Actress Mariel Molino had some thoughts when it came to her character Lala Dominguez on NCIS: Origins, which could perhaps hint that Lala survived the deadly car accident in the season 1 finale of the CBS series. What did she say about a potential season 2, and who could play the older version of Cecilia? Plus, how does Austin Stowell feel about playing an iconic role such as Leroy Jethro Gibbs?
Molino was present at the Monte-Carlo TV film festival alongside Stowell, who plays Gibbs. In addition to questions about Lala, there was also discussion about how Stowell felt about portraying Gibbs. He admitted that it was nerve-wracking not only coming into a show as a lead for the first time, but also playing an iconic role made famous by Mark Harmon in the original NCIS.
Stowell said of playing Gibbs, “I don’t think I’ll ever quite get comfortable because, at the end of the day, Gibbs will always be Mark Harmon’s character, and I’m playing the younger version of that.”
However, he did admit that he likes to play under pressure, so as we move further into season 2, there’s a chance he comes into his own in making young Gibbs his.
In an interview with Deadline, Molino was also asked about her thoughts when it came to the upcoming second season. The show follows the life of the young Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he begins working at the NIS field office under Mike Franks and his team.
Lala became an important person in Gibbs’s life, even sharing a charged moment that almost culminated in a kiss. When she later went to stop Lara Macy from investigating Gibbs further in the death of Pedro Hernandez, she went to inform Gibbs before getting into an accident.
There has been no confirmation on whether she survives, but if she does, is there a chance we'll see Lala in the present? Molino said not only did she hope that Lala lives, but that she hopes her job is still intact.
She also said she wanted to see some movement on the Lala and Gibbs front, saying, “either kiss me or don’t.” If Lala is alive, someone who could portray her would be Monica Bellucci. She has no credits when it comes to NCIS, so she could bring some fresh entertainment to the present day, that is, if Lala survives.
With production on NCIS: Origins still weeks out, we have time before we find out for sure if Morino will make her return. Until then, you can watch the entire first season of the series on Paramount+.
Stay tuned to One Chicago Center for more updates on the NCIS franchise.