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[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for the NCIS: Origins Season 1 finale “Cecilia.”]
Austin Stowell expressed his astonishment at the conclusion of the NCIS: Origins Season 1 finale, mirroring the reactions expected from fans. Interestingly, he learned about the dramatic twists later than one might assume.
The inaugural season of the NCIS spinoff chronicles a younger version of Gibbs (portrayed by Mark Harmon, who narrates and executive produces) as he joins NCIS. The finale left viewers on edge with the fate of Lala (Mariel Molino), Gibbs’ teammate and potential love interest, following a horrific car accident. This critical moment unfolded after she risked herself while aiding Gibbs amidst her friend Macy’s (Claire Berger) investigation into the murder of the man responsible for Gibbs’ family tragedy. The episode also featured a younger iteration of one of Gibbs’ future ex-wives, Diane (Kathleen Kenny).
Stowell reflects on Gibbs’ journey throughout Origins Season 1 in the following interview. (Additionally, a detailed exploration of the finale is available from showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal here.)
Is Lala dead?
Austin Stowell: Honestly, I’m unsure. We were kept completely in the dark. I only found out during the table read that this is what would happen. Initially, when we received the scripts, the last scene was not included. All I knew was that she visited my apartment, started writing a note, and then heard a voicemail.
How do you think Gibbs would respond to her possible death? It would just be another loss—Shannon and Kelly’s deaths are still so fresh, along with Ruth and everything else…
Gibbs would process it with his usual composure and dignity. He wouldn’t act impulsively. Instead, he would likely perceive it as yet another significant loss, compounding his sense of isolation. Given his history, losing another person close to him would deepen his introversion. This aligns with the character we know—someone who tends to trust only himself. Personally, I hope Mariel returns because I truly enjoy collaborating with her, both as an actress and a person. Selfishly, I want her character to survive, yet it would make narrative sense for Gibbs to experience loss again, as they have not yet formed a strong enough bond for her death to feel as impactful.
In Mark Harmon’s voiceover, he mentions that he loved Lala all along. At this point, how do you think Gibbs feels about her?
Gibbs seems hesitant, too bound by his obligations to indulge in a romantic relationship. He had a pivotal moment during their pool scene but chose to be honest about his past instead of pursuing a romantic encounter, believing it was the morally correct path. He’s aware that this could be one of his last opportunities to connect with her, facing the possibility of serious consequences for his actions.
Discuss the pool scene since it seemed like a significant moment throughout the season.
When Mariel and I first read the script, we were somewhat underwhelmed after all the anticipation. Sure, we were close in the pool, but no kiss transpired—nothing to really heighten the moment. Kyle [Schmid] jokingly suggested at the table read that Gibbs should tell her how he feels afterward. Both Mariel and I, along with the audience, were expecting something more intimate—an authentic moment where Gibbs could shed his soldier persona and embrace his emotions. Perhaps that will come in the future. We’ll have to wait and see.
Working alongside Mariel is a true delight. She embodies her character perfectly and is simply captivating. This makes the potential romance between our characters easy to portray. The pool scene itself was fun, yet a bit anticlimactic since it was chilly, and we didn’t even share a kiss! It left us wanting more.
How much will Gibbs regret not kissing her?
Regret won’t be at the forefront of his mind; his main concern will be her safety regarding what might happen to her. The possibilities are daunting: Is she in danger, injured, or potentially in a coma? The anticipation of the next script has me eager to see what unfolds. I entertain various what-if scenarios in my mind—what if something happens to her while I’m trying to save her? Ultimately, for Gibbs, the romance will not dominate his thoughts; concern for her wellbeing will take precedence.
With the arrival of Diane, we learn more about her relationship with Gibbs. What was it like to film that introduction? It holds significant weight for future developments.
That scene was particularly compelling as Gibbs transitions from grappling with one of life’s toughest moments—the loss of someone close—to encountering a new woman who embodies warmth and cheerfulness. It provides a necessary respite from his despair. While Gibbs might not fall in love at first sight, her presence prompts him to be more active, as seen when he shows her around his home. Although it’s not a full-blown romance yet, there are initial flickers of attraction.
