A peek behind the curtain of NCIS: Origins season 2 may have just spoiled the fate of Lala Dominguez. The first prequel of the NCIS franchise fittingly focuses on the crucial character of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Played by Austin Stowell, with Mark Harmon narrating, NCIS: Origins season 2 returns in October and will have to address a major cliffhanger.
The prequel, which takes place in the early 1990s, concluded its first installment with Special Agent Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez (Mariel Molino) getting into a car accident. Considering that Lala does not appear in the main series, viewers are on alert for any storyline that might write her off early on.
But according to an Instagram story posted by Molino herself, fans shouldn’t be so quick to say goodbye to Lala. The actor shared a photo of herself on the Paramount lot, where the prequel is often filmed, although no caption or details were included. Check out the photo below:
What This Means For NCIS: Origins Season 2
Gibbs’ Early Love Story Likely Continues
Partly to differentiate itself from the main NCIS series, where Gibbs is already so well-known, the prequel’s characters are largely occupied by new faces and names. Except for Mike Franks, who is pivotal to the original series, Gibbs has a mostly new team. Molino’s character is a formidable member of the team, though Lala is also positioned as Gibbs’ potential love interest.
|
Actor |
Who They’re Playing |
|
Austin Stowell |
Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs |
|
Mariel Molino |
Special Agent Lala Dominguez |
|
Kyle Schmid |
Special Agent Mike Franks |
|
Tyla Abercrumbie |
Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Sullivan |
|
Diany Rodriguez |
Special Agent Vera Strickland |
|
Daniel Bellomy |
Special Agent Granville “Granny” Dawson |
|
Caleb Martin Foote |
Special Agent Benjamin “Randy” Randolf |
|
Robert Taylor |
Jackson Gibbs |
|
Patrick Fischler |
NCIS Special Agent in Charge Cliff Walker |
|
Julian Black Antelope |
Chief Medical Examiner Kai Blackrock |
|
Mark Harmon |
Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (as narrator) |
The show has taken its time to develop that dynamic. There’s even a fun episode where Gibbs and Lala have to go undercover, and their chemistry shines. It seems unlikely that co-showrunners Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North would want to pull the plug on that potential too early. Still, on the whole, viewers understand that Lala apparently leaves Gibbs’ life at some point.
NCIS: Origins season 2 debuts on CBS at 9 PM on Tuesday, October 14.
It’s also worth mentioning, though, that Molino could be filming a flashback or a dream sequence. But both seem unlikely. CBS are not shy about mentioning big cast changes in the off-season, as they’ve done with hits like Tracker, Elsbeth, and Fire Country. They haven’t done that, though, with NCIS: Origins.
Our Take On Lala’s NCIS: Origins Future
She’s Not Going Anywhere
Although we won’t know for sure until the prequel returns in a few months, it’s safe to assume that there won’t be any major changes to the core cast for the next season or two. Although the NCIS: Origins season 1 ending is unexpected, it’s likely not the end of the story between Lala and Gibbs.
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Source: Mariel Molino / Instagram
NCIS: Origins
- Release Date
-
October 14, 2024
- Directors
-
Niels Arden Oplev, John Terlesky, Diana Valentine, Edward Ornelas, Hanelle M. Culpepper, Lionel Coleman, Loren Yaconelli, Pete Chatmon, Pamela Romanowsky, Ruben Garcia, Jessica Lowrey
-
Austin Stowell
Leroy Jethro Gibbs
-
Kyle Schmid
Special Agent Mike Franks
NCIS: Origins
- Release Date
-
October 14, 2024
- Directors
-
Niels Arden Oplev, John Terlesky, Diana Valentine, Edward Ornelas, Hanelle M. Culpepper, Lionel Coleman, Loren Yaconelli, Pete Chatmon, Pamela Romanowsky, Ruben Garcia, Jessica Lowrey
-
Austin Stowell
Leroy Jethro Gibbs
-
Kyle Schmid
Special Agent Mike Franks
