The Fall 2024 finale of NCIS: Origins hit fans hard with a heartbreaking twist that no one saw coming. In episode 10, “Blue Bayou,” Gibbs faces yet another devastating loss when his landlord-turned-friend, Ruth (played by London Garcia), passes away from blood cancer. The emotional weight of this moment lands heavily on viewers, with many taking to social media to express how deeply they connected with Ruth despite her limited screen time. One fan noted that they “seriously became attached to Ruth in one episode and now she’s gone,” and it’s easy to see why — Ruth was a no-nonsense, grounded character who brought warmth and wisdom into Gibbs’ life, offering him the support he so desperately needed.
As one of the few people who stood by Gibbs when he was at a low point in his life, Ruth became an integral figure in shaping the man Gibbs would become. NCIS: Origins co-showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal explained that Ruth was pivotal to Gibbs’ early success, guiding him when he was struggling, especially after his involvement in a fight that landed him in jail. Without her tough-love approach, it’s unclear whether Gibbs would have followed the career path that ultimately led him to become the iconic character fans know today.
The episode was more emotional drama than action-packed thriller, showcasing Gibbs’ vulnerable side and offering a deeper exploration into his past that had been less fleshed out in the main NCIS series. Austin Stowell’s portrayal of the younger Gibbs really shone here, capturing both the hardness and fragility of the character.
While the episode beautifully honored Ruth’s impact on Gibbs, her untimely death left many fans feeling like they’d lost someone too. Ruth’s death represents not just a tragic turning point for Gibbs but also a reminder that the people who shape our lives can sometimes come and go too quickly.
And just when fans were recovering from the emotional gut-punch, the series is going on a winter break, with the next episode slated to air on January 27, 2025. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but perhaps a little extra time to process the loss of Ruth before the next chapter unfolds.