This version of Gibbs displays more emotion compared to his stoic portrayal over 19 seasons of NCIS. How do you think his experiences, particularly involving Luke, sculpt the character into the one we’re familiar with?
Expect to see a markedly different Gibbs in the upcoming season. He certainly won’t revisit therapy; that’s a chapter he seems to have closed. He learns that he can only rely on himself and perhaps a few select others, which leaves Franks as a prominent figure in his life. This season has depicted Gibbs navigating through various emotional and professional hurdles, which seem to have left their mark. He is currently struggling to manage his feelings for Lala and feeling lost in the process. His usual decisiveness falters as he fumbles through the emotional minefield.
Gibbs engages in reflective moments with Jackson (Robert Taylor) as they consider rituals following loss. Will we see Gibbs’ first attempt at crafting a boat now?
That possibility exists. As someone passionate about the water and boats, I welcome the prospect! However, we know that Gibbs still grapples with a complicated relationship with his father. It remains to be seen whether he will embrace Jackson’s invitation to engage in a ceremonial reflection. Given his tumultuous journey with Lala, whatever he learns about her will undoubtedly impact him deeply. He’s prone to feeling guilty and burdened by responsibility, which is a central theme of his character development.
It’s likely that his unresolved feelings towards his father also play a role in how he grapples with his identity and the associated trauma he faces. We’ve seen Mark Harmon effortlessly embody this struggle over 19 seasons; it’s challenging yet enriching for actors to explore such a profound depiction.
Reflect on the dynamics between Gibbs and Macy, particularly during the tense interrogation where he shows visible anger. It felt as if he needed a release.
Claire is an exceptional actress. During our first rehearsal for that scene, our director, Niels [Arden Oplev], noted the palpable tension between us. Gibbs finds himself enraged by Macy’s probing questions—her perspective challenges him. He knows she’s right, yet feels the weight of personal pressures, attempting to safeguard his team. He is frustrated by her pursuit of a case that seems trivial in the midst of his dramatic narrative. Also, anger and frustration emerge when she pries into personal territory. Gibbs’s character is still evolving, and despite past training, he’s still learning how to navigate these professional and emotional terrains.
Randy (Caleb Foote) is currently at a crossroads with the team. How if Gibbs were to lose him?
Gibbs has grown to trust Randy over time. Nonetheless, his pragmatism dictates that if someone isn’t mentally equipped for the job, they must step aside. Gibbs demands mental readiness from his team and resilience. While change can be disruptive, Gibbs would honor Randy’s decision to prioritize his wellbeing, recognizing it as a noble choice.
What are your aspirations for Season 2 regarding Gibbs, with the potential for exploring his early connections or introducing novel aspects?
My imagination runs wild with possibilities! I’m eager to delve into how the iconic rules come into play in his life. We’ve seen glimpses of the physical representation of these rules, yet there’s still much to explore regarding their significance.
I anticipate watching Gibbs mature into the strong character we know from earlier seasons, transitioning beyond the trauma he experienced following Shannon and Kelly’s deaths. The audience is familiar with Gibbs’ eventual trajectory; however, understanding the nuances of this evolution is vital. I hope to see uncovering layers of his past unfold, including the dynamic he shares with Franks and contemplating future relationships, including Diane.
There are numerous plot threads to explore in future seasons. It’s vital to capture how Gibbs learns to navigate lived experiences while always bearing the ghost of his past. While the weight of that loss may linger, I look forward to witnessing his journey of accepting and growing from it.
Ultimately, how will Diane fit into Gibbs’s life? What tone will their relationship take?
The intricacies of their relationship remain uncertain. NCIS doesn’t delve deeply into Gibbs’ marriage to Diane, presenting a puzzle regarding its ultimate failure. Was it due to his commitment to work? Could it be tied to lingering grief from his past? These questions linger in my mind.
Ultimately, will Gibbs permit himself to move forward?
That remains to be seen. These reflections shape Gibbs’ evolving story in NCIS: Origins, with Season 2 expected to deepen our understanding of this complex character.
NCIS: Origins, Season 2, TBA, CBS
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