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This season, NCIS will do something it has rarely done: Tell us a little something about Leroy Jethro's background.

TVGuide.com has learned exclusively that in the Oct. 14 episode, when a pair of Marines are ambushed, the NCIS team's investigation leads them to no less than Gibbs' hometown. There, viewers will meet Gibbs' father — played by guest-star Ralph Waite — as well as learn secrets about the enigmatic special agent.

"Taking Gibbs back to his roots was something we've talked about doing for some time," executive producer Shane Brennan tells us. "It was an easy creative decision to make, but a challenging story to tell."

The writers of the hit CBS drama, of course, met the challenge, and are excited to serve up a precious glimpse into their lead character's origins. "The episode is a little piece of magic, with revelations about how Gibbs grew into the man we all admire and respect," says Brennan. "It is a funny, revealing and emotionally powerful story that I think fans of the show will talk about for the rest of the season. Prepare to get choked up."