The past brings trouble in the Season 1 finale of NCIS: Origins. “When the murder of Pedro Hernandez is unearthed, Gibbs (Austin Stowell) faces a reckoning. But when he needs his team most, the loyalty of one is brought into question,” reveals the logline for the finale, “Cecilia.” Gibbs is forced to revisit some painful memories and what they lead him to do. Military Investigator Lara Macy (Claire Berger) comes knocking, and she sets her sights on Gibbs, suspecting him of Hernandez’s murder. Lala (Mariel Molino) is the first to learn of this investigation, and since she is implicated in it, it’s in her best interest to figure out what Gibbs should do. Lala and Frank (Kyle Schmid) have known for months now that Gibbs killed Hernandez, and sitting on this information could end their careers. CBS released a sneak peek of the episode airing on Monday, April 28, which shows Lala delivering the news to Gibbs in a bar.
The last few months have brought a lot of growth in Gibbs’ life. Since he found the man who had murdered his family, the nights have become easier and the days more bearable. However, nothing good lasts forever. When Lala finds him in a bar with his dad in the video below, the sense of urgency in her behavior hints at something important. She interrupts them and asks to speak to Gibbs. “I have friend. Her name is Lara Macy. She’s only military police. She’s investigating the murder of Pedro Hernandez. She thinks you did it. She wants to talk to you,” Lala lays it on Gibbs in short, quick sentences, and when the message is out, Gibbs looks like he’s been hit by a truck. The gears in his head turn as he tries to think of something, but comes up empty. “What do I do?” he asks, dumbfounded.
Lala and Gibbs’ Relationship Becomes Complicated in the ‘NCIS: Origins’ Season 1 Finale
“Cecilia” is heavy on Lala, just as the episode’s title hints. She is torn between responsibilities to other people and herself. Lara Macy and Lala are friends, and being women in a male-dominated field, they have a special connection. They know how hard it is to succeed in these fields. Throughout the season, she falls in love with Gibbs and feels she needs to protect him. On a more personal note, she hid Hernandez’s murder, which could jeopardize her career. Speaking to TV Insider, Molino teased Lala’s state of mind in Monday’s episode, saying:
“In the finale, Gibbs catches Lala in a very vulnerable moment, something that she does to disconnect from the world. Everything that Lala has done thus far to put her walls up to remain professional shatters. We see her surrender to feelings she’s had since he came onto the team. For a split second, there’s a beautiful fairytale of what these two could be.”
Tune in to CBS at 10 p.m. next Monday to watch the finale and see what happens.