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NCIS: Origins Finale: Is Lala Really Dead? Showrunners Spill!

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Warning: Contains SPOILERS for the season 1 finale of NCIS: Origins.

In the heart-wrenching finale of NCIS: Origins season 1, Gibbs and I were so tantalizingly close to achieving everything we dreamed of. Admittedly, we had braced ourselves for a sorrowful ending, yet nothing quite prepared us for this premature turn of events. Even amidst the gloomy backdrop of Gibbs’ narrative, there was always a glimmer of optimism that, perhaps, things would work out for the best. However, there was absolutely no solace to be found in that final shot of Lala lying gravely injured within an overturned vehicle, with Gibbs pouring his heart out through Mark Harmon’s poignant narration.

What does this imply for NCIS: Origins season 2, now officially renewed by CBS? Despite uncertainties surrounding Lala’s fate, creators and showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal have confirmed that Mariel Molino’s character will significantly influence Gibbs’ life moving forward. They are keeping quiet about her future, but as Lala hasn’t been declared dead yet, there’s a chance she may survive the accident when the series picks up again.

In this interview with David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal, they discuss the shocking ending of NCIS: Origins season 2, including Lala and Gibbs’ near-kiss, delving into Frank’s bond with his brother, and (unfortunately, we didn’t get to talk about Diane’s entrance, but many viewers were certainly surprised by it!).

Fans Will Have To Wait Until NCIS: Origins Season 2 To Find Out Lala’s Fate

“We told them that this was going to be a show that we were going to take chances.”

ScreenRant: Let’s start with the obvious question. Is Lala really dead?

Gina Lucita Monreal: We need you to come back for season 2 and find out.

David J. North: I’ve been waiting on Gina to tell me.

Gina Lucita Monreal: I won’t share with David what happens next. So, let’s come back for season 2 and discover Lala’s destiny instead!

So she may be alive. It’s not a definitive death?

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve always been open about my views on this topic. Entering this venture, we were determined to create something unique – to take bold risks. We were aiming for a show that would appeal both to streaming and broadcast audiences. I’m grateful for Amy Reisenbach, our network head, who has consistently supported this innovative approach.

Mariel and the entire cast were aware that our show would be one where we’d dare to take risks. Gina and I spent a great deal of time contemplating this approach. In our view, it was the truest representation of the characters for season 1, and we preferred to keep things open-ended, returning in season 2 to see how events unfolded.

Could it be possible that since Gibbs mentions at the end of the episode that this is Lala’s story, we might see a greater emphasis on exploring her background in Season 2?

David J. North: It’s clear to me that Lala will persist in being a part of Gibb’s life, based on the events we’ve seen so far. Moreover, Mark Harmon (the older Gibbs) mentioned, “I loved her. I still do.” This suggests that she will continue to be significant, irrespective of what happened to her that night.

Gina Lucita Monreal: Right, because she’s clearly had an effect on him this entire season.

The Writers Debated Over Whether Gibbs And Lala Should Kiss In The Finale

“If he had gone through with the kiss, it sort of would’ve been disingenuous because he had this huge news to tell her.”

Did you ever imagine that their relationship might transition from friendship to something more, given that he claims he has always had feelings for Lala?

Gina Lucita Monreal: Their relationship has developed gradually over time, as we had intended from their initial encounter in the burned-down house, as depicted in the script. It’s like she is the tempest they long for yet are afraid of.

As a film aficionado, I find myself reflecting on a character named Gibbs, whose life took an unexpected turn when a whirlwind, let’s call her ‘She’, swept into it. At first, they were tentative around each other, unsure of how to navigate their relationship or even make sense of one another. Over time, however, they cautiously built trust, a monumental leap for both of them.

I trust that you’ve witnessed the growth of their relationship unfold throughout the series, leading right up to the pivotal pool scene. It’s my hope that the emotional exchange in that moment seemed genuinely earned, as it was a culmination of our dedicated efforts.

In the swimming pool scene, did you envision them exchanging a real kiss, or was it intended to be just a near-kiss, before Gibbs tells her about giving up the weapon?

