Even though NCIS: Origins only has one season so far, its premiere revealed an aspect of the show that wasn't clear until its first season finale. The NCIS spinoff is the first prequel in the NCIS universe, which gives it a unique ability to reveal things about Gibbs that the flagship could not. The big realization is part of that.
NCIS: Origins may not center around Gibbs in the way that might be expected for a show about the early beginnings of the NCIS agent. However, it does examine Gibbs' character development in relation to his coworkers. And it is the tragic story behind Lala that had the biggest effect. All of this was revealed in the premiere.
Lala Was Never Meant To Survive Beyond Season 1
From the NCIS: Origins pilot, it was clear that Lala would die or be separated from Gibbs in some way, since she is never mentioned in the flagship. Nevertheless, it was surprising just how quickly her character was written off. However, the NCIS: Origins premiere heavily hinted at this as it was the only way to follow canon.
One of the most significant moments in the premiere happened when Gibbs called NCIS: Origins Lala’s story in the episode's final moments. NCIS: Origins was supposed to focus on Gibbs, but Gibbs himself revealed that was not the case. This was a surprise at the time, but hinted at Lala's dark fate.
More than just a character exit, Lala's death holds significance to everyone on the NIS team, but more importantly to Gibbs. It was also her connection to Gibbs that made her death so difficult. Lala may have been meant to die, but losing her so early in the show was actually the key to Gibbs' development.
Austin Stowell as Gibbs in NCIS Origins
As Lala was never meant to stay in Gibbs' life for long, her death was to be expected. However, it is exactly her death that helped shape Gibbs into becoming the kind of agent he is. Similar to Sharon and Kelly's deaths, Lala's death helped harden Gibbs. As unfortunate as it is, this hardness helped him be a better agent.
He learned to set aside emotion. This left him emotionally reserved but powerful. Gibbs' hardened mental state as a result of Lala's death in NCIS: Origins also helps explain how Gibbs was able to join the Fed Five so early in his career. He learned how to push through to become a better agent at a great personal loss.
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