The first season finale of NCIS: Origins delivered a jaw-dropping twist that has left fans buzzing and speculating about the fate of one of the show’s pivotal characters, Lala (Mariel Molino). In a tense and emotional climax, Lala suffers a severe car accident just as she was about to clear Gibbs (Austin Stowell) of any consequences stemming from his vengeful act of killing the man responsible for murdering his wife and daughter. The dramatic scene ended on a chilling note, with Gibbs’ voiceover strongly hinting that Lala may not survive the crash.
As the show dives deeper into the early days of the NCIS universe, this moment marks a turning point for both the storyline and Gibbs’ character development, opening the door to darker, more complex narratives in the upcoming second season.
Inside the Drama: What the Cast Has to Say
At CBS’s recent Fall 2025 schedule celebration, NCIS: Origins stars Austin Stowell, Mariel Molino, and Kyle Schmid (who plays Mike Franks) opened up about Lala’s ambiguous fate and the future of the series. When asked whether they think Lala is alive or dead, Molino candidly admitted, “We have no idea.” She highlighted how the franchise isn’t afraid to kill off major characters, referencing the significant loss of Franks (Muse Watson) in the original NCIS series.
Kyle Schmid added, “They’ll take big swings,” emphasizing the bold storytelling the series is willing to explore. Mariel Molino reflected on the impact of this moment regardless of the outcome: “Whether they do or not, this event has had an incredible impact on Gibbs as a character.”
Austin Stowell, portraying a young Gibbs, acknowledged that Lala’s potential death would be a crucial piece in understanding why Gibbs is the way he is — emotionally guarded and reluctant to discuss his past. Yet, as an actor, Stowell expressed a heartfelt hope for Molino to remain on the show, praising her talent and the strong bonds formed among the cast.
What’s Next in the NCISverse?
Looking ahead to Season 2, the cast shared their wish lists for which young versions of fan-favorite characters they would like to see integrated into the NCIS: Origins storyline. Molino expressed enthusiasm for a young DiNozzo, now featured in the new spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva. Stowell also emphasized the need for a fresh source of humor, mentioning the uncertain future of Randy and the desire for “some smiles down in the office.” Molino added that a young Ziva would be a welcome addition to the universe.
The actors are confident the writing team, led by David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal, will continue to craft surprises and satisfy fans’ high expectations.
Bromance, Backstories, and Woodworking?
Beyond the high-stakes drama, the cast also revealed fun insights into their characters’ relationships and off-screen personalities. Schmid highlighted the beloved bromance between Gibbs and Franks, jokingly calling them their own kind of couple. Molino and Schmid both pointed to the iconic pairing of Ziva and DiNozzo as their favorite couple within the NCIS world.
The discussion shifted to Gibbs’ well-known woodworking hobby. Stowell, Molino, and Schmid shared their own woodworking aspirations: Stowell would build a dog house (he’s often the “dog uncle” on set), Molino dreamt of building a full house, and Schmid joked about living in Stowell’s doghouse.
Deeper Exploration of Characters’ Histories
The cast expressed eagerness for the show to delve into their characters’ pasts. Molino hopes to explore Lala’s backstory through flashbacks, particularly her journey before becoming a Marine and an NCIS agent. Stowell wants to portray the challenges Lala faced as a woman navigating the Marine Corps in the late 1980s and early 1990s — a period requiring her to prove herself against the odds. Schmid is intrigued by the layered history of Mike Franks, who intriguingly was a Marine, a drug mule, and eventually a key NIS operative, suggesting a rich tapestry of storytelling potential.
Looking Forward to Season 2
NCIS: Origins returns for its second season in Fall 2025, airing Tuesdays at 9/8c on CBS. As the show continues to peel back layers of the NCIS universe, fans can anticipate new characters, complex storylines, and the answers to lingering questions — especially the fate of Lala, whose story has become central to the emotional heart of the series.
This season promises to deepen the mythology while balancing intense drama with moments of levity and camaraderie. With a talented cast and skilled writing team, NCIS: Origins is poised to captivate audiences all over again.
Summary: The NCIS: Origins Season 1 finale shocked viewers with Lala’s near-fatal crash and possible death, setting a darker tone for Season 2. Cast members shared insights on character futures, hopes for new young NCIS characters, and deeper backstory explorations. The series returns Fall 2025, promising compelling drama and rich character development.
