After serving as a producer on Seasons 12 through 18 of the original NCIS, “I left to do other things, I had other stories I wanted to tell… and then David [J. North] called me one day and said, ‘Mark Harmon and his son Sean have this idea for a prequel, about young Gibbs — would you consider doing this with me?’” Monreal recalls in the TVLine video above. “How do you say no to that!”
Monreal and North proceeded to craft a compelling Season 1 that upended expectations and delivered multiple powerful episodes, which made her a perfect choice for TVLine’s Women to Watch — our new awards series recognizing women doing exciting, inspiring and industry-shaping work in television. The honorees are selected by the TVLine staff; Monreal is this year’s Showrunner to Watch.
In the video above, Monreal reflects on her own origin (as a writer on ABC’s Brothers and Sisters), revisits her first time writing for Gibbs & Co., and opens up about being mentored by late NCIS showrunner Gary Glasberg.
Monreal then details her and North’s working relationship on Origins (including the many “gut checks” they give each other regarding NCIS canon), and at the 8:00 mark teases the Season 2 return — in some form — of Mariel Molino’s Special Agent Lala Dominguez.
NCIS: Origins Season 2 premieres Oct. 14 at 9/8c, now airing Tuesday nights (leading out of NCIS Season 23 and teeing up NCIS: Sydney Season 3). Hit PLAY on the video above to watch Monreal’s full interview with Matt Webb Mitovich, then drop a comment with your thoughts below.
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