Gibbs' Prequel Shines as Best Current NCIS Show

NCIS: Origins season 2 returns with an answer to its big Lala Dominguez cliffhanger, and it’s the reason why the prequel is the best NCIS show right now. As part of CBS’ 2025-2026 TV schedule, Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ prequel continues to tackle the character’s earliest years in the NIS. Before Mark Harmon’s character became the legendary lead of MCRT in Navy Yard, he was once a probie under Mike Franks’ team.

While spinoffs are not new to the NCIS franchise,the prequel broke ground by being the very first period show in the univere. It also marks Harmon’ return to the series after Gibbs retired in NCIS season 19 after decades of leading the main team. NCIS: Origins was originally billed as a Gibbs-centric show, but eventually, it became clear that all members of Franks’ team have their own stories to tell, including Lala.

By the end of NCIS: Origins season 1, Lala and Gibbs’ brewing romance seemed like it wad finally come to fruiton. But a fatal car crash not only threatened their future but Lala’s life. After a long summer break, the season 2 premiere, “The Funky Bunch,” delivers on its promise to reveal what happened to her.

NCIS: Origins’ Lala Cliffhanger Resolution Isn’t Surprising, But It Sets Up A More Intriguing Future

©CBS / Courtesy Everett Collection

Ultimately, NCIS: Origins season 2, episode 1 reveals that Lala did survive the car crash. Admittedly, this isn’t a surprising turn, at least for me. For starters, Harmon’s Gibbs previously said that the the series is actually about “her,” so it didn’t really make sense to write her out just after 1 season. Beyond that, Molino has been back on the set for the show’s production, which was the most concrete proof that Lala is alive.

While not the most exciting plot twist resolution, the brilliance of Lala’s surivival from the car crash bolls down to what it means for Gibbs and NCIS: Origins’ future. “The Funky Bunch” waits until the weekly case has been established to confirm that Lala is indeed alive. She just hasn’t returned to work because she was in rehabilitation. During this time, Gibbs found himself starting a relationship with Diane, whom he eventually marries, per the flagship.

This creates a brand new dynamic with what happens to Gibbs and Lala, especially since Diane ultimately marries him. Now, it’s no longer whether they can act on their clearly mutual feelings. Gibbs’ new relationship means that to be with Lala could break the NCIS canon. It would be interesting to see if CBS finds a loophole to pay off their romance or if they will disregard continuity to prioritize its own narrative.

Either way, it’s an intriguing conundrum that will likely keep fans invested on NCIS: Origins. Somehow, the prequel is able to put a new twist into the franchise’s tried and tested will-they/won’t-they trope.

NCIS: Origins Season 2 Premiere Positions It As The Franchise’s Best Ongoing Installment

Austin Stowell, Kyle Schmid, Mariel Molino, Caleb Foote gathered in NCIS: Origins season 1, episode 3

It’s no secret that launching NCIS: Origins wasn’t a universally-beloved decision from CBS. There were concerns about the lack of strong storylines, considering that Gibbs’ past was considerably tackled during his time in the flagship. However, it has proven that it has stories to tell. Now, after NCIS: Origins season 2, it’s poised to be the most compelling ongoing show in the franchise.

Aside from Lala and Gibbs’ storyline, there are other narratives that is set up for the rest of the season. Franks’ relationship with Tish and his long-lost brother, Mason, as well as Bernard Randolf’s ongoing develop as an agent are all gripping personal arcs. Mix them with continuously creative weekly cases, and NCIS: Origins feels like old-school NCIS.

By the end of “The Funky Bunch,” the four-man team is back intact. Add to that the rest of the ensemble, and NCIS: Origins has the most interesting mix of characters, at least based on what has been revealed about them. And if the season 2 premiere is any indication, it’s safe to say that CBS has a solid plan to make the most out of the prequel’s potential.

Release Date: October 14, 2024
Directors: Niels Arden Oplev, John Terlesky, Diana Valentine, Edward Ornelas, Hanelle M. Culpepper, Lionel Coleman, Loren Yaconelli, Pete Chatmon, Pamela Romanowsky, Ruben Garcia, Jessica Lowrey
Writers: Brendan Fehily