NCIS: Origins Season 2: Lala's Fate, Gibbs's Love Life & More!

Good news, NCIS fans! The highly anticipated second season of NCIS: Origins has finally landed, and it's brought with it some major revelations. We're breaking down Lala's incredible survival, Gibbs's complicated new relationship with Diane, and all the exciting teases straight from the showrunners.

TL;DR: Quick Takes on NCIS: Origins Season 2

Lala Lives! Despite the dramatic Season 1 cliffhanger, Special Agent Lala Dominguez survived her car crash and is back with the NIS team.
Gibbs's New Romance: Leroy Jethro Gibbs is now dating Diane Sterling, a relationship described as a "safer option" after his near-loss of Lala.
Big Things Ahead: Expect a major crossover with the original NCIS, a special episode dedicated to young Ducky, and more origins for beloved characters and Gibbs's iconic traits.

Lala Dominguez's Miraculous Return After a Gruesome Accident

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We all held our breath after that intense Season 1 finale, wondering if Mariel Molino's Lala Dominguez would make it out alive after her horrific car crash. Well, get ready to exhale, because Lala is officially back!

Showrunners Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North confirmed that while they never actually planned to kill her off, they were genuinely surprised by how many fans (and even North's own mother!) thought she was a goner. It turns out, that dramatic ending was meant to keep us on the edge of our seats, not send Lala to the big evidence locker in the sky.

After a four-month recovery period, Lala rejoined the NIS team in the Season 2 premiere, "The Funky Bunch." She endured a traumatic brain injury, a collapsed lung, and a crushed left thigh muscle, proving she's as tough as they come. Her return means the team is finally back together, but it also means a whole new level of complication for our favorite "probie" agent.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs Navigates a Complicated Love Triangle in Season 2

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Just when we thought the romantic tension between Gibbs and Lala couldn't get any thicker after their near-kiss, Season 2 throws a major curveball: Gibbs (Austin Stowell) is now romantically involved with Diane Sterling (Kathleen Kenny). For long-time NCIS fans, we know Diane becomes one of Gibbs's future wives, adding another layer to this prequel's storytelling.

So, why Diane now? Monreal explained to Parade that Gibbs choosing Diane was about seeking a "safer option." After the profound loss of his wife Shannon, and then nearly losing Lala, he's understandably terrified of another heartbreak. Diane, at this point, feels like a secure choice.

"It’s tough that Lala and Gibbs got really close, then Lala nearly dies, and he can’t handle that. And so he chooses this safer option [Diane] to avoid having his heart completely broken again."

— Gina Lucita Monreal, NCIS: Origins Showrunner

North added that Diane initially served as a "welcome distraction" for Gibbs, caught in the emotional aftermath of Lala's accident. However, both showrunners hinted that this relationship won't stay in that "safe box." We'll see their feelings develop, and it'll inevitably "bounce off the Lala character," creating a dynamic that will gradually shift throughout the season.

The unresolved feelings between Gibbs and Lala are definitely still simmering beneath the surface. While they're trying to keep things professional on the job, the show promises that these "underlying feelings" will come to a head, making for some intense on-screen chemistry and difficult choices for young Gibbs.

Behind the Scenes: Showrunners Tease Major Moments and Character Deep Dives

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Monreal and North have spilled some fantastic details about what else we can expect from NCIS: Origins Season 2, promising a season packed with Easter eggs and foundational moments for the characters we know and love.

A Massive NCIS Universe Crossover Event is Coming Soon

Mark your calendars! In Week 5 (slated for November 11, 2025), there's a huge crossover event planned with the original NCIS series. This isn't just a brief nod; it's a case that spans 33 years! You'll catch Origins at 8/7c, followed by the original NCIS picking up the same cold case 33 years later at 9/8c. It's a clever way to bridge the timelines and connect the prequel directly to the mothership. The showrunners teased that Gibbs will even learn one of his famous "rules" during this special episode!

A Heartfelt Tribute to Ducky Mallard and David McCallum

Get ready for a truly special episode dedicated to Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard. Adam Campbell reprises his role as young Ducky in Season 2, Episode 3, titled "The Edge," airing October 28. This episode is a direct tribute to the late, great David McCallum, who played the original Ducky for decades. Expect to hear three songs performed by McCallum himself, and you'll even spot young Ducky wearing David's actual hat and using his bag. The crew even filmed scenes in the original NCIS autopsy set, making it an incredibly meaningful experience. North teased that this episode will reveal "something pivotal" about Ducky's character that will make everything click for fans.

Developing Gibbs's Legendary Interrogation Skills and Woodworking Hobby

We'll finally get to see young Gibbs hone his legendary interrogation techniques. The show will feature his first interrogation, showcasing his learning process, mistakes, and how he overcomes them to become the stoic agent we're familiar with. And yes, for those wondering about his iconic basement boat, wood building will be a part of Season 2, with the possibility of a boat even making it onto his radar!

New Faces and Deeper Insights into Fan Favorites

Franks' Brother: Philip Winchester joins the cast as Mason, Mike Franks' estranged brother. We'll delve into the reasons behind their rift and how this reunion profoundly affects Franks.
Gary Callahan's Origin: Franks' beloved dog, Gary Callahan, will get his own origin story episode, including why he has such a unique name!
Randy and Mary Jo: Randy (Caleb Foote) is back in the field after realizing desk duty isn't for him, and we'll learn more about his background. Mary Jo Hayes (Tyla Abercrumbie) will have a couple of new storylines, one of which will be lighter, allowing Tyla Abercrumbie to showcase her impressive range.
A Mystery Character: The showrunners also hinted at the introduction of an "enormous" young version of another beloved NCIS character, whose identity is being kept under wraps for now.

The Season 2 Premiere: "The Funky Bunch" Delivers

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The Season 2 premiere, "The Funky Bunch," aired on October 14, 2025, and fans have been raving about it. Viewers praised it as "terrific" and one of the best openers in the entire franchise. The episode not only confirmed Lala's survival and recovery but also saw the team getting back into the swing of things, including a much-loved sing-along in the car that fans felt was a moment everyone needed.

With Wheeler's demotion and Randy finding his footing off the desk, the team is working through their adjustments. The showrunners emphasized that while conflicts will arise, this season will largely focus on the team gelling and operating as a cohesive unit, a "found family" dealing with their problems together.

What to Expect Next for NCIS: Origins

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With an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score, NCIS: Origins has clearly captivated audiences by honoring the franchise's past while forging its own exciting path. The delicate balance of staying true to existing NCIS canon while developing new storylines is a challenge the showrunners seem to be handling with finesse.

Expect more defining moments that shape the professional and personal lives of these agents, as they face new threats and higher stakes. The show is committed to building the foundations of the characters we've known for years, offering insights into how Gibbs became... well, Gibbs. And yes, expect another nail-biting cliffhanger for the Season 2 finale!

Frequently Asked Questions About NCIS: Origins Season 2

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When did NCIS: Origins Season 2 premiere?

NCIS: Origins Season 2 premiered on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Where can I watch NCIS: Origins Season 2?

You can watch new episodes of NCIS: Origins on CBS and stream them on Paramount+. Paramount+ Premium subscribers can watch live, while Essential subscribers can watch on demand the day after the episode airs.