Warning! Spoilers ahead for NCIS: Origins episode 6, "Incognito."The beginning of Gibbs and Lala's romantic relationship was practically all but confirmed in NCIS: Origins episode 6. The NCIS spinoff has introduced Lala Dominguez to NCIS' growing universe and, by doing so, has also introduced Gibbs' first love interest, following his late wife. Lala, played by Mariel Molino, is one of Gibbs' colleagues at NIS, and the two seemingly get closer than ever in the latest NCIS: Origins episode.
Since the NCIS: Origins pilot, Gibbs and Lala have been off to a rocky start, with Gibbs questioning Lala's commands and Lala questioning Gibbs' actions. However, the two have slowly started to develop a trusting relationship with each other. As partners in the field, they are learning to adapt to their strengths and grow as a team. Regardless, they are still hesitant towards one another, especially since Gibbs is new to the job. Despite their professional hesitancies, NCIS: Origins episode 6 has cleared the air and set the path for Gibbs and Lala's romance.
NCIS: Origins Episode 6 Sets Up Lala & Gibbs' Romance In A Couple Of Ways
Episode 6 Gives A Close Look At Lala's Character
NCIS: Origins episode 6 opens with Mark Harmon's Gibbs talking about Lala. In his narration, Gibbs reveals that he and Lala will eventually be very close, as he knows her inner thoughts and worries. He describes Lala as feeling as if she were in a box during her time at NIS and describes her struggles to get out of this state of mind. While Gibbs and Lala are not particularly close in NCIS: Origins, Gibbs' narration is very telling that the two will grow to become good friends in the future.
Episode 6 also turns away from NCIS: Origins' usual format by highlighting Lala and her personal woes. In her professional life, Lala struggles with being seen as an agent on equal footing as her colleagues while surrounded by misogynistic comments and behavior. These struggles bleed into Lala's personal life, where she has difficulty connecting with her romantic partners and developing deeper, committed relationships. Given Gibbs' own personal issues, Lala could relate to Gibbs on some level, which would make it easier for her to be with him.
NCIS: Origins Episode 6's Undercover Case Emphasizes Gibbs & Lala's Chemistry
Gibbs And Lala Work Well Together
Gibbs and Lala's chemistry is closely revealed in NCIS: Origins episode 6 when the two team up as partners in an undercover operation. Gibbs poses as the buyer for stolen military information while Lala plays the part of the unsuspecting and unarmed "arm candy." Lala's role is to support Gibbs in his first undercover case and ease the worries of the men they are buying the intelligence from so they do not suspect them. While juggling all her responsibilities, she and Gibbs also shared a few close moments together as part of playing a couple during the operation.
To maintain their cover, Lala often redirects Gibbs' attention back to her. Their chemistry is particularly palpable when Lala brings their faces together to protect Gibbs' cover when Gibbs recognizes his dentist in the room. Lala's ease and quick thinking throughout the operation brilliantly portray her abilities as an NIS agent, but it also sets the stage for her and Gibbs' potential as a future couple in NCIS: Origins. They work well together and, with time and trust, their professional relationship could develop into a rewarding romantic relationship as well.
Should Gibbs & Lala Get Together In NCIS: Origins?
A Relationship Comes With Its Benefits
Given Gibbs' painful recent past, a new relationship is the least of his worries. His grief also means he lacks the emotional attachment that Lala needs, given her bad luck with relationships so far. But NCIS: Origins episode 6 opens up the possibility of Gibbs dating again when he sees Lala in a new light. His small token of help to her in episode 6 when he offers her cereal also hints at their growing friendship which could become something more.
While neither seems ready for a relationship with the other, having a romance develop between them in NCIS: Origins would benefit them both. A new relationship could help Gibbs grow around his grief and learn to see there is more to life after loss. It could also give Lala a fulfilling relationship. So far, she has had trouble finding herself and has had difficulty with romantic relationships. Her shared career with Gibbs could mean that they understand each other and the stress of the job. Their mutual understanding could then help them form a common ground in the relationship.
