NCIS: Origins Season 2 Episode 2: Unpacking Gibbs' Love Triangle and Lala's Shifting Morals

Talk about a dramatic return! NCIS: Origins came back with a bang, and Episode 2, "Who by Fire," didn't pull any punches, especially when it comes to the tangled lives of Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Lala Dominguez. Our favorite NIS agents are navigating some seriously tricky personal and professional waters, all while a new romance is heating up for Gibbs, much to the surprise of some fans!

TL;DR: Quick Takes on "Who by Fire"

• Lala survived her horrific car crash but is deeply changed, grappling with existential questions and a tempting offer from a criminal.
• Gibbs is secretly pining for Lala, despite his blossoming (and canonical!) romance with Diane Sterling, his future second wife.
• The team investigates a collegiate swimmer's mysterious death, revealing a drug-smuggling ring and testing Gibbs's interrogation skills.

Lala's Intense Recovery and Her Moral Compass Under Pressure

Remember that heart-stopping cliffhanger from the Season 1 finale? Good news: Lala Dominguez (Mariel Molino) is alive! But let's be real, she's far from okay. After suffering a collapsed lung, a traumatic brain injury, and a crushed thigh muscle (leaving a massive scar), Lala is back at work, but she's not the same. Mariel Molino herself shared that Lala is "starting to question a lot about her place in the world," her purpose, and her faith. She realizes she "should have been dead" and is wrestling with what it means to be alive.

Her recovery isn't just physical; her male colleagues are treating her like she might "shatter like glass," forcing her to fight to regain her footing. This setback has her "starting from the beginning again," constantly testing her limits. And speaking of limits, Episode 2 sees Lala pushed into a seriously gray area when gang leader Flaco Navarro re-enters her life. Turns out, Flaco saved "that little redhead" (likely Randy) in the past, and now he wants a favor. His proposition? Help him take down Rico Luna, an FBI-wanted murderer, using evidence Flaco himself planted.

Lala actually considers this risky move, which could jeopardize her job and her friendship with Vera. She's clearly "crashing out" emotionally and morally. However, in a pivotal moment, she ultimately decides against partnering with Flaco, realizing she wants to be a good example for Gibbs and doesn't want him to think less of her. But Molino teases that Lala will continue to "push the boundaries and blur the lines" this season, potentially heading down a "dangerous and potentially life-threatening way." It seems Lala's journey this season is all about finding out who she is after the crash, and if she can ever truly return to her old self.

Gibbs' Emotional Rollercoaster: A Hidden Heart and a Canonical Romance

While Lala's battling her demons, Gibbs (Austin Stowell) is dealing with a whole different kind of crisis: a romantic one! We get glimpses of him secretly pining for Lala, from clutching her comatose hand in flashbacks to pausing her interrogation tapes just to admire her. He's clearly hung up on his work partner, revisiting "the woman Lala used to be, the woman Gibbs once loved."

But there's a huge elephant in the room (or, rather, a real estate agent): Diane Sterling (Kathleen Kenny). Fans of the original NCIS know Diane becomes Gibbs's second wife, and Origins is leaning into that lore hard. Gibbs is already seriously dating Diane, who debuted in the Season 1 finale and is now a key player. He's putting up walls with Diane, admitting he feels "hungry" when she tries to have a vulnerable conversation, and using her almost as a "distraction" from his true feelings for Lala.

The accident with Lala has deeply affected Gibbs. He blames himself, knowing she was rushing to him that night when she crashed, and the thought of losing her again is too much. This fear of loss, likely echoing the tragic deaths of his first wife Shannon and daughter Kelly, makes him "bottle up his emotions" and keep Lala at arm's length. Episode 2 shows Diane being incredibly caring and supportive, even encouraging Gibbs in his career. This makes it easier for viewers to root for her, even as Lala's unresolved feelings create palpable tension.

Professional Hurdles: Gibbs' First Interrogation Doesn't Go to Plan

It's not just Gibbs's love life that's in crisis; his professional development is taking some hits too. Obsessed with becoming an interrogator, he dives headfirst into preparing for his first one. However, his eagerness leads to some missteps. While investigating the apparent drowning of collegiate swimmer Miguel Castillo, Gibbs gets a bit of tunnel vision, pushing Miguel's father too hard and nearly jeopardizing the investigation. Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid) has to pull him out, telling him he's "not ready for interrogation."

Undeterred, Gibbs studies Franks' old interrogation tapes, watching his mentor use "brute force" tactics. Later, without approval, Gibbs takes swim captain Owen Hawkins into questioning, noticing a scrape on his leg similar to the victim's. He tries to replicate Franks' aggressive style – yelling, circling the room, slamming fists – but it backfires spectacularly. Owen refuses to speak, Lala intervenes, and Franks is far from pleased. It's a humbling moment for Gibbs, revealing his "own weakness in the form of a sore hand and a bruised ego."

