💥 Introduction
If you thought the NCIS universe had wrapped all its mysteries, think again. “NCIS: Origins” is the newest prequel that dives into the early years of fan-favorite Leroy Jethro Gibbs. But the real buzz? Stars Mariel Molino and Austin Stowell aren’t just playing roles—they’re reshaping legacy characters with emotional depth, raw vulnerability, and brand-new perspectives. So, what do they really hope for the future of the show? And who should play the older version of Molino’s character, Lala?
Let’s dive deep.
🔥 The New Generation of NCIS
“NCIS: Origins” isn’t just another spinoff. It’s a reimagined entry point into one of television’s longest-running crime franchises. Set years before Gibbs became the silver-haired, no-nonsense leader we know, the show brings fresh blood and old secrets back to the surface.
👥 Who Are Mariel Molino & Austin Stowell?
You’ve likely seen them before.
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Mariel Molino: Known for her nuanced roles in Promised Land and The Watchful Eye, Molino is quickly climbing the ranks as a dramatic powerhouse.
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Austin Stowell: With credits in Bridge of Spies, Whiplash, and Catch-22, Stowell blends charm and steel—perfect for a young Gibbs.
Together, they carry the emotional load of characters destined for complicated futures.
🎬 What Is ‘NCIS: Origins’ All About?
This isn’t just a crime-of-the-week show. “NCIS: Origins” explores the early 1990s life of Gibbs as a young NCIS agent, taking cues from classic espionage thrillers and adding a layer of personal trauma. The series zeroes in on:
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Gibbs’ early field work
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His bond with mentor Mike Franks
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The origin of Gibbs’ famous rules
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His evolving relationships—including one with Mary Jo (Lala)
🙌 Why Fans Are Excited About This Prequel
Fans are hungry for backstory. NCIS ran for over two decades, but much of Gibbs’ history remained a mystery. “Origins” fills those gaps with heart, intensity, and just enough nostalgia. Plus, the chemistry between Molino and Stowell? Let’s just say it’s not going unnoticed.
🎭 Mariel Molino’s Role: Meet Mary Jo (Lala)
Mary Jo, affectionately nicknamed Lala, isn’t just a love interest. She’s a powerful figure in Gibbs’ life—someone who challenges him emotionally and morally. Molino breathes life into Lala with layers of intelligence, independence, and inner conflict.
“She’s not there to prop up Gibbs,” Molino shared. “She’s shaping him.”
🧍♂️ Austin Stowell’s Take on Young Gibbs
Playing a younger Gibbs is no small task. Mark Harmon defined the role for decades. But Stowell doesn’t try to mimic him—he interprets him.
“It’s not about imitation,” Stowell said. “It’s about honoring his pain, his pride, and what made him become the man we know.”
💡 Bringing Depth to Familiar Names
Rather than surface-level character beats, Molino and Stowell bring emotional weight to their roles. Their performances peel back the layers behind:
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Gibbs’ obsession with justice
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Lala’s inner struggle with military bureaucracy
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The burden of trauma carried in silence
It’s not just NCIS—it’s NCIS with a soul.
🎥 Behind the Scenes: Big Season 1 Moments
Season 1 promises explosive moments, but not all of them involve action sequences. According to the stars:
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A pivotal flashback shows Lala confronting Gibbs after a mission goes wrong
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There’s a campfire scene that reveals the first version of Gibbs’ Rule #1
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One emotional breakdown is reportedly so raw, it shook the crew on set
These aren’t just episodes. They’re origin stories that deepen your view of the entire NCIS canon.
🎭 Molino & Stowell’s On-Set Chemistry
Actors say chemistry is either there or it’s not. In this case? It’s electric.
Stowell credits their real-life friendship, while Molino says their shared respect for the NCIS universe helped build trust quickly.
“We rehearse, yes. But the best scenes are when we throw out the script and feel it,” Molino explained.
⚖️ The Legacy Pressure: Living Up to NCIS
NCIS fans don’t play around. They notice every line, every reference, every misstep.
Stowell admitted to feeling the pressure:
“It’s like wearing someone else’s boots. You want to walk right, talk right, honor it—without pretending to be them.”
And that’s what makes this series work—it’s not a clone. It’s a tribute.
🧓 Casting the Future: Who Should Play the Older Lala?
One of the most buzzed-about discussions from Molino’s interviews? Who should play Older Lala if we fast-forward the timeline.
Molino has a few favorites:
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Salma Hayek: “She’d bring the fire and the dignity.”
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Marisa Tomei: “She’s got the range and the heart.”
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Demi Moore: “She can handle complex women with grace.”
This isn’t just fan service—it could be a future plot twist.
💬 Fans’ Top Picks for Older Lala
From Reddit threads to Twitter polls, fans have ideas of their own:
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Sandra Bullock – For the emotional gravitas
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Jennifer Lopez – For the visual continuity and dramatic chops
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Catherine Zeta-Jones – For a regal, intelligent aura
The casting door is wide open—and fans are weighing in.
🌠 Molino & Stowell’s Personal Hopes for the Show
Molino wants more than another procedural:
“I hope it becomes a character study. I hope people cry with us, laugh with us—and see themselves in us.”
Stowell agrees:
“We want this to be its own legacy. A show that digs deep and leaves you thinking.”
🆕 What Makes NCIS: Origins Different?
Let’s be clear—NCIS: Origins isn’t here to rehash past episodes.
What sets it apart:
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Serialized storytelling
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Deeper character exploration
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A cinematic approach to direction
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More emphasis on why crimes happen, not just how
It’s a fresh take for new and longtime fans.
💔 The Emotional Core of Season 1
There’s action, sure—but the emotional backbone comes from:
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Lala and Gibbs’ relationship struggles
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Gibbs dealing with the loss of his family
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The team questioning loyalty vs. justice
It’s heavy, but meaningful.
🔁 How Flashbacks Shape Character Growth
One of the show’s best storytelling tools is its use of flashbacks—not as gimmicks, but as emotional anchors. Each flashback:
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Adds texture to current decisions
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Connects past trauma to present behavior
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Builds mystery into character arcs
🧠 The Art of Rebooting Without Repeating
Let’s face it: Prequels are hard.
But “NCIS: Origins” doesn’t fall into the typical trap. It:
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Uses familiar names but fresh angles
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Delivers nods to fans without relying on Easter eggs
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Embraces emotional risk over safe storytelling
This isn’t a greatest hits album. It’s a brand-new track with familiar vocals.
🏁 Conclusion
“NCIS: Origins” is more than a spinoff. With Mariel Molino and Austin Stowell leading the charge, it becomes a reinvention, a tribute, and an emotional rollercoaster all at once. Their commitment to depth, character growth, and legacy ensures the show doesn’t just revisit the past—it reinvents it.
As for who should play older Lala? That’s still up in the air—but with talent like Molino guiding the role, the possibilities are endless.
❓ 5 Unique FAQs About ‘NCIS: Origins’
1. Is ‘NCIS: Origins’ connected directly to the original NCIS timeline?
Yes, it explores Gibbs’ early career, setting the foundation for everything we see in the flagship series.
2. How many episodes are planned for Season 1?
Reports suggest 10 episodes, but depending on ratings, that could grow.
3. Will Mark Harmon appear in any way?
So far, he’s narrating—but fans are hoping for a cameo flash-forward.
4. Is Mary Jo (Lala) a character from original NCIS canon?
No, she’s a new addition—but plays a critical emotional role in Gibbs’ early life.
5. Could ‘NCIS: Origins’ get a Season 2?
If the early buzz and ratings stay strong, absolutely. And fans are already demanding it.
