The season finale of NCIS: Origins ended on a shocking cliffhanger and left us wondering exactly where things stood for more than one character. What questions are left to be answered during the summer while we wait for season 2?
This episode introduced us to a young Lara Macy, who at the time was hoping to one day become a JAG and was investigating the murder of Pedro Hernandez. She was also a friend of Lala’s and gave her the courtesy of letting her know what she was looking into.
Lala told Gibbs immediately that Macy wanted to talk to him about the case. At first, Franks was reluctant for Gibbs to speak with her since he was also involved with giving Gibbs the file about Hernandez.
After talking to Macy, Gibbs learned that she had a source who claimed to know that he had killed Hernandez. Macy couldn’t prove anything without his weapon, which Gibbs had buried. Tensions were high, especially since Franks wouldn’t come right out and ask Lala if she inadvertently told Macy about the murder.
Because Randy was one of the next to be questioned about Gibbs, the team brought him into what had happened. This knowledge was a lot for him to take but he wanted to try to help them protect Gibbs.
After finding a possible source Macy could have talked to, they learned she thought someone on the team was protecting Gibbs. This led the team to argue with Gibbs listening and reflecting on how close they had become.
What happened in the NCIS: Origins season finale?
Lala was upset that Mike would think she wouldn’t be loyal to the team. At one point, she went for a swim in a neighbor’s pool, where Gibbs eventually found her. He experienced guilt over what his actions were doing to the team and he told her that he gave Macy the rifle.
Lala, who thought Gibbs was about to kiss her, became angry with him and left. She eventually went to see Macy in an attempt to help Gibbs. She lied and told Macy she was part of helping Gibbs to murder Hernandez and begged her not to destroy her life as well.
While Gibbs was with his dad preparing to see the home he lived in with Shannon and Kelly, the real estate agent he had been connected to came inside. She had left a message for Gibbs, but he missed it. She was a redhead who introduced herself as Diane, making it clear this was likely his second wife, Diane Sterling.
If that wasn’t surprising enough, the episode took a terrifying turn when a little girl ran after her dog into the road, causing a jeep to roll over in an attempt not to hit her. It was Lala’s jeep, and she was last seen hanging upside down, bleeding and unconscious. Lala had been on her way to see Gibbs, likely to tell him what she had done to save him. An older Gibbs narrated that he wouldn't find out until years later what she had done, but he had always loved her even before then.
It’s not clear whether Lala is alive or dead and now we wonder if the loss of Lala is part of the reason Gibbs has never spoken of her. Then again, if she survived, did something else happen that led Gibbs to never mention her name?
We also have some other questions from the episode, including whether Wheeler will be back to work or if someone else will rise to the ranks of Special Agent in Charge. Randy told the NIS Regional Director how he felt about having a desk job instead, but this also led to questions about his place in the field. Will Randy continue being in the field or is he going to try to rise to a position that keeps him in the office?
Franks was also getting calls all week, not knowing who it could be. At the end of the episode, the person finally revealed himself to be Mason, his estranged brother who had enlisted with him. What led to their fractured relationship and what does Mason want to tell Franks?
Even though we have a long way to go to answer these questions, we’re looking forward to what season two has to offer. You can keep up on previous episodes in the season on Paramount+.