Why Diane from NCIS: Origins Matters More Than You Think – Unpacking Gibbs’ Complex Relationships

Diane isn’t just Gibbs’ ex-wife — she’s the emotional linchpin of his darkest moments. Discover how her tragic arc in NCIS: Origins reshapes his bond with Tobias Fornell, foreshadows his lifelong guilt, and sets up her shocking murder. Think you know Diane’s story? We debunk myths, unpack her toxic marriages, and reveal why her return in Season 2 could redefine Gibbs forever.

The Woman Who Changed Gibbs Forever
In NCIS: Origins Season 1, Episode 18 ("Cecilia"), a name drop sent fans reeling: Diane . Played by Kathleen Kenny in the prequel, she’s introduced as the real estate agent who crosses paths with a grieving young Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Austin Stowell). But Diane isn’t just another romantic interest—she’s Gibbs’ second wife. Her story is very sad, and it affects the whole story of NCIS for many years. Let’s look at why Diane’s story is more important than you think.

Diane’s Introduction in NCIS: Origins: A Fresh Start or a Fatal Mistake?

At first glance, Diane’s meeting with Gibbs seems serendipitous. Still reeling from the murder of his first wife, Shannon, and daughter Kelly, Gibbs is packing up their home in 1991 when Diane enters his life. Austin Stowell, who portrays the young Gibbs, reveals Diane’s unique ability to disarm him:

“She says something about his eyes, and he takes the compliment. There’s no scowl. He’s caught off guard.”

This moment marks Gibbs’ tentative step toward healing—and foreshadows a relationship defined by vulnerability and missteps. Yet fans of the original NCIS know Diane’s fate is anything but simple.

Her Complex History with Gibbs: From Love to Loss

Diane’s role in Gibbs’ life has always been controversial. In the main TV show, the actress Melinda McGraw plays Diane in scenes from the past. Diane is shown as a very smart woman who is trapped in a toxic cycle of love and betrayal with Gibbs. Their marriage, hinted at in Origins , ended in a bitter divorce that left Gibbs financially strained and emotionally scarred.

Key Facts:

• Diane and Gibbs’ marriage occurred between 1991–1992 (post-Shannon, pre-Ncis team).
• The divorce was contentious: Diane retained Gibbs’ grandfather’s watch, a recurring symbolic object in the series.
• Despite the split, Gibbs’ guilt over failing to protect her lingers for decades.

Diane and Tobias Fornell: A Troubled Bond

One of NCIS ’ most enduring bromances—Gibbs and Tobias Fornell (Lucas Dixon in Origins )—is tested by Diane. After her divorce from Gibbs, Diane marries Tobias, a decision Gibbs vehemently opposes. Tobias ignores Gibbs’ warnings, marries Diane, and fathers Emily, their daughter.

Why This Matters:

• Diane and Tobias's relationship shows us that  Gibbs’ has a hard time to move on from past failures.
• Her tragic murder in NCIS Season 12 by Russian terrorist Sergei Mishnev (a consequence of Gibbs’ oversight) becomes a defining guilt trip for Gibbs.
• In Season 16’s “Daughters,” Diane’s ghost confronts Gibbs in a haunting vision, chastising him for failing to solve Emily’s opioid-related death.

Diane’s Timeline Explained

A common misconception in early coverage: Diane is not Tobias’ “second wife.” In NCIS canon:

1. Diane marries Gibbs first.
2. After their divorce, she married Tobias—making her his first wife.
3. Tobias and Diane’s marriage ended, but they stayed friends with Gibbs.

This small detail shows that Gibbs always had a hard time choosing between being loyal to someone and being in love.

What’s Next for Diane in NCIS: Origins?

While Origins Season 1 ends with Diane’s introduction, Season 2 promises to explore:

• Gibbs and Diane's Marriage: Will the "Origins" story explain their difficult relationship and make us understand it better?
• Diane’s influence on Gibbs’ leadership style: Her wit and resilience may shape his approach to junior agents like Jessica Knight.
• Foreshadowing her death: Subtle hints about Mishnev or Diane’s fraught relationship with the Russian underworld.

Why Diane’s Story Impacts the Entire NCIS Universe

Diane’s legacy is a throughline for Gibbs’ character:

• Her murder in Season 12 drives Gibbs’ obsession with redemption.
• Her daughter Emily’s death haunts him, symbolizing his failure to protect those he loves.
• Her bond with Tobias creates an unbreakable alliance between two flawed men.

In short: Without Diane, there is no modern Gibbs.

A Character Built to Break Hearts

Diane isn’t just a plot device—she’s a mirror reflecting Gibbs’ deepest regrets and flaws. Her story in NCIS: Origins isn't just about what happened before; it warns us about how love can both fix and break you. As the show explores her relationship with Gibbs more, get ready for some intense emotions that will change how we see this famous character.

What do you think Diane’s return means for Gibbs’ future? Share your theories in the comments!