NCIS: Origins Takes a Lighthearted Dig at Mark Wahlberg’s ‘Marky Mark’ Days
NCIS: Origins paid tribute to the ’90s by referencing Mark Wahlberg‘s time as “Marky Mark” and his brother Donnie Wahlberg‘s band, New Kids on the Block.
In the episode aired on Tuesday, October 14, Randy’s (Caleb Foote) previous request to spend less time in the field resulted in him being assigned desk duty. This change allowed him to listen to more music and discover new artists.
“I swear to god, this song [‘Good Vibrations’] is a revelation,” Randy shared with Franks (Kyle Schmid), Wheeler (Patrick Fischler), and Gibbs (Austin Stowell). “Even when the world feels wrong, Marky Mark lifts your spirits.”
Franks was puzzled by the name, asking, “His last name is Mark, and his mom named him Marky?” Randy clarified that Mark is considered “the bad boy” of the family since Donnie is part of a boy band.
“Donnie Mark?” Franks inquired, to which Randy clarified, “No, it’s Donnie Wahlberg.”
Randy attempted to explain that “it is a stage name,” but Franks mixed up which brother was not using their real name professionally.
“Who uses Wahlberg as a stage name?” Franks quipped. Meanwhile, Gibbs “tried” to immerse himself in Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch’s tracks, remarking, “Marky Mark doesn’t make me feel good.”
Despite Gibbs’ lackluster reaction, he joined in when Franks, Randy, and Lala (Mariel Molino) sang “Good Vibrations” at the end of the episode. Season 2 returned with more surprises, including the revelation that Lala survived a near-fatal car crash.
Before the return of NCIS: Origins for season 2, creators Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North hinted at changes in the series.
“Our ultimate goal from the start was to create a show that original fans would love and feel satisfied by while also welcoming new viewers from the beginning of NCIS: Origins,” Monreal shared exclusively with Us Weekly in April. “We want viewers to jump in without confusion and connect with our characters and their journeys. We believe we’ve achieved this.”
She continued, “We are committed to maintaining canon [events]. We respect the original show. Both of us have worked on it and have a deep appreciation for it, but we also enjoy exploring our new characters and diving into their emotional stories.”
North, on the other hand, teased what fans can expect from Randy after his standout role in season 1.
“We can’t get enough of Randy. Season 2 will definitely have plenty of him,” North confirmed. “However, he’s grappling with some challenges. Many agents and officers do. Balancing family and a dangerous job is tough for him. But we promise that there will be no shortage of Randy.”
NCIS: Origins airs on CBS Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET.
