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As NCIS: Origins concluded its impactful first season, co-showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal engaged in an insightful discussion with TV Fanatic. They addressed the emotionally charged finale, their bold creative choices, and their strategy for honoring Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ legacy in the future.
The freshman season came to a close, exploring Gibbs’ formative years, ultimately highlighting the repercussions of his initial act of vengeance and the intricate cover-up led by Mike Franks and Lala Dominguez.
In a gripping final scene, audiences were left unsettled as they witnessed Lala’s jeep overturned, bloodied, and battered, while Gibbs grappled with the heavy burden she bore.
“Our goal was to delve deeper into the characters,” Monreal remarked. “We aimed to reveal who they are beyond their professional roles… This approach allows viewers to relate to them on a personal level.”
North concurred, stating, “That was a primary objective for us.”
Remarkably, CBS was receptive to their vision from the outset. “Amy Reisenbach… sat down with Gina and me, expressing the desire to take a different approach,” North noted.
Collaborating with studio president David Stout, they enjoyed considerable creative latitude. North recalled how swiftly they secured approval for “Blue Bayou,” a mid-season episode lacking a traditional case: “It took just a brief phone call with Amy to get that green light.”
Focusing on Gibbs’ journey of grief and self-discovery following the loss of his wife and daughter, the finale introduced elements that foreshadow the next chapter in his life, including the hint of his future wife, Diane.
Nevertheless, every advancement requires careful navigation of established canon.
“Both David and I have worked on the original series,” Monreal explained. “We always aim to honor the groundwork laid by that show.”
This dedication brings its own challenges, as North acknowledged that the canon sometimes even confuses his recollections. “We have assistants who know the show inside and out,” he laughed. “They often remind me, ‘David, you wrote that!’ And I’m sometimes like, ‘I really don’t recall!’”
A lively debate among fans, even sparking light-hearted discussions among the TV Fanatic team, centers around whether Origins is more centered on Gibbs or Franks.
North found the notion amusing. “Fortunately, we have two strong leads. Austin Stowell tops the call sheet… and Kyle Schmid is an excellent leader as well. We’ve never had to delve into that discussion.”
Monreal added, “In a sense, I view them all as leads in their narratives due to their exceptional talents.”
The writers prioritize a natural progression in spotlighting characters.
“We approach it organically, aligning with our overarching storyline and identifying who can take center stage when,” Monreal shared. She teased that Season 2 will maintain this approach. “Our plan is to allow each ensemble member to shine as much as possible.”
Unavoidably, much of the audience’s emotional investment revolves around Lala’s fate.
While the finale leaves her status ambiguous, Monreal assured that “regardless of Lala’s future, she plays a crucial role within this team. Her situation will create significant repercussions for all, especially Gibbs.”
North encouraged fans to “tune in for Season 2 to discover what unfolds with Lala,” praising Mariel Marino as a “remarkable presence” and a “true team player.”
When asked if the fallout could influence Gibbs’ emotional journey, including his connection with Diane, Monreal indicated that it remains a possibility, underscoring that whatever transpires “is unlikely to be a pleasant scenario.”
Looking ahead, both North and Monreal express cautious optimism. “We’ve begun exploring our ideas for Season 2,” North revealed, jokingly noting they’ve already outlined concepts as far as Season 7. He clarified that the writers’ room would soon start officially ramping up work.
One aspect they are still uncertain about? The total number of episodes. “We don’t have that information yet,” North stated. When suggested that an increased episode count would be favorable, he humorously added, “You all should help us create them!”
Not every viewer welcomed Origins when it debuted. Many still voice concerns about changes to the franchise and previous cancellations.
North, however, maintains a positive outlook. “We understand the disappointment when beloved shows end,” he shared. “Ultimately, we’re striving to create something special, and we believe we’re succeeding.”
From their viewpoint, the dedication invested in NCIS: Origins is already yielding appreciation, with accolades for “Blue Bayou” as among the top episodes of the season being particularly meaningful to them.
With a solid foundation, a cohesive ensemble, and a deep appreciation for the universe they’ve contributed to, North and Monreal appear ready to plunge even further into the narrative in Season 2.
Given the emotional highs and lows experienced in Season 1, fans can undoubtedly anticipate a memorable journey ahead.
Interviews like this take time and care — and we hope it shows.
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www.tvfanatic.com