NCIS: Origins revealed so much about Gibbs’ early years in the service. The show has been building up another protagonist, however, and the season finale confirms this. Season 1, Episode 18 is all about Special Agent Cecilia Dominguez.
NCIS: Origins fans are in for a treat when the Season 1 finale hits. TV Line confirmed Episode 18 is titled “Cecilia”, referring to Special Agent Dominguez. “I can’t say just yet what the finale is about, but I can tell you what it is titled: ‘Cecilia’,” insider Matt Webb Mitovich teased. “As in Special Agent Lala Dominguez’s full first name.” The show remains an NCIS procedural but sets itself apart by delving into Jethro Gibb’s origins; Season 1 has so far revolved around this storyline, but fans also responded to Lala (played by Mariel Molino) and her deepening arc in the series.
Lala’s pivotal role in Origins was teased in the pilot, by Mark Harmon’s Gibbs. The entire show is told from his perspective, with Austin Stowell playing the younger Gibbs. Harmon narrates the events, asserting that the show is a story about “her”, Lala Dominguez. Showrunner David J. North also confirmed fans will learn much more about Lala’s story before the season finale. Episode 6 built tension between Lala and Gibbs’ working relationship. It came to a head when she confronted him, calling him out for treating her differently than their male colleagues.
LaLa’s Arc Peaks In NCIS: Origins Episode 6
Molino said “Incognito” exposed Lala’s internal conflicts. “We see Lala making a huge mistake, a mistake that is human and that she immediately regrets,” she told The Wrap. “I thought it was a really interesting way to paint this picture of a woman who feels like she’s trapped, and who has to conform to all these different aspects of society with her job, her family and her boyfriend.” Origins explored Gibbs and Lala’s complexities, arguably more than other characters from other NCIS series. Origins co-creator Gina Lucita Monreal also praised Molino’s performance, showcasing Lala’s strength and fragility.
“I wanted to be really careful about embracing her femininity in whatever way the character wanted to do that, and not erasing it,” Monreal explained. “There is power in pounding a table and throwing a guy up against the wall. But there’s also power in how Lala approaches someone with empathy in a way that none of our other characters can … I think Mariel plays that edge beautifully.” NCIS: Origins gained a cult following after release, and reception to Stowell’s performance is overwhelmingly positive. The show is still a ways off from fulfilling Gibbs’ preface, but Lala’s story continues now that Season 2 is confirmed.
NCIS: Origins returns with new episodes on Mar. 24 on CBS.