It’s been over 15 years since NCIS: Los Angeles premiered with its two-part backdoor pilot — and one key storyline introduced back then may finally find closure in the new prequel series, NCIS: Origins. The connection between Special Agent Jethro Gibbs and Operations Manager Lara Macy was only hinted at in NCIS: LA’s launch, but the new spinoff now has the perfect opportunity to revisit their complicated shared past.
Gibbs and Macy’s Hidden History Began in Camp Pendleton
The NCIS: LA pilot episodes, “Legend (Part I)” and “Legend (Part II),” offered fans a glimpse into the tension-filled dynamic between Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and Macy (Louise Lombard). The two shared a deep and painful history tied to one of Gibbs’ most haunting moments — the murder of his wife, Shannon, and daughter, Kelly.
Years earlier, when Macy was a young lieutenant stationed at Camp Pendleton, she investigated the killing of Pedro Hernandez — the man responsible for Gibbs’ family’s deaths. When evidence suggested Gibbs was behind Hernandez’s murder, Macy made a fateful decision: she covered up the proof to protect him, believing his actions were justified.
This moral gray area defined their connection. Gibbs, unaware of her intervention, carried resentment toward Macy for years, thinking she had pursued him for revenge. It wasn’t until psychologist Nate Getz uncovered the truth that Gibbs learned Macy had been his silent protector all along.
Why NCIS: Origins Is the Perfect Place to Revisit This Story
Macy’s role in Gibbs’ early life and career was tragically cut short when the character was killed offscreen in NCIS Season 7’s “Patriot Down.” But NCIS: Origins — which follows a young Gibbs as he joins the fledgling NCIS team — now has the rare chance to explore what really happened between them.
The prequel series has already begun weaving together threads from Gibbs’ past, including his grief over Shannon and Kelly and his pursuit of Pedro Hernandez. In fact, Origins Season 1, Episode 9 (“Vivo o Muerto”) already introduced a younger version of Hernandez, signaling that the storylines from the original series are converging.
Revisiting Macy’s introduction and her early encounters with Gibbs could not only deepen his emotional arc but also show how her actions shaped his moral code and leadership style. Fans could finally see the first meeting between these two — something long teased but never fully explored on screen.
A Chance to Complete Gibbs’ Emotional Journey
The bond between Gibbs and Macy sits at the crossroads of justice, loss, and forgiveness — all core themes of the NCIS universe. By exploring how Macy’s compassion and moral conflict influenced Gibbs during his formative years, NCIS: Origins could offer fresh perspective on why Gibbs became the man fans know today.
Fifteen years after NCIS: Los Angeles first hinted at their shared past, NCIS: Origins now has the perfect opportunity to bring that forgotten storyline full circle — honoring both Macy’s legacy and the emotional foundation that has driven Gibbs since the very beginning.
