Gibbs' Prequel Shines as Finest Present NCIS Present

NCIS: Origins season 2 returns with a solution to its large Lala Dominguez cliffhanger, and it’s the explanation why the prequel is one of the best NCIS present proper now. As a part of CBS’ 2025-2026 TV schedule, Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ prequel continues to sort out the character’s earliest years within the NIS. Earlier than Mark Harmon’s character turned the legendary lead of MCRT in Navy Yard, he was as soon as a probie underneath Mike Franks’ group.

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Whereas spinoffs are usually not new to the NCIS franchise,the prequel broke floor by being the very first interval present within the univere. It additionally marks Harmon’ return to the sequence after Gibbs retired in NCIS season 19 after a long time of main the primary group. NCIS: Origins was initially billed as a Gibbs-centric present, however finally, it turned clear that each one members of Franks’ group have their very own tales to inform, together with Lala.

By the end of NCIS: Origins season 1, Lala and Gibbs’ brewing romance appeared prefer it wad lastly come to fruiton. However a deadly automotive crash not solely threatened their future however Lala’s life. After a protracted summer time break, the season 2 premiere, “The Funky Bunch,” delivers on its promise to disclose what occurred to her.

NCIS: Origins’ Lala Cliffhanger Decision Isn’t Stunning, However It Units Up A Extra Intriguing Future

Mariel Molino as Lala Dominguez in NCIS: Origins

Finally, NCIS: Origins season 2, episode 1 reveals that Lala did survive the car crash. Admittedly, this isn’t a shocking flip, a minimum of for me. For starters, Harmon’s Gibbs beforehand mentioned that the the sequence is definitely about “her,” so it didn’t actually make sense to jot down her out simply after 1 season. Past that, Molino has been again on the set for the present’s manufacturing, which was essentially the most concrete proof that Lala is alive.

Whereas not essentially the most thrilling plot twist decision, the brilliance of Lala’s surivival from the automotive crash bolls all the way down to what it means for Gibbs and NCIS: Origins’ future. “The Funky Bunch” waits till the weekly case has been established to substantiate that Lala is certainly alive. She simply hasn’t returned to work as a result of she was in rehabilitation. Throughout this time, Gibbs discovered himself beginning a relationship with Diane, whom he finally marries, per the flagship.

This creates a model new dynamic with what occurs to Gibbs and Lala, particularly since Diane finally marries him. Now, it’s now not whether or not they can act on their clearly mutual emotions. Gibbs’ new relationship implies that to be with Lala may break the NCIS canon. It could be fascinating to see if CBS finds a loophole to repay their romance or if they may disregard continuity to prioritize its personal narrative.

Both method, it’s an intriguing conundrum that may probably hold followers invested on NCIS: Origins. By some means, the prequel is ready to put a brand new twist into the franchise’s tried and examined will-they/received’t-they trope.

NCIS: Origins Season 2 Premiere Positions It As The Franchise’s Finest Ongoing Installment

Austin Stowell, Kyle Schmid, Mariel Molino, Caleb Foote gathered in NCIS: Origins season 1, episode 3

It’s no secret that launching NCIS: Origins wasn’t a universally-beloved resolution from CBS. There have been issues in regards to the lack of robust storylines, contemplating that Gibbs’ previous was significantly tackled throughout his time within the flagship. Nonetheless, it has confirmed that it has tales to inform. Now, after NCIS: Origins season 2, it’s poised to be essentially the most compelling ongoing present within the franchise.

Except for Lala and Gibbs’ storyline, there are different narratives that’s arrange for the remainder of the season. Franks’ relationship with Tish and his long-lost brother, Mason, in addition to Bernard Randolf’s ongoing develop as an agent are all gripping private arcs. Combine them with constantly inventive weekly instances, and NCIS: Origins seems like old-school NCIS.

By the tip of “The Funky Bunch,” the four-man group is again intact. Add to that the remainder of the ensemble, and NCIS: Origins has essentially the most fascinating mixture of characters, a minimum of primarily based on what has been revealed about them. And if the season 2 premiere is any indication, it’s protected to say that CBS has a stable plan to take advantage of out of the prequel’s potential.

Launch Date: October 14, 2024
Administrators: Niels Arden Oplev, John Terlesky, Diana Valentine, Edward Ornelas, Hanelle M. Culpepper, Lionel Coleman, Loren Yaconelli, Pete Chatmon, Pamela Romanowsky, Ruben Garcia, Jessica Lowrey
Writers: Brendan Fehily