Austin Stowell on Gibbs' deep feelings for Lala Dominguez on NCIS: Origins

There's been increasing buzz around Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Lala Dominguez's relationship on NCIS: Origins. Since the moment Mariel Molino was cast in the role, and it was announced that Lala would have a connection with Gibbs, fans have been wondering how she fits in his life. She's a character that was created for the prequel, there wasn't any mention of her during Mark Harmon's turn as Gibbs on NCIS.

The prequel's premiere revealed why that is, he's never told Lala's story but the reason for his withholding has yet to be uncovered on the show. It's a part of the mystery of the series and, for some, the draw as Lala and Gibbs' friendship develops on-screen. Episode 6, "Incognito," left viewers with the impression that there's something simmering under the surface for the co-workers.

While nothing was explicitly mentioned, their comfort with each other and two charged moments during their undercover operation didn't go unnoticed. NCIS: Origins star Austin Stowell was asked about the relationship between Gibbs and Lala in an interview with TVLine's Matt Webb Mitovich. His answer may surprise you, not because he vehemently shut the possibility of a romance down but rather that it's as much a question for him, too. He, however, shared his insight into Gibbs' headspace.

"I'm learning about their relationship along with the audience. It's not like we're several episodes ahead. I don' t have any secret information. I'm getting to read it as they come in and I can't tell you what is going to happen between Gibbs and Lala, whether it turns out to be romantic. It's another female that he cares about and that's all it is at the end of the day is that he does care about this person.

I think he sees aspects of himself in her and doesn't want to let down another female in his life. He doesn't want to lose another woman and I think there is something pretty primal about that despite it being 2024, a woke movement, I think there are things about men that will probably never change and one of those things is this idea of protecting the women in your life. That has been our role as animals and as a species I think for tens of thousands of years. "

Stowell went on to say that the primal nature of their relationship is what we're seeing work itself out on-screen. He can't speak to if it'll go romantic one day but as for Gibbs' feelings they're "deep in nature as opposed to calculated."

In essence, the desire to protect Lala is instinctual for Gibbs. She's the sole woman on their team, and she's made a point of checking in on him and being honest about how she feels he's dealing with his grief and the work they're doing. Personally, I think that's something Gibbs appreciates now even if it rubbed him the wrong way when they first started working together.

Later in the interview, when Stowell was asked about what the next beat is for Lala and Gibbs' relationship, he elaborated on his character's instincts.

"Honestly, I don't know. This is still four months from his wife and daughter being murdered. This is very fresh. I mean, imagine the nightmares that he's still probably living with. And so he's a human being, so he has instinctual behaviors but he probably regrets those feelings at the same time. There might be some self-hatred for even feeling a certain way about anyone else especially considering the way that they were murdered. He feels like it was on him. My guess is that if anything happens, it's going to be a long burn."

Stowell's mention of where we are in Gibbs' grieving process puts into perspective just how short of a time has passed since our lead's life was turned upside down and completely changed. Part of NCIS: Origins' narrative is centered on Gibbs finding his way through his new normal, one that was brought on by tragedy. There is no rushing through that nor should there be in such a serious procedural drama.

While we know his bond with Lala is supposed to deepen as the season goes on, it seems clear that it's going to be complicated by all that Gibbs still has to work through. And, judging by Lala's own struggles with feeling like she must put who she is in a box to survive the workplace and how that's impacted her life, we're sure to see Lala's issues complicate it as well.

The series got a full season order so we're now looking at an 18 episode freshman run for the show. On the horizon is its first Christmas episode which has been teased as a big one for Gibbs as it focuses on how he came to join the NIS and the relationships he's formed so far.

Stay tuned to Americans Undercover for NCIS franchise coverage. The prequel airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS. Next day streaming is available on Paramount+. Follow us on X for livetweet threads and more content!