In releasing the synopsis for NCIS: Origins, CBS gave no hints as to whether Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez survived her life-threatening car accident at the end of the season 1 finale. However, we do at least have an idea of what the next case the young Leroy Jethro Gibbs is on, alongside his mentor and boss, Mike Franks.
Even though actress Mariel Molina has been mum about whether she would be back on the show, fans are still hoping that Lala somehow survived her injuries. Her accident occurred while on her way to let Gibbs know that Lara Macy would not be investigating him further for Pedro Hernandez’s death.
Unfortunately, Lala’s car rolled over after she swerved to avoid hitting a little girl who had run into the street after her dog. The episode ended with her fate left up in the air.
In the meantime, Gibbs had just met his future second wife, Diane Jenkins, who was a real estate agent at the time. Season 2 will likely follow their relationship, which we know will eventually end in divorce. However, it will be fun for fans to get a look into their early days before everything went south.
For now, though, what will happen with Gibbs when NCIS: Origins Season 2 premieres? The synopsis reveals the episode’s title is “The Funky Bunch,” and focuses on Gibbs and Mike’s efforts to locate a young Marine. He apparently has a connection to a mysterious compound that is led by a leader known to be charismatic.
The only mention of Lala is brief and says that her fate will ultimately be revealed. However, this doesn’t necessarily answer whether she will be alive or not. Molina had previously posted a photo in a studio lot, but it was more of a teaser and not a confirmation of her appearance in the episode.
However Lala returns, the aftermath of the accident will have a major effect on Gibbs, especially after their romantically charged moment before he ruined it by saying he would turn himself in to Macy.
Gibbs would say in a voiceover that he never talked about Lala for years after the events that occurred. But whether that is because she passed away remains to be seen.
NCIS: Origins will premiere on CBS Tuesday, October 14, at 9/8c following the NCIS Season 23 premiere episode. For now, there is plenty of time to catch up on season 1 on Paramount+.