There are many key ingredients to a successful show, one of which is having lovable characters. Fortunately, Mike Franks in “NCIS: Origins” has a lot to work with.
Don’t get me wrong, as I am the unofficial leader of the “Mary Jo Fan Club,” but McFranks is a different story.
Since NCIS: Origins began, many viewers have found themselves drawn to Kyle Schmid’s NIS leader, and we can’t entirely blame them.
The character has been a staple of the franchise’s flagship series, NCIS, since its inception. Therefore, his appearance in the prequel series was highly anticipated and appreciated.
However, no one knew how much talent Schmid would bring to the role, not to mention unexpected sex appeal.
There’s a lot beneath McFrank’s rugged exterior, but you’ve got to get over the chiseled abs first
I’ll be the first to admit that there’s something very attractive about young Mike Franks. While some of this has to do with the actor’s natural good looks, it’s much more than that.
For one thing, regardless of whether Mike is physically present or not, his presence is felt in almost every scene. I’ve said in most of my reviews of NCIS: Origins that Mike is a huge part of the heart of the show.
He cared deeply about the people in his life, both personal and professional relationships. Still, for Mike, his home and work life overlap significantly.
How else could we possibly have seen the scene where Diana Rodriguez (The Blacklist) Vera wakes Mike from a hungover stupor while Mike is wearing only leggings? After that, Mike’s abs did a lot of the heavy lifting.
His chiseled upper body, combined with his devotion to Tish, was marriage material if I ever saw one.
Everyone loves a well-developed character, and Mike might be the most complex character in NCIS: Origins
Honestly, the most attractive thing about Mike Franks is that he always seems willing to put other people’s problems before his own – even if it puts him in an uncomfortable position.
His words may not have been the best, and poor agent Lara Dominguez has experienced that on more than one occasion. But in the end, he always got along with the people he cared about.
Even though Austin Stowell’s Gibbs is the protagonist and the source of major plot points, there are many moments where it really feels like this is “The Mike Franks Show.”
Then again, at this point, it’s safe to say that he’s the most well-developed and complex character in the series to date.
Mike Franks isn’t just for the ladies either, as Mike is a man’s man through and through, complete with cowboy vibes and boots.
Mike’s completely imperfect character makes him the most relatable character in NCIS: Origins to date
Now, I’ve never found a “crumb collector” to be particularly enticing, but damn if that person doesn’t know how to shake one. They haven’t shown it yet, but I bet Mike gently brushes his beard every night before going to bed.
With his grizzled demeanor as subtle as a shotgun, the character could easily annoy any viewer, but it works.
This is largely thanks to the nearly three decades Kyle Schmid has spent in the entertainment industry. Schmid has appeared on television in “The Accused,” “Six” and “The Rookie.”
However, none of his roles have allowed him to undergo the transformation that Mike Franks did. So, what exactly does Kyle Schmid do to make Mike Franks so sexy?
First, there are too many variables to be just one thing. Kyle’s good looks and talent, combined with McFranks’ long history, are exactly how you create a fan-favorite character.
He is perfectly imperfect in the best ways. Ultimately, despite being a grumpy cop, Mike Franks is by far the most relatable character in CSI: Origins.
He sees the flaws in others but easily overlooks them because he is fully aware of his own.
Suffice it to say, CBS’ NCIS: Origins made a splash when it cast Kyle Schmid to play Mike Franks.
What was your favorite part about getting to know young Mike Franks?
What parts of the character’s history would you like to see in NCIS: Origins?
Leave a comment below to let me know what you think, and please join me again as I bring you more interesting questions and opinions about NCIS: Origins!
Watch NCIS: Origins online
