by B. L. Babb

Created on: July 22, 2008   Last Updated: August 08, 2008

NCIS is a spin-off from JAG, while both are based on the U.S. Navy's criminal justice system; JAG was a show about the legal side (courtroom) while NCIS is the investigative aspect of military crimes.

Spin-offs occur in television series when characters used in one show headline a show of their own. In this case it began when then LCDR Harmon Rabb was accused of murder and the NCIS team was called in to investigate the circumstances, evidence, and facts of the case. They later were able to prove LCDR Rabb innocent and began their own show in short order.

NCIS stands for Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

NCIS began its series run September 23, 2003 but the "Beginning" actually aired on October 21, 2003 as a JAG episode.

This is not another Crime Scene wannabe show. Instead of focusing on prosecution as JAG did, NCIS is the group of people who investigate crimes committed against and by American Sailors and Marines.

Mark Harmon is perfectly cast as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the Senior Special Agent. His acting career began in 1975 on Emergency! (Season 4 last episode 405-Wild) as an animal control officer and also in Police Woman. Movies include Beyond The Poseidon Adventure, Summer School, and as Jamie Lee Curtis' prospective husband in the Disney movie Freaky Friday.

He plays a no-nonsense investigator who always seems to be one step ahead and knows facts before told by his team members (which drives them crazy). He has a soft side that rarely shows, but through the years has made an appearance.

His off hours from the NCIS office are spent building full size boats in his basement, we never learn how he gets them out.

Michael Weatherly plays Special Agent Tony DiNozzo a lady's man who constantly admires beautiful women he meets in the course of his duties. He also has a soft side, his character fell in love last season and when it broke up, he tried hiding the heartbreak, but it was apparent.

His main lot in life is tormenting the "Probie" and bantering with Agent David (pronounced da-veed).

The forensic side of the team is play by Pauley Perrette as Abby Scuito she is a gothic loving character who loves black outfits and tattoos. Pauley has a Master's Degree in Criminology and is a very powerful character in the series.

Abby has a soft side that is visible frequently. If she believes a team member may be or has been injured, she worries until they return. In addition, one episode had a military K-9 under suspicion of killing his handler; she fought to prove the dog's innocence

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