Gina Lucita Monreal: In our writers’ room discussions, we talked extensively about that particular scene. There was a lot of discussion on whether it should involve a kiss or not. Ultimately, we opted for a close call instead. Both characters were eager to take things further, but Gibbs felt compelled to reveal the truth about his recent actions with Macy first.

If he had indeed kissed her, it might have seemed insincere as he had significant news to share with her. This action aligns with Gibbs’ character, who tends to restrain himself in such situations. Therefore, he chooses to be reserved.

I love that it was an almost. It actually made the ending feel even more tragic.

David J. North: Indeed, I concur wholeheartedly. Upon reading Gina’s words, I must admit there was some doubt initially until I saw the script. However, now I completely agree. Many might exclaim, “If only they had made it just a bit closer!” But it was authentic, it was accurate, and it adds immense power to the finale for me. So, thank you for your sentiment.

To recap, let’s discuss where we left off in season 2. Will we immediately follow the events post-accident or will there be a time skip involved?

David J. North: We’re continuing to talk about it, but if things don’t change soon, it could cause a big impact on the team. Therefore, we won’t wait long to decide what will happen with Lala.

NCIS: Origins Season 2 Will Explore Franks’ Relationship With His Brother

“We see that there is some sort of wall that has been put up between them over what happened in Vietnam.”

After my last talk with Lala, in which she was accused of betraying Gibbs, I can’t help but wonder how I might feel if she had indeed risked herself to save me. This accusation certainly casts a shadow over our previous interactions.

Gina Lucita Monreal: Just as David mentioned, I believe this incident, regardless of Lala’s final outcome, will reverberate strongly throughout the team, even affecting Frank. This situation strikes a chord with many, demonstrating how a single significant event can dramatically alter circumstances in the blink of an eye.

Reflecting on your recent words or actions leading up to a particular event, you might dwell on them, causing introspection. This rumination can impact how you proceed in the future, and it’s likely that this pattern will hold true for each character in our story.

David J. North: To Frank, she is incredibly important. When she challenges him or responds critically to his opinions, he would choose her to be in a foxhole with anyone on Earth. In essence, she means the world to him. At times, he expresses this affection in ways that are unique to him, like Frank.

In the upcoming season 2, we can expect Randy’s narrative to revolve around him being fully informed about all matters, yet expressing a desire for increased deskwork. This implies that he might find himself taking on more office duties or tasks requiring extensive deskwork in the new season.

Gina Lucita Monreal: We adore Randy. He’s an essential piece of our team, the vibe he brings, simply who he is, and who Caleb embodies as a person and an actor. In season 2, we won’t run out of Randy, but we’re eager to delve into a different type of narrative for him, one where he grapples with his role in the profession. However, rest assured that Randy will be a constant presence in all episodes of season 2.

David J. North: Gina and I are persistently refining and critically analyzing the stories we plan to share. However, one comment that has never been made is, “Perhaps there was too much Randy in that episode.” We truly love him, and as Gina mentioned, he’ll continue to have a significant role.

And then, of course, Franks gets that call at the end of the episode from his brother…

Gina Lucita Monreal: Initially, we witnessed the development of their bond between the sibling duo in those flashback scenes. They appeared very close. Some viewers might have assumed Mason perished in Vietnam based on Frank’s emotional responses to discussing his brother later on, but it is revealed towards the end that Mason isn’t dead; instead, he’s alive and thriving.

It has always been clear to Frank that Mason desires reconnection, but there seems to be an emotional barrier between them due to events in Vietnam. Our story will delve into this past event in Vietnam and its current impact, offering a glimpse into both the past and present relationship between these brothers. We’re excited to examine their dynamic as it unfolds today.

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About NCIS: Origins Season 1

Created By Gina Lucita Monreal And David J. North

As a cinephile looking back, I embark on my own voyage in the ’90s, stepping into the boots of a young Gibbs as he takes on the role of a Naval Investigative Service agent. The stage is Camp Pendleton, where the origins of NCIS unfold. This gripping tale delves into the defining moments of my youth, the cases that molded me, and the influential figures, such as Mike Franks, who guided my way.

Check out our previous interview with Monreal and North, as well.

NCIS: Origins season 1 is currently available to stream on Paramount+.

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2025-04-29 06:31

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