"Unique and impactful" - NCIS: Origins showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal explains Lala and Gibbs' relationship

The popular prequel to the NCIS show— NCIS: Origins arrived on CBS last year in October, and since then has become a topic of discussion among long-time fans and viewers. Be it Gibbs' early days as a young special agent or his personal life, the show offers an intriguing storyline.

NCIS: Origins follows young Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) as he begins his career by joining the Naval Investigative Service (NIS). What makes the prequel even more special is the narration by Mark Harmon, the actor who originally played Gibbs in NCIS.

However, the show isn't just about Gibbs' professional life, as it also dives into his personal struggles and love life. NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 11 teased Gibbs’ future romantic life, suggesting Gibbs might find love before meeting Diane Sterling.

Following the curiosity among viewers, co-creator and co-showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal finally opened up about Gibbs' relationship with Special Agent Lala Dominguez. Monreal said (via ScreenRant):

"But the relationship between Gibbs and Lala is a unique and impactful one, and it's one that we definitely want to highlight and see through to the end."

She also said,

"We're definitely going to see that relationship evolving and growing and you can see that these two people care about each other."

The co-showrunner explained Gibbs and Lala's relationship as complex and emotionally charged, while also establishing the NCIS timeline. Their journey will be slow and complex so that it aligns with Gibbs' history in the original show.

Continue reading to know what else was shared by the showrunner about the prequel.

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NCIS: Origins showrunner teases a unique connection between Gibbs and Lala

As mentioned above, NCIS: Origins Episode 11 hinted at a possible new love relationship between Gibbs and Lala. While Gibbs doesn't show excitement to join a double date with Randy, Lala seems to have emotional feelings for Gibbs.

Though it's not clear if her feelings are romantic, their close bond as co-workers might lead them to fall in love. Now, the co-showrunner has also confirmed sparks between Lala and Gibbs and in the same interview with ScreenRant added:

"You can see there's sparks between them, but they both have their guards up for a very good reason."

She also mentioned,

"And we also know Gibbs' history with marriage and dating in canon. So we also need to remain true to that. So again, that was an interesting challenge for us and continues to be."

Both Lala and Gibbs will have emotional walls up while keeping a strong and unique connection. However, this doesn't mean the two won't have challenges in their relationship as Gibbs has a history of troubled relationships.

Additionally, the romantic storylines in NCIS: Origins are carefully executed so that it doesn't contradict the established future in NCIS.

So, don't miss out on the new episode of NCIS: Origins arriving today at 10 p.m. on CBS, followed by its release on Paramount+

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Also Read: Why did Pauley Perrette leave NCIS? Reasons behind the actor's exit from the show, explored

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