NCIS: Origins Reveals Lala's Return, Leaves Her Fate in Doubt

The Fate of Lala in NCIS: Origins Season 2

Fans of NCIS: Origins have been left with a lot of questions about the character Lala after the season 1 finale. While there is some good news regarding her return, the showrunners have kept much of her fate under wraps, leaving fans eager for answers.

According to recent reports, Mariel Molino has been seen on set during the production of NCIS: Origins season 2, which initially suggested that Lala might survive the car crash at the end of the first season. However, showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal have cast some uncertainty on this possibility, keeping fans guessing about what’s next for the character.

Lala’s Return in the Season 2 Premiere

Despite the mystery surrounding her fate, it has been confirmed that Lala will appear in the NCIS: Origins season 2 premiere. The details of her appearance remain unclear, though. It could be a flashback, or she might be shown as a ghost, or even dead. In television, a death isn’t always considered real unless it's visually confirmed on screen. Fans are still waiting for the body to be shown.

The NCIS universe has previously explored the idea of ghosts, most notably in NCIS: New Orleans, which had a more supernatural bent. However, the flagship NCIS series has also featured ghostly appearances, such as Tony seeing Kate after her death and Gibbs encountering Mike Franks. This history opens the door for Lala to appear as a ghost in the upcoming season.

Possible Scenarios for Lala’s Appearance

Showrunners have hinted that Lala will appear in some capacity in the season 2 premiere. Whether she is alive, dead, a ghost, or part of a flashback, all the questions surrounding her fate will be addressed. Given that the episode picks up two months after the accident, flashbacks could help fill in the gaps of events that happened before the crash. This setup makes both a ghost and a flashback more plausible.

While the possibility of Lala being dead or a ghost exists, many fans believe it makes more sense for her to survive. She has played a central role in the story of Young Gibbs so far, and it would be unusual for the narrative to end after just one season. Mark Harmon’s voiceover has consistently emphasized that this story is about “her,” making it logical for Lala to continue playing a significant role in the series.

Lala’s Potential Future in the Series

If Lala survives, she may be injured to the point where she can no longer work with the team. Strict protocols often apply to those who are injured in the line of duty, especially if they lose limbs or require major operations. This could lead to her being forced into retirement, prompting her to find a new path in life.

This scenario could also create tension between Lala and Gibbs. She was racing through the streets to inform him that she had solved his Hernandez issue when the accident occurred. Even if she doesn’t feel resentment, Gibbs might carry the burden of believing that her career ended because of him.

What We Know So Far

At this point, the only certainty is that Lala will appear in the NCIS: Origins season 2 premiere in some form. That is when fans will finally learn her fate. The season 2 premiere is scheduled to air on Tuesday, October 14, at 9/8c on CBS.

As anticipation builds, fans are hoping for a resolution that honors Lala’s importance to the story while maintaining the dramatic tension that has made NCIS: Origins a compelling addition to the NCIS universe.