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NCIS: Origins Season 1 Finale Review: The Emotional Ending Fans Waited For

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Origins” Season 1, Episode 18, titled “Cecilia,” is a heartfelt punch that fans have been anticipating. Given that the CBS spinoff is renowned for its emotional intensity and character development, it would be unusual if the season concluded without a deeply personal episode. This hour indeed delivers on that promise, serving as a testament to how much the characters and actors have grown since the series began.

Title character “Cecilia” focuses on young Gibbs being under scrutiny for the murder of Pedro Hernandez. However, the narrative primarily revolves around Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez and her predicament due to the reopened investigation. When Lara Macy, an old friend of Lala’s, suspects only Gibbs, Lala is compelled to take significant actions. Despite not being the most emotionally intense episode of the season, it serves as a sort of relief valve, as events leading up to this climax have been building throughout the series.

NCIS: Origins Delivers a Wonderfully Structured Season Finale

Season 1, Episode 18 Drops Almost All the Pieces Into Place

A key aspect that might get overlooked amidst all the feelings is the superbly crafted season finale of NCIS: Origins. Crafting a fantastic finale—one that’s impactful, ties up loose ends, and sets up future possibilities—is quite challenging. However, co-showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal has managed to structure “Cecilia” almost flawlessly, with minimal flaws in the plot. The only criticism is that viewers are aware Gibbs can’t be arrested for Pedro Hernandez’s murder due to the continuity of the series. And given that fans are already familiar with Lara Macy’s actions from NCIS, there are certain facts we already know going into the story.

Monreal primarily eliminates the sense of contrived danger by centering the climax around the emotional consequences instead. Instead of focusing on the extent of Gibbs’ troubles with Macy, the audience primarily witnesses the emotional repercussions in his relationships with Lala, Frank, and even his deceased family. The moment Gibbs angrily reacts to Macy defending the memory of Shannon and Kelly demonstrates how deeply he still cherishes them. Moreover, Gibbs’ dynamic with Lala reaches a critical juncture, while various characters are faced with making decisions about their future paths that seem genuine rather than forced by the finale’s requirements.

In this episode of NCIS: Origins, Cecilia demonstrates the extensive care taken by the series to adhere to the established lore of NCIS throughout the season. Lara Macy, another cherished character from the original NCIS, is skillfully utilized, and numerous nods are made to events spanning the previous 17 episodes as well as future occurrences. Macy’s crucial evidence against Gibbs subtly references an earlier incident, yet she provides fresh insights that were absent in the initial episode. A quick recap of significant moments from the season might appear overly sentimental on other shows, but here it serves as a poignant reminder of the considerable amount of action packed into a brief timeframe. This episode ties up loose ends and completes the picture, an accomplishment that is not easily achieved.

How NCIS: Origins Episode 18 Puts Gibbs and Lala’s Relationship Into Focus

Austin Stowell and Mariel Molino Continue to Shine

Viewers can’t help but talk about the significant moment between Gibbs and Lala in NCIS: Origins Season 1, Episode 18, where they almost kissed while in a swimming pool at Lala’s neighbors’. The fact that they didn’t actually kiss adds more weight to the scene compared to if they had crossed that line. Often, TV shows artificially create a “will they, won’t they” romantic tension for audience engagement, but this moment isn’t about romance – it’s about the deep emotional bond between the characters. A kiss between Gibbs and Lala would have shifted focus to their relationship dynamics, potentially overshadowing Gibbs’ later confession about giving his rifle to Macy and effectively sacrificing himself for her and his team.

This episode showcases how deeply connected Gibbs and Lala have grown, and underscores Cecilia’s significance to both Gibbs and the team. Interestingly, in the very episode where doubts about her loyalty surface, viewers find themselves admiring Lala more than ever. The script veers away from tired stereotypes often associated with female agents, instead focusing on Lala as an individual, battling for her desires alongside others. Even Macy considers using Lala as a go-between. Lala was instrumental in supporting Gibbs when he pulled the trigger and shot Pedro. She’s been Frank’s trusted confidante. When Gibbs hands over that rifle, it’s a clear demonstration of his support for her. At the same time, one can empathize with her anger, as this decision was made without consulting her.

It’s crucial to have someone who consistently stands by your side, and in Episode 18, it’s evident that Lala serves as that person for the team. Whether it’s attempting to rescue Gibbs or preventing Randy from learning about the murder due to his family, Lala’s role is indispensable. With Season 2 of NCIS: Origins approaching, fans are left wondering if Lala will depart, but her impact will be significant in some capacity next season. As the older Gibbs comments over a shot of Lala’s damaged car, it seems he is about to share her compelling story. Through her actions in the NCIS universe, she has left an indelible mark, and this is another reason why this episode resonates so strongly.

NCIS: Origins Season 1, Episode 18 Highlights the Show’s Growth

This Is Now So Much More Than a Prequel

Initially, NCIS: Origins faced an issue where characters other than Gibbs and Franks seemed underdeveloped. It was challenging to connect with any of them personally, since their individual stories weren’t fully explored. However, after the episode “Blue Bayou,” the season finale of NCIS: Origins demonstrates the progress made by everyone involved, showcasing how well-rounded and engaging the characters have become now. The actors deliver commendable performances, even in smaller roles; for instance, Tyla Abercrumbie only appears in one key scene as Mary Jo Hayes, yet her performance makes Mary Jo a character to remember. Additionally, it’s enjoyable to see Toby Huss, known from King of the Hill, reappear as Regional Director Ron Barrett.

Cecilia” serves as a benchmark for observing each character’s development ever since their initial encounter. Frank is mired in a troubled state following Tish’s departure, and it appears his situation may worsen with his distant brother reaching out (a development foreshadowed earlier in the episode, adding context that not all fourth-act reveals possess). Randy contemplates switching to a desk job post-fatherhood and after experiencing life-threatening situations. When Lala discloses her secrets to Macy, it seems less like an attempt to negotiate with Macy and more like a reflection of how she views herself. All characters have undergone transformation – not all of it positive. However, they now seem authentic and vibrant. NCIS: Origins, despite a sluggish beginning, has proven itself as one of the top-tier crime dramas on television with its gripping finale.

You can now stream the entire first season of NCIS: Origins online. The show has been given a green light for another season, Season 2.

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2025-04-29 17:06

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