Season 1, Episode 2 — “Hung Out to Dry” (September 30, 2003). An early case, a grieving family, and a small act that told us everything about Gibbs.
The moment fans remember
Early in the series, Gibbs helps Billy Fuentes, a young boy who just lost his Marine father. He quietly finishes the boy’s treehouse—no speech, no drama—then stands with him at the funeral, encouraging him to be strong. It’s simple, human, and it defined Gibbs for a lot of viewers. ncis.fandom.com+1
Why it mattered:
- Action over words. Gibbs shows care by doing something real for the kid.
- Steady presence. He doesn’t try to fix grief; he stands beside it.
- Leadership we trusted. From the start, Harmon made Gibbs feel safe—even when the show was brand new.
The case in the background
The team investigates the death of Sgt. Larry Fuentes during a training jump, working through whether it was an accident or something more. It’s an early showcase for the cast dynamics—Gibbs, DiNozzo, Kate, Ducky—and the tight, procedural pacing NCIS became known for. en.wikipedia.org
Why this episode still hits
- It’s small-scale and personal. A treehouse, a folded flag, a hand on a shoulder.
- It sets the tone for 18 seasons with Harmon. The scene shows Gibbs’ blueprint: quiet, unshakable, fiercely loyal—on the job and with people who need him.
- It’s the first time many fans thought, “This is who he is.”
Quick facts
- Episode: S1E2 “Hung Out to Dry.”
- Air date: September 30, 2003.
- The boy: Billy Fuentes (Austin Marques).
- Treehouse moment: Shown on-screen; dialogue includes a playful “password” exchange between Gibbs and Billy.
Fan question
What other early Gibbs scenes told you who he was? Drop your favorite moments in the comments—we’ll add a few to this post and credit your page name.