AceShowbiz - Season 2 of NCIS: Origins concluded with intense developments, including a dramatic kidnapping and a heartfelt moment between Gibbs and Lala. The May 5 episode centered on the threat of the Camp Pendleton office shutting down, prompting the team to consider various options to secure their futures.

One key subplot involved Lala (played by Mariel Molino) contemplating a move closer to Manny, which caught Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) off guard. The team ultimately proposed that the Naval Investigative Service (NIS) transition into NCIS, highlighting their focus on crime investigations, which helped save their jobs. Despite this, Lala seemed set on leaving, prompting Gibbs to make a romantic gesture inspired by the 1992 film The Bodyguard.

In the episode’s closing scene, Gibbs visited Lala’s home, culminating in their first kiss. Meanwhile, the present-day Gibbs, portrayed by Mark Harmon, subtly suggested that their happiness might be fleeting.

Mariel Molino spoke exclusively to Us Weekly about what fans can expect for the couple’s future. “In the foreseeable future, we can enjoy the ride a little bit and see what happens,” she said, adding with a smile, “Romantically, I would say, however, that I know the writers love a curveball.”

Molino expressed enthusiasm about the evolving relationship between Gibbs and Lala and the impact it will have on both characters. “We don’t really know much about Lala’s history and so we will know more of that in season 3,” she explained. “How will that affect Gibbs and Lala’s relationship? I think that will be interesting to see.”

She further elaborated on the audience’s desire to see the romance develop, even if it remains secretive. “I don’t think you can ever really sleep peacefully but I think we all want to see what happens romantically with Lala and Gibbs. We’ve deserved it. We’ve come this far. So even if it’s a secret romance, let’s flesh it out.”

Fans familiar with Mark Harmon’s original depiction of Gibbs know the character had four wives: Shannon, Diane, Rebecca, and Stephanie. Lala was never mentioned in the original series, but the prequel has sparked hope that she may become part of the established canon.

Molino acknowledged the inevitable tragedy hinted at in the storyline. “We know that there has to be some tragedy in the sense that we know Gibbs never talks about it. Obviously there’s something that happens. There’s also a rule he has to never get involved with a coworker. However – in the near future – I hope they get to explore this at least for a little bit,” she said. “They get to have fun and possibly have a romance in secret.”

One of the main obstacles for the couple, according to Molino, will be their boss, Franks (played by Kyle Schmid). “Franks blows up on Gibbs and says, ‘Your feelings for her are what’s jeopardizing this.’ If Franks catches wind that something is happening between us, I don’t think he’s going to be OK with that,” she added.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Lala’s future, Molino has enjoyed seeing fans’ reactions and theories. “I feel so flattered that people have taken to Lala – especially because at the beginning that was a fear that people thought that maybe she was too tough on Gibbs,” she shared. “I was really scared that they wouldn’t like Lala because Gibbs is America’s dad. To see that actually fans are so supportive of Lala and also want Gibbs and Lala to be endgame is a gift.”

Molino also praised the show’s willingness to deepen Lala’s character beyond her romantic connection to Gibbs. “That kiss was a long time coming. I think our writers really did a really phenomenal job of really exploring the relationship between Gibbs and Lala but also selfishly exploring who Lala is separate from Gibbs as an agent, as a woman, as someone who’s also complex,” she said. “It was just nice to be able to get the opportunity to have all these different facets of her without just being like the love interest for Gibbs.”

The NCIS franchise has generated multiple spinoffs since its debut in 2003, with NCIS: Origins featuring several familiar characters in their earlier years. The original series followed Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, and his investigative team based in Washington, D.C.

Molino reflected on the significance of the season 2 finale for the characters and the fans. “To then end here in season 2 feels so much more deserved and it feels fun for the fans. It’s also very nerve wracking for the both of us because we waited for this for so long. We wanted to get it perfect and can’t help but get nervous. There’s all this pressure.”

Looking ahead, she expressed interest in exploring more of Lala’s backstory, including her early years, her path to becoming a Marine, and her family life. “I think we’re due for that,” she said, addressing rumors about Lala’s fate in the present day. “You and me both want her alive, let me tell you. But honestly, it makes sense that something tragic would have happened. Gibbs we’ve seen as someone who does not talk about his emotions and he bottles everything up and doesn’t deal with trauma very well. So maybe in his older years in Alaska, he’s opening that up. Or she’s there … or she shows up.”

Molino also commented on the cliffhanger involving Randy (played by Caleb Foote), who was kidnapped at the end of the season. “Never underestimate Randy but I’m a little more concerned for the aftermath,” she noted. “He’s already been on the fence of whether or not he should be an agent on the field so if we rescue him, I wouldn’t want that to change him. He’s obviously the light of our lives and the energy in the room.”

When asked about whether Randy and Lala might have been better off transferring to the NIS office in Naples, Molino joked, “We could have been in Italy. We still can. You never know.”

NCIS: Origins has been renewed for a third season and is currently streaming on Paramount+.