Warning! Spoilers ahead for NCIS: Origins episode 16.NCIS: Originshas long teased Gibbs and Lala’s romance, but episode 16 may have just moved the couple one step closer to it. Gibbs and Lala have had tension ever since the first episode of theNCISspinoff, but as a romantic pair, neither has made a move to push their relationship into becoming more than a friendship. TheNCIS: Originsstoryhas largely moved away from romance, but romantic relationships have been a notable subplot throughout the season.
In particular, they have had a few romantic moments and both characters have made their interests clear. However, nothing has come of the relationship so far. TheNCISfranchisehas never focused on romance as the sole storyline, but it has always made for exciting plots.Gibbs and Lala are partners first, but the pair’s chemistry hints that they may become a couplebefore the season ends.NCIS: Originsepisode 16 has even made the possibility more likely.
NCIS: Origins Episode 16 Opens With Gibbs Getting Convinced That He Deserves To Be Happy
The Veteran Support Group Is Finally Helping Him
Since theNCIS: Originspremiere,Gibbs has struggled openly with his griefafter losing his wife and daughter in a targeted incident. As a way to help himself, he slowly started attending a Veteran Support Group for veterans facing similar issues to Gibbs.NCIS: Originsepisode 15revealed that the group was not helping him, but fortunately, episode 16 changed that.
NCIS: Originsepisode 16 showed Gibbs finally getting the emotional support he needs from the group. He has struggled with opening up to the other members, which is likely why he felt the group was not helping him. However, episode 16 showed each member of the support group telling Gibbs that he deserved to be happy. It is clear thatGibbs continues to feel guilt and grief, but the support group is teaching him that he deserves to be happyregardless of his feelings. This significant emotional growth also has the potential to impact his relationship with Lala.
How Gibbs Allowing Himself To Be Happy Paves The Way For His Romance With Lala
Gibbs Can Open Himself Up Again
If he believes that he deserves to be happy again, thenGibbs can finally feel comfortable in pursuing a relationship with Lala. For so long, Gibbs has felt like he was responsible for his wife and daughter’s deaths. This has stopped him from truly believing that he deserves to be happy. However, the support his fellow veterans have shown him could allow Gibbs to open his heart again and allow himself to be vulnerable with Lala.
Finding another romantic partner does not erase the relationship Gibbs had with his wife.
Gibbs and Lala’s romancehas been teased several times, but one major hurdle in their relationship was Gibbs' grief. He was not ready for another relationship so close to losing his wife. With time,Gibbs has slowly started to learn how to deal with his griefhealthily. We see this in how he attends the support groups, but also in how he treats Lala. He has started seeing her as a partner who can hold her own, rather than someone he needs to protect.
As Gibbs has come to terms with the changes in his life, he can start to envision a future where he is happy again with someone else. Finding another romantic partner does not erase the relationship Gibbs had with his wife.Lala is also the perfect person to pursue a relationship withbecause Gibbs can be happy with her. They get along but they also understand each other. They each have their own issues, but they have learned to grow together too.
Will Gibbs & Lala’s Romance Happen In NCIS: Origins Season 1?
There Are Still Some Hurdles To Overcome
A major issue in Lala and Gibbs' romance has been Gibbs' secret involvement in Pedro Hernandez’s murder. When Lala found out that Gibbs had killed Hernandez several months prior to joining NIS while the team tirelessly searched for him, she was understandably surprised and upset. As partners, trust comes first, and Gibbs broke that trust by lying to everyone.Lala and Gibbs have slowly improved their relationshipafter the bombshell first dropped, but the impendingNCIS: Originsseason finale might stir things up again.
NCIS: Originsairs Mondays on CBS.
NCIS: Originsis bringing back Lara Macyin the finale to investigate Gibbs' involvement in the murder. Macy’s appearance in the prequel will likely cause some damage to the trust that Lala and Gibbs have built by bringing up old problems. As the Hernandez case gets scrutinized, it will likely push Lala away further from Gibbs, preventing any major development in their romance. In that case, a Lala and Gibbs union might not happen untilNCIS: Originsseason 2, when the pair has time to cool off.
