NCIS: Origins’ Austin Stowell Has Lala Theory That Might Get Debunked

Fans have theories about how NCIS: Origins is building up to Lala’s death — but Austin Stowell has another guess.

“I had a theory that I had expressed to people on set — and it’s kind of been proven wrong already,” Stowell, 39, exclusively told Us Weekly about his thoughts on where Mariel Molino‘s character ends up. “I thought that she was possibly related to Pedro Hernandez.”

Viewers who watched NCIS before the prequel know that Pedro killed Gibbs’ (Stowell) wife and daughter. NCIS: Origins picks up months later as Gibbs mourns his family — and tries to track down the person responsible for their deaths.

“[I thought] that would be revealed at some point, creating all kinds of tension,” Stowell noted. “For those who don’t know, Pedro Hernandez is the one who killed my wife and daughter. So if [he was] related somehow [to Lala], that would be a big elephant in the room.”

Stowell’s theory is one of many that have been shared since NCIS: Origins premiered in October. The show seemingly depicted how Gibbs — a role originated by Mark Harmon on NCIS — started working for NIS. Imagine everyone’s surprise when the series premiere featured a voiceover from present-day Gibbs (Harmon) as he revealed that this wasn’t his story — but Lala’s.

The cryptic statement combined with a comment Lala made about how Gibbs’ inexperience in the field might get her killed has Us worried. Stowell, for his part, remained tight-lipped — mainly because he also doesn’t know where the story is headed.

“Selfishly, I hope Lala doesn’t go anywhere. Mariel has been a perfect scene partner. She’s a wonderful human being. We’ve become friends and I would hate to have her leave,” he admitted. “So I really hope that that doesn’t happen. I don’t think the writers want her to go anywhere either. I hope not.”

Stowell joked that perhaps no one is safe on NCIS: Origins, quipping, “We could go very Shakespearean with it and just start getting rid of everyone — Game of Thrones style. But it’d be a real shame to lose [everyone].”

In addition to questions about Lala’s future, all anyone wants to know is whether Gibbs will get together with his coworker. Gibbs and Lala’s chemistry has been undeniable but does that mean they will definitely be explored on the show?

“At this point, we’re still just months after Gibbs lost his wife and child. Even if those emotions are creeping in, he probably is quieting them and feeling as if he shouldn’t have those feelings,” Stowell explained to Us. “If his wife and daughter were still alive, he would be with them. It is only because of their death — their murder — that he blames himself for that he’s even in the position and interacting with the people he’s with.”

The actor pointed out how “cognizant” Gibbs and Lala are about the obstacles standing in the way of a potential romance.

“The turmoil that probably causes him [is obvious]. [This week’s] episode was a great example of that, where you see Gibbs and Lala physically getting intimate for the first time and having to work together,” he continued. “That’s where their bond is created. When you go through experiences with another person — particularly ones where you have to overcome a certain endeavor and succeed — that can be a real bonding memory for the two of you. That event can be the catalyst for something more.”

NCIS: Origins airs on CBS Mondays at 10 p.m. ET and is currently streaming on Paramount+.