‘NCIS: Origins’ and That Midseason Finale, Explained

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  • The Search for the Second ‘Enter Sandman’ Sniper Continues
  • Gibbs’ Relationship with Lala Dominguez Is Becoming Serious
  • Mark Harmon Continues to Cast an Enduring Shadow Over ‘NCIS: Origins‘

In the prequel series “NCIS: Origins“, Austin Stowell was cast as a younger Leroy Jethro Gibbs, leading viewers to anticipate that Gibbs’ grief over his daughter and wife’s murder, and his subsequent quest for revenge, would form a significant part of the first season, if not more. However, the ninth episode of “NCIS: Origins“, titled “Vivo o Muerto”, delivered an unexpected twist by disclosing that Gibbs had previously killed Pedro Hernandez, a Mexican drug dealer responsible for his daughter and wife’s death, before he joined the NIS Camp Pendleton branch as a rookie special agent.

In the following episode, titled “Blue Bayou” (midseason finale), we saw unexpected turns as it deviated from the usual NCIS format by delving into Gibbs’ personal life. This episode offered insights into Gibbs’ past, revealing an unanticipated friendship that led him to join NIS, and the true cause behind his failure in the psychological evaluation test.

Furthermore, the final episodes of the midseason break foreshadow what’s to come in the series. In the closing moments, character Gibbs uncovers evidence suggesting that Jamison “Bugs” Boyd, a transient and suspected sniper murderer who was apprehended during the initial investigation, may not have acted alone. Additionally, the finale hints at a developing connection between Gibbs and special agent Lala Dominguez, hinting at an undenied attraction between them.

The Search for the Second ‘Enter Sandman’ Sniper Continues

The mid-season finale of NCIS: Origins concludes with Gibbs finding torn papers concerning Operation Sundown, a case from the two-part “Enter Sandman” series debut where Gibbs and his NCIS colleagues investigated a string of sniper murders linked to Jamison “Bugs” Boyd, a transient marksman. Upon examination of the documents, Gibbs deduces that Bugs had collaborated with another sniper in the past, which supports his initial belief that Bugs couldn’t have acted alone in committing the killings.

It’s evident that Operation Sundown is set to be a crucial element for the remainder of the series’ first season, given the emergence of another sniper. Additionally, Mark Harmon’s ominous narration on Operation Sundown suggests that this enigmatic antagonist will have a significant impact on upcoming episodes and could cause chaos far beyond what Boggs could have imagined.

Gibbs’ Relationship with Lala Dominguez Is Becoming Serious

In the world of NCIS: Origins, it’s I who have formed a significant bond with Special Agent Lala Dominguez, portrayed by Mariel Molino. This relationship, though not as deeply rooted in history like my mentor-partner Mike Franks or my apartment manager Ruth, is still a crucial part of my experiences during the first season.

It came as a surprise to Lala when she learned that Gibbs had earlier taken the life of Pedro Hernandez, a Mexican drug dealer, before joining the NIS team. This was unexpected because Lala had vowed to help bring Hernandez to justice for the murder of Gibbs’ daughter and wife. However, her anger wasn’t about Hernandez’s death itself, but rather the fact that Franks and Gibbs hadn’t shared this information with her. Initially, she contemplated leaving NIS, but hearing Gibbs recount his emotional story about Ruth caused her to reconsider her decision.

In the midseason finale, it’s evident that Gibbs’ bond with Lala is growing more significant due to their palpable connection. As the series progresses, what makes this relationship intriguing is how Lala fits into Gibbs’ professional and personal life, considering Special Agent Vera Strickland (played by Diany Rodriguez on NCIS: Origins) was introduced on NCIS in Season 11’s “Under the Radar,” with Roma Maffia portraying Vera. However, unlike Vera, Lala has not been seen before on NCIS, and Gibbs hasn’t spoken of her until her appearance on NCIS: Origins.

Mark Harmon Continues to Cast an Enduring Shadow Over ‘NCIS: Origins’

As a longtime fan and critic, I must say that the unexpected return of Mark Harmon in the premiere of NCIS: Origins was a delightful surprise for many viewers like myself. The series begins with Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a character we last saw saying goodbye to his teammates, sitting around a campfire in Alaska. However, since then, Gibbs has only been heard on the show through Harmon’s narration. Following the midseason finale of NCIS: Origins, there has been a growing buzz among fans about whether Harmon will make another on-screen appearance as Gibbs, potentially in either NCIS or the prequel series.

The fact that NCIS: Origins even exists shows just how much Gibbs has become a legendary figure in TV history. Mark Harmon’s gravelly voice gives NCIS: Origins a powerful emotional depth, but his continued presence on screen might make it harder for Austin Stowell to shine as the new Gibbs. Despite not looking like Harmon, Stowell has managed to make the younger Gibbs role his own by embodying the spirit and tone of Harmon’s memorable portrayal, without simply imitating him. You can catch NCIS: Origins on Paramount+.

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2025-01-12 05:31