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Note: This story contains spoilers from “NCIS: Origins” Episode 18.
The conclusion of Season 1 of “NCIS: Origins” has left fans of the franchise grappling with uncertainty regarding the future of a beloved character, setting the stage for a gripping summer ahead.
The dramatic season finale, titled “Cecilia,” prominently featured Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez, portrayed by Mariel Molino. In this episode, her friend Lara Macy delves into Gibbs’ (Austin Stowell) connection to the murder of sniper Pedro Hernandez. The investigation escalated tensions within the NIS team, culminating in a heated exchange between Lala and Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid).
As the stakes soared, Lala’s strong-willed demeanor compelled Lara to withdraw from the investigation, coinciding with her realization of her love for Gibbs. However, as she attempted to reconnect with him, viewers were met with a harrowing moment—a serious car accident that left Lala unconscious and bloodied, igniting a cliffhanger regarding her fate.
David J. North, co-creator of the series, disclosed to TheWrap that they aimed to explore bold narrative choices, hinting at further layers to Lala’s storyline. “As for whether Lala is dead, everybody will need to tune in to Season 2,” he stated.
In reflecting on her character, Molino expressed that the poignant nature of Lala’s situation is amplified by the fact that she never had the chance to confess her feelings to Gibbs, emphasizing the emotional weight of the moment.
Both North and co-creator Gina Lucita Monreal commended Molino’s performance, especially during the finale’s climax where Lala’s usually composed facade began to crumble as she grappled with the implications of Gibbs seeking vengeance for his family’s murder. A particularly intimate scene between Lala and Gibbs almost culminated in a kiss, interrupted when Gibbs revealed he had given his rifle to Lara for her investigation.
Molino described this scene as the most intimate they have filmed thus far. “I wanted to create a moment where Lala truly surrenders herself to Gibbs and the hopeful future they could have together,” she explained.
Contrasting this intimacy, Lala’s confrontation with Franks was marked by vocal tensions. Accused of acting as an informant for Lara, Lala vehemently defended her loyalty to the team against Franks’ accusations, asserting her commitment despite his previous hostilities.
North and Monreal hinted that the unresolved cliffhanger will resonate deeply within the NIS team, creating ripples regardless of Lala’s ultimate fate. “If this is the end of Lala, we remember the last things we said to people, and then we have to live with that,” North commented, reinforcing the episode’s emotional gravitas while promising lighter moments in future episodes.
Looking ahead, Monreal noted that Season 2 will delve even deeper into character development alongside new weekly cases, although it remains uncertain whether the story will resume immediately after Lala’s accident or incorporate a time jump.
Despite the surprise at Lala’s precarious situation arising so early in the series, Molino expressed gratitude for her role as a strong, passionate character willing to sacrifice for loved ones. “I feel really lucky to have gotten to create a new character in a universe that is so appreciated and loved by so many,” she stated, reflecting on the positive reception from “NCIS” fans.
“NCIS: Origins” Season 1 is currently available for streaming on Paramount+. The show has officially been renewed for a second season.
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www.thewrap.com