NCIS: Origins Outperforms Yellowstone Spinoff in Native American Storytelling

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The NCIS series is performing better than CBS’s Yellowstone spin-off, Marshals, thanks to the compelling and emotional Native American story told in NCIS: Origins. Both Marshals and NCIS: Origins are spin-offs from popular TV shows and feature characters with Indigenous backgrounds. Season 2 of the NCIS prequel focuses on Dr. Témet Téngalkat (played by Julian Black Antelope), nicknamed “Tango,” and his role within the team.

NCIS: Origins is a new series connected to the original NCIS, which previously starred Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Although Harmon left NCIS in its nineteenth season, he remains involved in NCIS: Origins as an executive producer and narrator, and his character ties the two shows together. The new series features Austin Stowell playing a younger version of Gibbs and introduces new characters who were part of his early career.

Dr. Téngalkat Gets The Spotlight In NCIS: Origins Season 2, “Homeward Bound”

I’m really enjoying NCIS: Origins! Each week, the show centers around Dr. Téngalkat, who’s a medical examiner and works with the team at Camp Pendleton. In the episode “Homeward Bound,” things get interesting when Mary Jo finds out Tango’s been arrested, and that sends Franks and Gibbs rushing over to the Mesa Detention Center to figure things out.

NPS Ranger Joseph Sanders clarified a previous report about Dr. Téngalkat’s arrest. Contrary to Mary Jo’s claim that he was arrested for driving under the influence, Ranger Sanders told Franks and Gibbs that he arrested Dr. Téngalkat near Mission National Park for stealing a corpse, putting it in his car, and then trying to drive away.

A man resembling a younger version of someone familiar appears, causing confusion just as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard arrives with a search warrant for a body. Ducky explains that Tango requested his help, and during a visit, Téngalkat suggests the remains belong to his Payómkawichum tribe, creating a difficult situation.

I’m really worried about one of our tribal members. Téngalkat wants to make sure he gets a respectful burial and that his remains don’t end up being sold off – it’s just wrong. But the rules around NAGPRA mean we need solid proof before we can do anything, and it’s proving difficult. To make things even harder, the NIS is investigating a murder that was discovered near where we are, and they need to be sure Téngalkat wasn’t involved. It’s a tough situation, trying to honor our traditions while also dealing with this investigation.

How NCIS: Origins Season 2 Outperforms Yellowstone‘s Marshals

I’m really excited about NCIS: Origins because it’s so different from shows like Yellowstone. Instead of focusing on a ranch, this prequel dives into the story of a real Native American group – the Payómkawichum tribe, who’ve lived in southern California for over 10,000 years! Knowing that the cases they investigate are rooted in real history and culture just adds so much heart. Plus, the show tackles important issues like NAGPRA, which deals with cultural sovereignty and policy – it’s not just entertainment, it’s engaging with real-world issues.

The Yellowstone universe is increasingly highlighting Native American narratives, particularly in Marshals. However, NCIS: Origins takes a step forward by focusing on empowerment rather than just the hardships often shown in Yellowstone. While Yellowstone frequently uses Indigenous characters to drive the development of white characters and portrays Native American life as consistently difficult, NCIS: Origins offers a different approach.

NCIS: Origins tells a stronger story by focusing less on the suffering of others and empowering Dr. Téngalkat to take charge of his own journey. Unlike Yellowstone, which often portrays Kayce and the US Marshals as the saviors of Native American concerns, Tango leads the charge in protecting his ancestors’ remains, showcasing a hero who rises from within the community itself.

The inclusion of Native American stories in the CBS shows NCIS: Origins and Marshals raises important questions about who has the right to tell these stories and how they are presented. While both shows are from the same creator, NCIS: Origins does a particularly good job of focusing on characters and exploring themes of tribal sovereignty and independence.

Many consider Yellowstone to be the best in its genre, but NCIS: Origins is raising the standard for CBS with a similar, focused investigative style seen in Marshals. When the NIS team discovers Native American artifacts linked to the victim and Téngalkat’s tribe, Tango ensures a respectful burial, creating a heartwarming moment for television viewers.

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2026-04-07 18:39