NCIS: Origins fans, brace yourselves! The fate of Special Agent Lala Dominguez hangs in the balance, and the upcoming season promises to deliver answers, drama, and perhaps a few surprises. The first season concluded with a cliffhanger that left viewers gasping: a fiery car crash seemingly claimed Lala's life. But is this the end for the beloved agent? Let's dive in.
Lala, played by the talented Mariel Molino, was on her way to share good news with Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) – that Lara Macy (Claire Berger) had agreed to drop the investigation into Pedro Hernandez's murder, clearing Gibbs' name. But the crash left her fate uncertain.
Thankfully, Austin Stowell himself has offered a glimmer of hope. In an interview with TVLine, he confirmed that Lala will return in some capacity. He mentioned that she's been through a terrible accident, and that she will need to take baby steps to return to work. This seems to suggest that Lala is, in fact, alive and well, or at least, alive. Mariel Molino has also shared photos from the set, further fueling speculation about her return.
But here's where it gets controversial... Stowell's comments were somewhat hypothetical, but he emphasized that losing Mariel as Lala would be a tragedy and a disservice to the show. He believes that Lala and Gibbs' story is not finished and needs to be explored further.
Meanwhile, co-showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal have hinted at how Gibbs' character will evolve and take on a stronger leadership role. They explained that season one showed Gibbs' instincts about a case. This will be the first step towards becoming the Gibbs we know and love from the original NCIS series, which premiered in 2003.
Playing a younger version of Mark Harmon's iconic character is no easy feat. Stowell admitted to Deadline that it's nerve-wracking, especially given the pressure of stepping into such a well-established role. He mentioned that he thrives under pressure and enjoys the challenge, but he also acknowledges that he may never fully feel comfortable, as Mark Harmon's Gibbs will always be the original.
And this is the part most people miss... The show is not just about the cases, but also about the characters and their relationships. The dynamic between Gibbs and Lala is crucial, and the writers seem determined to explore it further.
What do you think about Lala's fate? Do you believe she'll make a full recovery and return to NCIS? Do you agree that her story with Gibbs needs more exploration? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
