NCIS: Origins is sabotaging its own success before it can reach its full potential, and that makes me so frustrated. The NCIS franchise’s first prequel series goes back to the early ’90s, tackling Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ start in the agency. In its first 18 episodes, however, NCIS: Origins has proven there’s more to it than just the future MCRT lead.
While I enjoy the majority of the shows in the franchise, the mothership has always been my favorite. Since it has extensively tackled Gibbs’ story, I had my reservations about NCIS: Origins being just a rehash of what we already know. This was the case in its earlier episodes. However, I was pleasantly surprised as it went on.
Ultimately, the back half of NCIS: Origins season 1’s story is arguably some of the most inspired storytelling from the universe in recent years. Some of the episodes were reminiscent of classic NCIS, especially with regard to its procedural aspect. Sadly, however, I can’t help but think that NCIS: Origins is ruining its chances of being even better before season 2.
NCIS: Origins Has Already Spoiled Lala’s Fate Ahead Of Season 2
My issue stems from how the NCIS: Origins season 1 cliffhanger mystery has been handled. For context, the year-ender left Lala Dominguez’s fate hanging in the balance as she got into a car accident after they were able to convince Lara Macy to let the mystery of Pedro Hernandez’s death go.
What’s so great about the aforementioned cliffhanger is that things could truly go either way. Although Lala is a main character in NCIS: Origins, her absence in the flagship series, coupled with older Gibbs’ narration, makes it also very much possible that the car wreck could claim her life.
Unfortunately, however, there’s a series of reveals that essentially confirm Lala’s survival. Firstly, Mariel Molino was heavily involved in the show’s off-season promotion. That’s followed up by her confirming that she’s back on the set for NCIS: Origins season 2. Most recently, Austin Stowell effectively reaffirms that Lala indeed lives.
How Spoiling Lala’s NCIS: Origins Season 2’s Fate Cheapens The Cliffhanger
There’s a risk in long-running procedurals of going stale or boring. Since it’s still at the start of its time on broadcast, NCIS: Origins must establish itself in the best way possible to set up a sustainable future for the show. That includes taking risks and being bold with its storytelling.
Lala’s NCIS: Origins season 1 cliffhanger is great, but it’s shooting itself in the foot by giving away its resolution ahead of its sophomore year return. As a prequel, a lot of details about its characters’ futures have already been revealed. Given its limited options, NCIS: Origins needs to be more careful with how it handles the wait after the cliffhangers.
After all, there’s really no need for any of the indications that Lala is alive in NCIS: Origins season 2 to come out. There are better ways to promote the show without spoiling the biggest mystery in the upcoming year.
