Introduction: When Retcons Go Too Far
It’s no secret that NCIS is one of the most beloved crime dramas on television, and Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played masterfully by Mark Harmon, is the soul of the series. For nearly two decades, Gibbs captivated fans with his quiet strength, strict rules, and tragic past. That’s why the newest revelation in NCIS: Origins—a prequel series executive produced and narrated by Harmon himself—has fans scratching their heads, if not outright furious.
A certain “Lala confession” from Origins has stirred a storm in the fandom. Not only does it feel out of character, but it also threatens to unravel the emotional backbone of Gibbs’ original arc in the flagship series. So, what exactly happened—and why does it feel like a betrayal?
Let’s unpack it.
What Is NCIS: Origins?
A Prequel With Big Shoes to Fill
NCIS: Origins is the franchise’s attempt to dive into the early years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, before he became the stoic leader of the NCIS Major Case Response Team. The series aims to explore his younger self, his rise through the ranks, and the defining experiences that shaped him.
Mark Harmon Is Involved—But Not On Screen
Though Harmon doesn’t reprise his role physically, he serves as executive producer and narrator. This means he has creative influence, making the controversial moments even more surprising—and, for some fans, disappointing.
The “Lala Confession”: What Was Said
In a flashback scene in NCIS: Origins, a younger Gibbs reportedly confesses to a colleague that he used to call his wife Shannon “Lala” as a nickname. It’s played off as a tender moment. But for longtime fans, it’s a jarring, tone-deaf addition to a relationship that has been treated with reverence and emotional weight.
Why It’s Problematic: An Insult to the Gibbs We Knew
1. It Diminishes the Gravity of His Tragic Backstory
Let’s not forget—Gibbs’ entire emotional core was built around the murder of his wife Shannon and daughter Kelly. That tragedy shaped his moral code, his leadership style, and even his famous Rules (Rule #39: “There is no such thing as coincidence”). Their deaths were never treated lightly—until now.
Turning that sacred part of his life into something cutesy or quirky feels like it undermines the weight of his loss. “Lala” may be intended as sweet, but it trivializes one of TV’s most heart-wrenching character arcs.
2. It Doesn’t Fit His Character
Even as a younger man, Gibbs was portrayed as principled, disciplined, and emotionally grounded. The idea of him giving Shannon a nickname that sounds like something from a rom-com just doesn’t add up. Fans aren’t buying it—and many feel like the writers missed the mark.
3. It Feels Like Lazy Writing
Fans of NCIS are loyal, but they’re also discerning. And many see this “Lala confession” as a symptom of lazy prequel writing—throwing in a quirky detail to create artificial emotional beats rather than respecting established character depth.
Fan Reactions: A Backlash Years in the Making
Social Media Outrage
Twitter/X, Reddit, and Facebook groups exploded after the episode aired. Fans called the nickname “cringe,” “immature,” and “completely out of sync” with everything we’ve learned about Gibbs.
“Gibbs called Shannon ‘Lala’? Did they just delete 20 years of character development with one line?” — One Reddit user summed it up.
Petitions and Fan Edits
It didn’t take long for fans to start pushing back with memes, rewrites, and even petitions urging the showrunners to retcon the nickname—or better yet, pretend it never happened.
The Bigger Problem With Prequels: Retcon Risk
When You Rewrite the Past, You Risk Breaking the Future
The challenge with prequels is simple: If you mess with canon, you alienate your base. While expanding a character’s backstory can be great, it must align with what we already know and love. NCIS: Origins is starting to feel like it’s rewriting rather than revealing.
Consistency Matters in Legacy Shows
In a franchise as established as NCIS, small inconsistencies are big deals. Every detail counts, especially with a character as carefully crafted as Gibbs. One wrong move—like “Lala”—can shake fans’ trust.
Mark Harmon’s Role: A Blessing or a Curse?
Should He Have Known Better?
As the face of Gibbs and a producer on Origins, many expected Harmon to guard the character’s legacy fiercely. So the inclusion of something like “Lala” feels like a major misstep—or worse, an approval of a creative decision that insults the fans’ emotional investment.
Narrating vs. Protecting
Some fans are wondering: Is Harmon truly involved creatively, or is his name there for nostalgia’s sake? If he is involved, why wasn’t this flagged? If he isn’t, that raises bigger questions about the integrity of Origins as a prequel.
Can NCIS: Origins Recover?
Yes—But It Needs Course Correction
The good news is that one bad moment doesn’t have to define a show. But the writers must learn from the backlash. Fans want depth, consistency, and respect for legacy—not forced sentimentality or shallow quirks.
Stick to What Made Gibbs Great
Gibbs wasn’t perfect. He was human, flawed, and deeply emotional—but always authentic. That authenticity is what kept fans watching. If Origins can remember that, it might just earn its place in the NCIS universe.
Conclusion: Legacy Characters Deserve Better
The “Lala” confession isn’t just a bad line—it’s symbolic of what can go wrong when creators try to reinvent beloved characters without honoring the emotional truth of their stories. Gibbs is not a rom-com lead. He’s a man haunted by loss, driven by duty, and guided by his own strict moral compass.
We don’t need pet names. We need truth, consistency, and respect.
Let’s hope NCIS: Origins gets the message—and gets back on track.
FAQs
1. What is the “Lala” confession in NCIS: Origins?
It’s a scene where young Gibbs refers to his wife Shannon with a nickname, “Lala,” which fans believe cheapens their tragic love story.
2. Why are fans upset about the nickname?
It feels out of character, inconsistent with the original series, and disrespectful to the emotional depth of Gibbs’ past.
3. Is Mark Harmon still involved with NCIS?
Yes, while he no longer acts in the show, he is an executive producer and narrator for NCIS: Origins.
4. Could this hurt the success of NCIS: Origins?
If the series continues to misrepresent key characters, it risks alienating the long-term fanbase who helped build the franchise.
5. Is there any chance the “Lala” detail will be retconned?
There’s been no official word, but fan backlash might push the writers to quietly drop or ignore the nickname in future episodes.
Custom Message:
“Gibbs wasn’t built in a day—and neither was the legacy he left behind. Let’s protect it, not dilute it. NCIS fans deserve stories
