NCIS: Origin's Austin Stowell had a wild theory about Lala Dominguez that's soap opera level juicy

There's been much made of the impetus for why retired NCIS agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs has decided to tell the story we're watching unfold on NCIS: Origins. The reveal in the premiere that he was actually recounting Lala Dominguez's tale, which he'd never shared before, rocked viewers and we've all be kept on the edge of our seats as we learn more.

The same can be said for the stars of the series. In a sit down with TVLine's Matt Webb Mitovich, Austin Stowell shared that he's slowly uncovering parts of the mystery surrounding Lala, and her place in Gibbs' life, just as we are. Each script opens a window into the direction the writers are taking their relationship. In episode 6, "Incognito," we saw the duo go undercover together as a couple.

Fans responded to their level of comfort with each other and the obvious depth to their growing bond that's caused some viewers to begin shipping them. The intimacy of some of Gibbs and Lala's interactions has led fans to ask the actors directly if there might be something simmering between the two.

Obviously, the older Gibbs wouldn't be sharing a hidden piece of his past for the sake of excavating a (potential) office romance that canonically doesn't go anywhere, so there's got to be a more compelling reason for this story. My personal theory is that something happened to Lala that Gibbs deeply regrets and ties back to him not listening to his gut. The premiere seemed to hint at the possibility as he lamented the times he didn't act on his instincts.

Stowell's theory for the connecting thread between Gibbs and Lala is wild but it's also likely been debunked by co-showrunners Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North otherwise he wouldn't have shared it. The star told Mitovich the following:

"I had a theory going for the first few episodes that she was actually Pedro Hernandez's daughter or that they might be related somehow...but I think those hunches have been quelled at this point. I think it's off the table."

Pedro Hernandez's daughter! Can you believe it? If that was where NCIS: Origins was going with Lala's story we would have been taken on quite the ride. Remember, Lala worked the case, she was privy to what happened to Shannon Fielding and Kelly Gibbs.

Lala being Pedro's daughter, presumably estranged, would color everything we know about her and her relationship with Gibbs. But it was a great theory nonetheless and it would have explained why the agent has never spoken about her. How would you even begin that conversation knowing you'd grown close with someone unaware that she's the daughter of the man who murdered your loved ones and irreparably changed your life? That's so soapy, it's delicious.

Hopefully, the show's reveal is just as good as what Stowell was theorizing. I'm certain we all can't wait to learn more as season 1 continues, especially with the additional episodes CBS has ordered. Fingers crossed a renewal is on the horizon.

Stay tuned to Americans Undercover for NCIS: Origins coverage. New episodes air Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS. Next day streaming is available on Paramount+. Follow us on X for more content!