Mariel Molino from NCIS: Origins Opens Up About Gibbs and the Lala Kiss
Season 2 of NCIS: Origins wrapped up with an intriguing twist involving a kidnapping and an unexpected exchange between Gibbs and Lala.
In the episode aired on Tuesday, May 5, the team at the Camp Pendleton office faced the threat of closure. To prevent this, team members brainstormed various options for the future, including Lala (Mariel Molino), who considered moving closer to Manny, leaving Gibbs (Austin Stowell) taken aback.
Ultimately, the team managed to keep their positions by proposing to transition NIS into NCIS, given their focus on more crime-driven cases. Nonetheless, Lala seemed poised to depart permanently, prompting Gibbs to execute a dramatic romantic gesture reminiscent of the classic 1992 film The Bodyguard.
In the episode’s final moments, Gibbs showed up at Lala’s residence, where they shared a kiss, while present-day Gibbs (Mark Harmon) implied that despite their romantic connection, their joy might be fleeting.
“In the foreseeable future, we can enjoy the ride a little bit and see what happens,” Molino, 33, shared exclusively with Us Weekly. “Romantically, I would say the writers love to throw in curveballs.”
When discussing with Us, Molino expressed her enthusiasm for the impact Gibbs and Lala’s evolving relationship will have on both characters as they move forward.
“We don’t know much about Lala’s backstory yet, but we’ll uncover more in season 3,” she noted. “How this will influence Gibbs and Lala’s relationship will be intriguing to observe.”
She added, “You can never truly rest easy, but we all want to witness what unfolds romantically between Lala and Gibbs. We’ve earned this. We’ve come this far. So whether it’s a hidden romance, let’s explore it.”
Fans familiar with Harmon’s portrayal of Gibbs in the original NCIS know he had four wives: Shannon, Diane, Rebecca, and Stephanie. Although Lala wasn’t mentioned in the original series, the prequel has left viewers hopeful that the character could be integrated into the canon.
“There is an inevitability of tragedy, considering Gibbs rarely discusses it. Clearly, something must have happened. There’s also his rule against becoming involved with coworkers. Yet — in the near future — I hope they get to explore this at least a bit,” the actress continued. “They could enjoy themselves and possibly pursue a secret romance.”
Molino highlighted that Gibbs and Lala’s most significant challenge would be their boss, Franks (Kyle Schmid).
“Franks confronts Gibbs and says, ‘Your feelings for her are jeopardizing this.’ If he finds out about something between us, I doubt he’ll approve,” she remarked.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Lala’s future, Molino appreciates the fan theories circling her character.
“I’m flattered that people have embraced Lala — especially since there was an initial worry that some might see her as too tough on Gibbs,” she said. “I feared she wouldn’t resonate because Gibbs is essentially America’s dad. To see that fans support Lala and wish for her and Gibbs to end up together is a true gift.”
Molino is equally excited about the opportunity to delve deeper into Lala’s character outside of her connection to Gibbs.
“That kiss was a long time coming. I think our writers did a phenomenal job exploring Gibbs and Lala’s relationship while also highlighting Lala’s individuality as an agent, a woman, and as someone complex,” she explained. “It was rewarding to portray her in various dimensions beyond just being Gibbs’ love interest.”
She added, “Ending season 2 in this way feels deserved and exhilarating for the audience. It’s nerve-wracking for both of us, though, as we’ve waited so long for this moment. We wanted it to be perfect, and there’s a lot of pressure.”
Looking ahead, Molino hopes to explore Lala’s “early adolescent years,” her path to becoming a Marine, and her family background.
“I think it’s time for that,” she said, reflecting on the widespread assumption that present-day Lala is deceased. “I agree; we want her alive. But it also makes sense that something tragic could have occurred. Gibbs is someone who suppresses his emotions and struggles to process trauma. Perhaps as he ages in Alaska, he’s starting to confront that. Or maybe she’s still around… or shows up.”
Molino’s focus isn’t solely on Lala’s arc. She addressed Randy’s (Caleb Foote) kidnapping at season’s end.
“Never underestimate Randy, but I’m more worried about the aftermath,” she shared. “He’s already uncertain about whether he should be an active field agent, so if we rescue him, I hope it doesn’t change him. He’s the light of our lives and the energy in the room.”
In response to Us’ question about whether Randy and Lala would have been better suited for a transfer to the NIS’ Naples office, Molino joked, “We could have been in Italy. We still might. You never know.”
NCIS: Origins has been renewed for a third season and is available for streaming on Paramount+.
