'NCIS: Origins' Showrunners: Gibbs Struggles to Choose Between Lala & Diane in Season Finale

Gibbs famous Rule No. 10never get personally involved in a caseis put to the test in the NCIS: Origins fall finale, airing December 9. Lala Dominguez (Mariel Molino) struggles to maintain objectivity when her criminal informant, Twitchy Tony (Travis Hammer), is shot, pushing her to discover who is responsible.

Executive producer David J. North revealed that Twitchy Tony was originally a minor character from the pilot, intended only as a simple informant. It ended up inspiring Gina [Lucita Monreal, executive producer] to develop a beautiful platonic love story around him, North said.

Monreal explained that the episode, titled End of the Road, dives into how agents form relationships with their confidential informants, particularly how Lala views them as real people. It really tells a platonic, almost sibling-like story between Lala and Twitchy Tony, she added.

Meanwhile, Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Austin Stowell) faces emotional conflict regarding his romantic life. Diane Sterling (Kathleen Kenny), his future ex-wife, is moving to Los Angeles for work and wants him to accompany her. At the same time, Gibbs lingering feelings for Lalahighlighted by their near kiss in the Season 1 finalecomplicate matters, especially following her return from a serious car accident.

Monreal commented on Gibbs dilemma: Diane is a supportive presence in his life and truly necessary. His feelings for her are real, but they are not the same as what he feels for Lala. Hes definitely torn. The fall finale promises to explore Gibbs struggle between these two important women extensively.

Additionally, Philip Winchester returns as Mason, the brother of Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid), when Gibbs visits him at his new residence on the compound. North noted, Theres an interesting dynamic between the Franks brothers. Masons role has shifted, and its exciting to see their relationship continue to evolve.

As with any season finale, viewers can anticipate multiple cliffhangers that leave the story hanging until the 2026 return.

NCIS: Origins airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on CBS.

Author: Olivia Parker