NCIS Origins Season 2: Will Lala Be Back And Is Fan Favorite Dwayne Pride Showing Up Soon?

If you are anything like me, you probably have not stopped thinking about that shocking ending to the first season of NCIS: Origins. The show, which takes us back to Gibbs's early days, left us hanging with a huge question about Lala's fate. Her car flipped over after she worked hard to clear Gibbs from trouble. The whole thing seemed to suggest she might not make it. Mark Harmon's voiceover for Gibbs really hit hard, making it seem like a final goodbye to her. This moment is important because it could explain so much about Gibbs, and why he became the man we know later on.

This prequel has done a great job of staying true to everything we already know about the NCIS universe. The showrunners have been very careful with the timelines and character histories. This commitment to canon means that even though Lala's possible death is incredibly sad, it would make sense for Gibbs's story. Think about it: if she lived, why would he never mention her in all those years of the main NCIS show? It's a tough thought for fans who loved Lala's quick wit and strong presence on the team.

The series really brings to life Gibbs's early time in NIS. We see him learning the ropes and forming important connections. Lala, played by Mariel Molino, quickly became a big part of that. She was determined to stand out in a workplace mostly filled with men. Her journey, whether it ends in tragedy or not, has a big impact on Gibbs. It adds layers to his character, helping us understand why he is the way he is in the future.

The Big Question Hanging Over NCIS Origins Season 2: Did Lala Really Die?

The Emotional Weight of the Season 1 Finale and What It Means for Gibbs's Future

The NCIS: Origins season one finale definitely left a lot of people upset. Lala going to such great lengths to help Gibbs, then getting into that horrible car accident. It just felt final. Her car was completely wrecked, and she was hanging upside down. It seemed clear. It was a heart-breaking scene, but it also felt like a perfect way to answer a long-standing question. Why did Gibbs never talk about a person like Lala throughout hundreds of episodes of NCIS? We heard about his wives Shannon, Diane, and Rebecca, but never Cecilia Dominguez, which was Lala's real name. The show seemed to be giving us the painful reason why.

When Austin Stowell, who plays Gibbs, and Mariel Molino talked about it, they had different feelings. Austin Stowell mentioned that if Lala died, it would explain so much about Gibbs and why he never talks about this part of his life. As an actor, he really hoped Mariel would stay. He said she is talented and a wonderful person. He did not want to lose anyone because the cast has become very close. He also said that even though it would make great drama, he did not want to lose her. Mariel Molino also said that whatever happens, this event has had an "incredible impact" on Gibbs's character.

The showrunners, David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal, have played coy, saying they "won't officially say that Lala is dead." This kind of holding back is common in TV. But for many, Lala's death is the only way this story truly makes sense. If she survived that crash, it would make the mystery of Gibbs's silence less meaningful. It would also make it harder for future seasons to explain why she is not mentioned. Her possible death makes the finale feel important and explains why Gibbs learned to keep some painful parts of his life to himself.

Dwayne Pride's Potential Arrival in NCIS Origins Season 2 And His Long History With Gibbs

How The Show's Commitment To Canon Paves The Way For A Familiar Face To Appear

While everyone is thinking about Lala, there is another big question for season two. Will we see a younger version of Special Agent Dwayne Pride? He is the much-loved character played by Scott Bakula in NCIS: New Orleans. It makes a lot of sense for him to appear. NCIS: Origins co-showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal hinted at it. She said the show pays close attention to the main NCIS story. "We always have our eye on canon. We have a big huge timeline in the writers room and we’re really strict about sticking to it. The canon matters to us, and we never want to ignore it. So, all the things that we’re seeing in canon, we will address one way or another," Monreal told TVLine.

This attention to detail means a younger Pride could show up as early as Season 2. We know from the main series that Gibbs and Pride go way back. They were part of a group called the "Fed Five." This group included Gibbs, Pride, Mike Franks, Felix Betts, and Dan McLane. They were known for bringing down a criminal called the Privileged Killer. At the time, both Gibbs and Pride were new agents, so the timeline fits perfectly with where Gibbs is right now in NCIS: Origins. Seeing their early friendship and how they worked together would be amazing. It would be fun to revisit Pride in his younger years, even if just for a couple of episodes. It would also help connect the NCIS universe even more tightly.

Monreal's comments do not say exactly when other NCIS characters will appear. However, the season one finale brought in Diane and Lara Macy, who are important to Gibbs's story. This suggests the show might be bringing in familiar faces faster than we thought. Pride’s arrival is just a matter of time because of his history with Gibbs and the show’s dedication to following the original stories. Gibbs even said in NCIS season 11 that he would trust Pride with his life. This shows how strong their bond became. It would be great to see how that bond started.

Other Characters We Hope To See More Of In NCIS Origins Season 2 And Beyond

Exploring The Show's Ensemble And Its Continued Look Into Gibbs's Past

Beyond the big questions about Lala and Pride, I am looking forward to seeing more of the other characters who have made NCIS: Origins such a solid show. Kyle Schmid's Mike Franks has been a great addition, showing the early stages of his relationship with Gibbs. Austin Stowell mentioned that Gibbs and Franks have a "bromance" going on. He cannot wait to show the audience more of it. It would be cool to see more of Franks' past too, as he has lived many lives before becoming an NIS agent.

The show's writers have also done a fantastic job of giving more context to storylines we thought we knew. For example, they have added more to the story of Shannon and Kelly’s murder and Hernandez’s revenge. This commitment means other well-known stories could be explored too. We might learn more about other important characters from Gibbs’s past. Fans often want to see younger versions of characters like Hetty from NCIS: Los Angeles. While there are no promises, the show's focus on canon keeps these possibilities open.

The whole cast of NCIS: Origins has been great. They have strong personalities that fit perfectly with Taylor Sheridan's original idea. Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris has been a standout, creating a relatable character. The new additions like Sam Elliott for season 2 will only make the show stronger. It is exciting to see how these new and old characters will interact and shape the story. I am hoping for more humor and good character moments in the upcoming episodes.

Why NCIS Origins Has Become A Favorite And What Its Success Means For The Franchise

The Show's Quick Rise To Popularity And Its Promising Future Within The NCIS Universe

I was not sure I would like this NCIS prequel at first. But this season has been great. The stories are strong, the characters are well-written, and the acting is stellar. It has quickly become a fan favorite. For many, it has even been more enjoyable than the current main NCIS show. Characters like Lala, Franks, Randy, Mary Jo, and Kowalski have all added something special to the show. Losing Lala would be tough, but the show has a history of adding new characters who make it stronger.

The series is not just about explaining Gibbs. It is about telling compelling stories in its own right. It explores how life events shape people, and it does so with emotional depth. The show’s rapid popularity proves that there is still a big appetite for stories within the NCIS universe. It also shows that going back in time to explore the origins of beloved characters can be a powerful way to keep a long-running franchise fresh.

I am really excited for season 2. The writers are talented, and they seem to know how to keep things interesting. Even if Lala is gone, her story's impact will stay with Gibbs. And the possibility of seeing Dwayne Pride, along with other elements of Gibbs's early life, makes the future of NCIS: Origins very promising. This show has found its rhythm and has become a must-watch for any NCIS fan. I believe it will continue to impress and keep us talking for many seasons to come.