Tish and Franks’ relationship in NCIS: Origins still has not received an update following their breakup in episode 13, and frankly, I am disappointed. Their NCIS: Origins love story has proven to be the most compelling subplot of the NCIS spinoff, with episode 13, “Monsoon,” highlighting the backstory behind their relationship. Given that Tish and Franks are the only confirmed NCIS: Origins couple so far, it was surprising the show did not give an update on them in episode 14.
Each NCIS: Origins character has a unique and compelling backstory filled with personal struggles. However, Franks has remained one of the best NCIS: Origins characters even with the addition of everyone else’s story. His story with Tish only adds to his appeal. The impact that Franks and Tish have had on the show only adds to the confusion as to why NCIS: Origins episode 14 did not address their fallout in episode 13.
NCIS: Origins Episode 14 Totally Skipped Tackling Tish & Franks’ Break-Up
NCIS: Origins Never Directly Addresses Tish & Franks’ Breakup
In NCIS: Origins episode 14, “To Have And To Hold,” Tish and Franks’ relationship fallout is hinted at but never fully addressed. The first moment that hints at Franks’ awkward status with Tish is when Tish is brought up in a conversation between Franks and Wheeler and Franks’ response to Wheeler asking him to ask Tish something is suspicious at best. However, the major moment occurs later in the episode when Franks tells Mary Jo that he is staying in a motel. Franks’ temporary address all but confirms that his relationship with Tish is on unstable ground.
Franks’ temporary address all but confirms that his relationship with Tish is on unstable ground.
While “To Have And To Hold” definitely hinted at Tish and Franks’ separation, the actual status of their relationship has not been revealed. Instead, episode 14 danced around the subject rather than give a direct answer. Franks moving out signifies that the couple has separated, but it could also reference a breakup. All that is clear right now is that Tish needs time to think about the future of their relationship. Whether she will be able to forgive Franks is unclear, but I hope that their time apart might bring them together again.
Why NCIS: Origins Still Needs To Revisit Tish & Franks’ Separation
Tish & Franks’ Story Isn’t Finished
NCIS: Origins’ “Monsoon” was so heartfelt and compelling that it would be a misfortune if NCIS: Origins did not build on the story in a future episode. Tish and Franks clearly love each other. Franks looking into Tish’s attack after she asked him not to was also a decision made out of love. Neither side is right, but neither side is wrong either. That is part of what makes their separation so heartbreaking. Both characters had their reasons. Franks wanted to look into the attack to protect Tish, and Tish wanted Franks to honor his words.
Tish and Franks are also NCIS: Origins’ best couple. They have the depth and understanding of a couple that has been together for a long time. In comparison, NCIS: Origins’ other leading couple, Lala and Gibbs, lack the same dynamic that comes so easily to Tish and Franks. Their story can not be over yet simply because their relationship is so good and has brought so much light to NCIS: Origins so far. If the couple were to break up, they should at least break up on-screen, and NCIS: Origins should fully flesh out the story before moving on.
Tish & Franks Have A Grim Future, But NCIS: Origins Can Still Tell Their Love Story
It Is Too Early To End Tish & Franks’ Relationship
According to NCIS canon, Tish and Franks must break up by the time the flagship series starts in the early 2000s. However, there are still at least 10 years before the setting of NCIS: Origins and the premiere of NCIS. As a result, the couple does not have to break up now in NCIS: Origins season 1. Given how much love and respect they have for one another, they could still give themselves a chance and continue their relationship even though they are destined for a break-up.
Tish and Franks’ relationship in NCIS: Origins may end in tragedy, but that does not mean the characters do not deserve to receive a wonderful love story. Their origin story in “Monsoon” was practically an act of fate after Franks ended up meeting Tish entirely by chance. NCIS: Origins could continue this trend of showing more of the couple’s sweet stories. There is still so much time between NCIS: Origins and NCIS that it would be cruel to end their story while it is still so good.
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