits his brother Mason at the compound, and Gibbs’ relationship with Diane is tested when she gets a job in Los Angeles.

Directors: Loren Yaconelli
The Gambler
star
7.76
107 votes

#10 - The Gambler

Season 2 - Episode 12 - Aired 3/24/2026

When the NIS Regional Director tries to transfer Mary Jo, she reconnects with an old friend from Atlantic City to help investigate the roadside deaths of two Marines.

Johnny B. Goode
star
7.75
101 votes

#11 - Johnny B. Goode

Season 2 - Episode 15 - Aired 4/14/2026

Lala’s determination to get Manny out of gang life lands the team in the middle of a turf war.

Rule 13
star
7.74
88 votes

#12 - Rule 13

Season 2 - Episode 17 - Aired 4/28/2026

Wheeler takes command when a car bomb goes off outside NIS headquarters. Also, the truth behind Franks’ distaste for lawyers is revealed.

Feelin' Alright?
star
7.71
107 votes

#13 - Feelin' Alright?

Season 2 - Episode 11 - Aired 3/17/2026

When a lieutenant’s water-logged body is discovered with a potential connection to an international smuggling ring, NIS Panama agents are called in to assist, and Gibbs comes face-to-face with an old nemesis: Special Agent Dwayne Pride. Once the two are assigned to a dangerous undercover mission together, Gibbs must find a way to move on from their past.

Watch Now:Amazon
Happy Birthday
star
7.66
229 votes

#14 - Happy Birthday

Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 11/18/2025

When an anonymous tip leads to the discovery of a young Marine’s body at a chilling crime scene, Randy believes it could be connected to a previous case where a coin was left in the victim’s throat. Also, Franks tries to track down priceless packages meant for his brother, Mason.

Directors: Lionel Coleman
Who By Fire
star
7.61
239 votes

#15 - Who By Fire

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/21/2025

When the body of a college swimmer washes up on the beach, the team must determine if it was an accident or murder. Also, Gibbs prepares for his first interrogation.

Directors: Jessica Lowrey
Who's Gonna Drive You Home?
star
7.55
96 votes

#16 - Who's Gonna Drive You Home?

Season 2 - Episode 16 - Aired 4/21/2026

While Gibbs and Lala grow closer on a case, Gibbs’ long-distance relationship with Diane is further tested by the arrival of an unexpected guest.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love
star
7.55
231 votes

#17 - Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired 12/2/2025

The team investigates the murder of a Marine who had recently been handpicked for a classified mission. Also, Wheeler’s personal life is upended, Lala is thrown by unexpected news from Vera, and Gibbs and Diane double-date with Randy and his wife.

Directors: Jann Turner
Hollywood Ending
star
4.00
1 votes

#18 - Hollywood Ending

Season 2 - Episode 18 - Aired 5/5/2026

With the Camp Pendleton office in danger of being shut down, the team confronts an uncertain future.