The case itself revolves around Miguel's death. The team learns that due to budget cuts, swim scholarships were gone, and Miguel had paid his tuition in cash. Ultimately, the investigation uncovers a darker truth: Miguel and Owen were part of a drug-smuggling ring for a Mexican cartel, coerced by their assistant coach. Owen had tried to save Miguel but was forced by the coach to abandon him during a drug run. The case wraps up, but not before Gibbs has a vulnerable moment with Diane, admitting his fears about his aptitude for the job. This episode really emphasizes that the legendary Gibbs we know didn't just appear overnight; he had "growing pains" and needed mentors like Franks and even Lala to become the agent he is.

"If this is a story of her, and she’s never mentioned — [Gibbs] never mentioned Lala ever before, I want to think it’s probably because of something really bad that happened."

— Mariel Molino (Lala Dominguez)

What Gibbs and Lala's Complicated Romance Means for the Season Ahead

The lore of NCIS dictates that Gibbs marries Diane, but they eventually divorce. This predetermined path for Gibbs’s love life puts Lala in a tough spot. It feels like the prequel is closing the door on a Gibbs-Lala romance almost as soon as it began, despite the "palpable" feelings between them. As Mariel Molino wisely points out, Gibbs never mentions Lala in the flagship series, which could hint at a tragic fate for her, or at least a significant reason for her absence from his life.

Molino herself isn't ruling out anything, even jokingly suggesting a wild fan theory that Lala survives and ends up with an older Gibbs in Alaska. She imagines herself in prosthetics and a wheelchair rolling up next to Mark Harmon – a fun thought, but probably a long shot! More realistically, the show seems to be setting up "star-crossed lovers" who prioritize their jobs above all else. Both Gibbs and Lala are "married to their jobs," as Molino puts it, making it difficult for them to put each other first. This theme of work coming before personal life is a cornerstone of Gibbs's character.

So, while fans might be rooting for Lala, the show's canon suggests a bumpy road ahead for their connection. We can expect more awkward moments and building tension, but any major romantic developments might be sidelined for now as Gibbs navigates his relationship with Diane and Lala battles her internal and external demons.

Looking Ahead: What's Next on NCIS: Origins Season 2?

If you're already eager for more, the next episode, "No Man Left Behind," promises more drama. Airing on Tuesday, November 4, this installment will introduce Mike Franks's estranged older brother, Mason (played by Philip Winchester), who's blowing into town desperate for help. This reunion is a "big deal" and will finally answer questions about the rift between the brothers, according to executive producer Gina Lucita Monreal.

Beyond the Franks family drama, the team will be investigating a Navy bank robbery. And, crucially for our discussion, Lala will be making "a decision about her future." Given her struggles and Flaco's offer, this decision could have major implications for her character, potentially pushing her further down a morally ambiguous path or solidifying her commitment to NIS. Could we even see Lala and Diane cross paths? That would certainly add another layer of tension!

No matter what, NCIS: Origins continues to deliver a compelling look into the formative years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs and the agents around him, deepening our understanding of the characters we know and love.

FAQs About NCIS: Origins Season 2, Episode 2 When did "NCIS: Origins" Season 2, Episode 2, "Who by Fire" air? "Who by Fire" aired on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Where can I watch "NCIS: Origins" Season 2? You can catch new episodes of "NCIS: Origins" on CBS on Tuesdays at 9/8c. If you miss it live, episodes are available to stream the next day on Paramount+. What is the rating for "NCIS: Origins"? "NCIS: Origins" is rated TV-14 for crime drama and action content, consistent with the broader NCIS franchise. Who plays the main characters in "NCIS: Origins"? Austin Stowell stars as young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Mariel Molino plays Lala Dominguez, Kathleen Kenny is Diane Sterling, and Kyle Schmid portrays Special Agent Mike Franks. Sources

• CBR.com (Quote from article: NCIS: Origins Season 2, Episode 2, "Who by Fire")
• TVLine.com (Recap "NCIS: Origins' Lala Crashes Out After Surviving The Crash — Plus, Gibbs Is In Crisis!")
• Parade.com (Interview "Mariel Molino Says Lala Is No Longer the Same Woman After Her Traumatic Car Crash in NCIS: Origins Season 2 (Exclusive)")
• Us Weekly (Interview "Mariel Molino Isn't Convinced Her 'NCIS: Origins' Character Lala Will Survive the Series")
• TVFanatic.com (Article "NCIS: Origins season 2, episode 2 stands on the shoulders of its actors")
• CBS (Official broadcast information)