The season 1 finale of NCIS: Origins featured a number of shocking moments, but the most notable was Mark Harmon’s confession in the final minutes of the finale. The first season of NCIS: Origins was the culmination of months of personal and dramatic storylines that promised a perfect conclusion to the first spinoff of the NCIS series — a prequel — but ended on a confusing note.
Most of the characters in NCIS: Origins are played by new actors, including some who appeared on the original NCIS. The biggest difference is Mark Harmon as an older version of Gibbs, who is both on-screen and narrating throughout each episode. Of the narrations, the most shocking came from the older version of Gibbs in the opening episode, which set the stage for the entire series, and in the finale, when he made a surprising confession.
Although the final scene of episode 18 of season 1 revealed that Lala had been in a serious car accident, the most eye-catching moment came immediately after. Before the final credits rolled, Gibbs (Mark Harmon) directly addressed the audience: “I always loved her. And I still do.” Although he used the past tense when referring to Lala, Gibbs also revealed that he had never stopped loving her, a statement that seemed sweet but left viewers feeling something different.
Gibbs’ confession came after a slow-building romance between a young Gibbs and Lala that began in the pilot episode of NCIS: Origins. The season finale served as a culmination of their relationship, and while the romance never really went anywhere, Gibbs’ confession added depth to their bond. The timing of the confession was also fitting, as it helped both season 1 begin and end with Lala in mind.
Gibbs’ confession about Lala changes the emotional arc of the character in the original NCIS
While Gibbs’ love for Lala may sound sweet, it changes the entire emotional depth of Gibbs on NCIS. Gibbs has previously struggled with long-term relationships because he was unable to open up and commit after the tragic losses of Shannon and Kelly. However, NCIS: Origins now shows Lala as part of that loss, which somewhat diminishes the authenticity and pathos of Gibbs’ emotional struggles in the original series.
Moreover, the fact that Gibbs quickly fell in love with Lala less than a year after experiencing such a major shock seems unreasonable and goes against what the audience has been building for years. This development could also hurt the female characters who have had romantic relationships with Gibbs, like Jenny, Holly, or Jack — because if what NCIS: Origins reveals is true, it’s clear that Gibbs will always remember Lala in his future relationships.
Can Gibbs and Lala have a real relationship in season 2?
With Lala’s serious accident and the appearance of Diane in Gibbs’ life, the possibility of a romance between Gibbs and Lala happening in NCIS: Origins season 2 is becoming increasingly slim. If Lala survives the accident, she will likely suffer severe, even permanent, aftereffects that will prevent her from returning to work at NIS. Additionally, since the accident happened while Lala was on her way to Gibbs’ house, this will certainly make Gibbs feel guilty and remorseful.
If their relationship continues, it will likely carry a heavy layer of emotions, including regret and responsibility, making the relationship more awkward than purely romantic. The actual direction of the story will depend on how season 2 opens. If Lala survives, fans can expect a more satisfying conclusion to their relationship. If not, the precious moments between Gibbs and Lala in season 1 may just be memories.
