It seems as though NCIS: Origins is giving viewers mixed messages with its promos for “Blue Bayou.” However, we’re not mad about it because we’re getting a Christmas episode out of it.
The first promo for the episode was the standard mix of heavy drama and action for a brief but exciting seventeen seconds. There’s a lot to unwrap there, considering what went down in “Vivo o Muerto.”
But, like an early holiday present, the series gifted fans a lovely one-minute clip from NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 10. However, what the show is trying to convey is not altogether clear.
One thing we all expect without a shadow of a doubt is for Lala to have more than a few words for Franks and Gibbs. Suffice it to say the promo is just the tip of the iceberg.
The Tables Have Finally Turned In Lala’s Favor As Far As Her Story And Relevance Are Concerned
Throughout most of NCIS: Origins Season 1, Lala has been the least-liked character on the show. Granted, the blame falls on the writers because the actress has been killing it with the material she’s been given.
As expressed in the reviews and through comments on the show, establishing a connection between Gibbs and Lala early on seemed detrimental to the story.
However, it’s clear now more than ever why the writers had to carefully maneuver Gibbs and Lala together. If they had hit it off right from the start, that would have set off alarms in every audience member’s head.
Up until NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 9, we all thought Gibbs was still grieving. I don’t know about you, but I love a good twist, and that was a Matlock-worthy reveal.
We may have loved it, but it’s very clear from the scene at the end of the episode during the awkward car ride home that not everyone was happy.
Franks And Gibbs Established Themselves As A Separate Unit By Keeping Lala In The Dark
At the start of the promo, viewers can hear Lala say, “I’m asking off Franks’s team.” Those are some pretty heavy words to be throwing around, but she seems to mean them.
Gibbs tries to respond, but Agent Dominguez cuts him off by saying, “I don’t trust you, Gibbs. I sure as hell don’t trust the two of you together.
Yikes. As a Hispanic man myself, I can confirm that was likely her holding back. Don’t worry, though. As long as she doesn’t bust out the Spanish, Gibbs won’t get injured.
In all seriousness, this is tough to pick a side on, but that’s one of the best parts of NCIS: Origins. It shows that there is no black-and-white when it comes to life. Everything is gray.
For one thing, the series did a good job of hiding how closely involved Lala was with the case of Gibbs’s family. We had no idea. Then again, neither did Gibbs (Austin Stowell), so he must be feeling a tremendous amount of guilt.
At the same time, who the hell could blame Gibbs for not wasting time taking Hernandez out? But that’s not the issue here. Well, not the only issue.
By leaving Lala in the dark, Gibbs and Franks established themselves as a unit apart from the team, especially from Lala.
Did I mention this was a Christmas episode? As most TV Fanatics know, Christmas episodes are great opportunities to pair the cheerful tones of the holiday with devastating news.
Who Knew There Was A Holiday Enthusiast Under All Of Gibbs’s Brooding Demeanor?
In the special clip released by CBS, two previously unseen characters are on duty at the precinct before Gibbs makes his entrance.
It’s clear from the start that there is a strong theme of holiday cheer. The female character has antlers on while Christmas lights shine behind her. Again, as far as I know, we’ve never seen this character.
Maybe she fills in for Tyla Abercrumbie’s (The Chi) Mary Jo at night. Lord knows crime doesn’t care about working hours. She doesn’t offer much information, but her eyes are very telling.
The only thing that can be gathered from the clip is that an unknown girl clearly has the hots for the unknown male character. Oh, and that Gibbs got a call that required distraction afterward.
When in doubt, trimming a Christmas Tree can be a great time filler. I guess now that the cat is out of the bag, Gibbs doesn’t have to push his “cheerful” attitude down to hide what he did.
I’m willing to bet money that the tress has something to do with Gibbs and Franks trying to smooth things over with Mariel Molino’s (Promised Land) Lala. Maybe some kind of Christmas wonderland to lift her rage. Give her enough nostalgia and holiday cheer to stick around.
It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year Unless You’re Special Agent Lala Dominguez
The official synopses for NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 10 reads: “As Leroy Jethro Gibbs prepares for his first Christmas without his wife and daughter, flashbacks reveal the unlikely journey that led to his first day on the job as a special agent at NIS’ Camp Pendleton office working with Mike Franks and Lala.”
The first thing I want to see is how the entire conversation between Lala and Gibbs goes. More than that, I HAVE to know how the conversation between Lala and Franks goes.
Actually, scratch that. I want to know if Tish knew about Franks helping Gibbs take out Hernandez. I’m pretty sure her reaction will probably be the right one.
That may be wishful thinking because who else is dying to find out what the heck happened to Tish? Why is Franks (Kyle Schmid) overly protective of her?
Tish is right up there on my list with Mary Jo. Those two are a whole vibe, and I’m pretty sure each could take a man down with their bare hands.
Whatever “Blue Bayou” has in store for audiences, it will undoubtedly be something juicy to satiate viewers until the series returns for the second half of NCIS: Origins Season 1.
That’s right, we are coming upon a little pause in our weekly schedule, with the show taking a tiny break through winter and returning in early 2025.
So, enjoy that eggnog, fruitcake, tamales, or whatever you eat to celebrate the holidays. Or maybe you don’t celebrate the holidays at all.
Either way, NCIS: Origins will likely send audiences through the New Year with plenty to think about.
For now, check out the promo for CBS‘s NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 10 below!
Do you think Franks would have told Tish about what he did?
How are you feeling about Lala after everything that has happened?
Please drop a comment below to let me know what you think, and join me again when I review this episode of NCIS: Origins!
And keep an eye out for NCIS: Origins Spoilers, posted before each new episode!
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