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NCIS Pilot Episode 'Yankee White': A Throwback to the Beginning

NCIS is known for its drama, mystery, and incredible character development. As the series has gotten older, audiences can't help but see how the first episode of the hit TV show from CBS is a truly interesting throwback that has stayed true to its style.

A Look Back At The Pilot

Fans of "NCIS" have loved all its seasons and for many, "Yankee White," a very special, very well-made pilot episode set up a world of great moments! One where a team came together to protect the US president in 2003!

It also served as the origin point for Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the iconic lead character. However, Gibbs' famous rules didn't come into play in "Yankee White," which was released in season 1, episode 1.

A bit interesting because it also featured, for anyone that wasn't familiar with the history, the first appearance of Kate Todd (played by Sasha Alexander)! She later becomes a regular part of the team, joining the Major Case Response Team (MCRT). But for now, NCIS really set the stage to have a compelling adventure for a show that lasted so many years! There's a lot to cover so this episode really deserves to be given a chance to show its significance and how it created such a well-loved series.

A New Perspective

What stands out most is how culture changed, particularly around 2003 when this episode came out, to what audiences experience today, and this means some aspects might need a new point of view to appreciate how these elements could have evolved to something that doesn't match modern day trends and behaviors!

10 Things To Remember:

  • You might even notice how well Kate and Gibbs' characters play together, but this is a good example of how chemistry, doesn't always result in something romantic. Even though some fans really felt these two could have been a great pair, instead we were treated with some light flirtation. A love story, though, that came to a bad ending.
  • The first appearance of the two brought this fantastic, entertaining episode to life! With an idea to keep these two stars as a long term couple, it turned out that it never came to fruition! It was one of the ways that NCIS decided to take its audience on an exciting new twist and make the series full of action, emotion, and plenty of entertaining storylines! In some instances, this gave viewers an interesting, unique, and heartbreaking part to the whole series!.
  • One of the elements from "Yankee White" is that there is a possible assumption made that an attack on "Air Force One was a plot that the "Al-Qaeda" organization was behind. However, NCIS actually makes a change with a different direction. The assumptions that came with "Air Force One," were often very common during those days and, while the movie, it made the news cycle even more fascinating with what people believed might happen!
  • Even in its earliest days, the show "NCIS" showed that this agency has some of the greatest missions!
  • One element, you might never notice, is that NCIS is always running on a tight budget! They're a team that is always pushed and is often shown in their more casual moments! We can't help but imagine them in a plane to go from site to site to continue investigating and solving these big cases!
  • You may find a major element. Kate Todd was actually "Gibbs' equal.
  • Even as her journey in "NCIS", came to a very dramatic and sad end for those of us who were really enjoying her presence and she gave audiences the gift of seeing those compelling, strong-willed and independent qualities!.
  • There is an instance in the show that made the entire pilot episode a super cool throwback.
  • What you might not know is that there is a great, entertaining story called "Air Force One" (and if you are wondering, the movie is from 1997).
  • One of the very big, important parts about Gibbs' rules is a code of ethics, however. In "Yankee White" you don't get that. The series will then go on to create the most impressive set of rules for those that know "NCIS". It seems the show always gave its viewers more!

    You will have to get back in touch with these iconic episodes! If you are going through NCIS and you are ready for the greatest stories in a procedural crime series then this may be your best bet!

    With new characters like Ducky, Abby, and, of course, Tony. You might wonder how a show, which came from a super popular legal drama called JAG was going to be, or if this series could survive on its own merit! The pilot might bring audiences into a journey full of entertainment that's one for the ages, but more so this was just a begining.

    For many that have seen these episodes. It was great to get this amazing insight about NCIS because they bring about so much joy and have become some of the best procedural television dramas out there. They are even still putting out new seasons!

    But while there are plenty of characters to enjoy! If you haven't seen it, watch "NCIS". This iconic crime procedural drama!

    It has many new storylines, giving audiences lots to see. And the episodes are super easy to get as well, on Paramount+. You get a full experience with a show that looks to be full of intrigue. If you ever get the chance be sure to look at "Yankee White." For now, go back, or dive in to experience how an epic TV show from CBS has so much to offer.

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