If there’s one thing “NCIS: Origins” knows how to do well, it’s an emotional journey filled with tears and fear. No character in the show is safe from development. We just wish the show would pick up the pace.
One of the main concerns viewers had about the premiere season was that Agent Lara Dominguez needed to be developed and utilized correctly.
Considering how well NCIS: Origins developed Gibbs, Franks, and even Randy, I have to agree with that assessment of Lala.
The first season of “NCIS: Origins” has had its share of ups and downs, but the show has always delivered exciting plot lines. However, some definitely outshine others.
Best Episode – “All’s Not Lost” – Season 01 Episode 04
There’s the emotional episode, and then there’s this gem that happens to show up mid-season. Viewers may not have forgotten most of what happened in this episode, but let me give you a recap.
The episode opens with Gibbs receiving news that his family has been murdered before the N.I.A. takes on the case of a missing little girl, bringing to light everything Gibbs has been avoiding.
If you read the review for NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 4, you know we have to hand it to the actress who played the little girl. Heidi Hoskins is absolutely incredible as Mildred Jones.
Everything in this episode leads up to the moment where Gibbs (Austin Stowell) parts ways with one of his daughter’s favorite toys. That’s when Gibbs turned a corner and faced everything he’d been trying not to feel.
Gibbs shares a tearful moment with Mary Jo, which leads to Gibbs finally accepting Franks’ dinner invitation. Out of all the other episodes so far, this one saw Gibbs change for the better.
Finally, one thing that stood out to me was how damn high Mary Jo’s heels were in this episode. The woman looked as beautiful as ever, there was no mistaking that.
Worst Episode – “Bend, Don’t Break” – Season 1, Episode 3
Gibbs should be embarrassed in retrospect. Will he help solve the case? Absolutely. Is he completely insane in doing this? This man is crazier than a squirrel in a tree.
Gibbs broke almost every protocol when he tried to detain a suspect in an elevator. Of course, his instincts about preserving the Prado were correct, but Gibbs didn’t make any friends because of his strategy.
He completely ignores everything Randy says, forcing the NIA’s golden boy to struggle between supporting his partner and keeping his end of the bargain. That’s not exactly Agent of the Month behavior.
From start to finish, Gibbs annoys just about everyone. Everyone from Franks to Gibbs Sr. had a complaint against Gibbs.
This made it hard for Gibbs to root for him after everything he’d been through. Thankfully, Mike manages to get Gibbs back on track.
I’d say everyone in the audience unanimously loved Kyle Schmid’s portrayal of young Mike Franks. Schmid would be better off getting at least an Emmy nomination for this role.
The actor completely disappears into the character, leaving only a grumpy McFranks.
“NCIS: Origins” Season 1 Episode 5 showed a side of Franks that viewers new to the “NCIS” series may not have expected. Who knew there was a heart as big as Texas underneath that mustache?
In “Last Rites,” Mike almost travels to the ends of the earth in an attempt to find the victim’s body after assuring the victim’s family that their lost loved one can be laid to rest.
If you’ve seen that episode, you know that Albert Hope, played by Christopher Redman (“Chicago Fire”), was in competition with McFranks.
Seriously, Mike seems ready to rip out the rest of his hair. Hannibal Lecter would be proud.
More than anything, this episode shows why we love Franks so much. He might be a little rude, but Mike genuinely cares about people to a degree he’ll never admit.
Even those who weren’t Mike’s biggest fans started to catch on. Remember how Franks and Strickland clashed in “Last Rites” because she wanted Mike’s help in launching her analysis program?
Ultimately, Mike made a significant contribution to Wheeler by convincing her to approve the plan. Mike was everyone’s protective uncle. He’s a family man through and through.
Worst Character — Lala Dominguez — Season 1 Episode 6
Look, I don’t want this to be a witch hunt, but what the hell is going on with Lala Dominguez? The agent appears in every episode, but has by far the least development.
Considering the first episode, this was an odd choice for the writers of NCIS: Origins. If you recall, present-day Gibbs narrated at the end of the NCIS: Origins season 1 premiere: “This is her story.”
Like you, I have struggled to understand the truth of this statement. At first, Lala just comes across as a smart, capable agent who doesn’t take any crap from anyone.
NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 6 spoilers discuss how the episode finally answers the question of how Lala fits into Gibbs’ story.
Alas, this is not the case. The only thing “Invisible” brings to the audience are headaches and many questions. However, we learn that Lala actually does take everyone’s crap. She just puts everything into a box.
It could be me, but I don’t see any chemistry between Gibbs and Lala. The scene where Gibbs tries to get Lala to go out for a drink feels forced.
Gibbs went from being a brooding, always serious agent to being like a kid inviting people he liked to hang out. Hopefully Lala’s inclusion will make sense when the show returns.
Honorable Mention – Mary Jo
You didn’t think we’d have an entire article about NCIS: Origins without talking specifically about Mary Jo, did you? This extraordinary character is the heart of the show.
She gets some of the best lines, like when Gibbs asks Mary Jo how to get the giant printer off his desk and Mary Jo replies, “Use your arms, baby.” I couldn’t help it. Live giggling.
In addition to her humor and stunning costumes, Tyla Abercrumbie’s Mary Jo is also the unofficial therapist for the National Intelligence Service. She volunteers to care for Mildred while the team works on the little girl’s case.
In the same episode, she comforted a tearful Gibbs. Who can forget her “Come to Jesus” speech to Mike in “Last Rites”?
The only words to describe Mary Jo are fun, wonderful and fearless. Hopefully we’ll learn more of her backstory as the show continues.
We should all keep an eye out for when Gibbs begins to lay out his plans. You know the guy I’m talking about. This may be the primary reason why he joined the National Intelligence Service.
If you remember, Gibbs Sr. told Leroy that he wasn’t cut out for the NIS. I think he wanted to join for one reason only: to find his family’s murderer.
There were early signs that the show was heading in this direction, but things have been strangely silent since then. Regardless, long-time fans of the series know this event was inevitable.
However, I still think it’s possible that we can learn something that was previously hidden. Considering this is a prequel series, there are a lot of moving parts.
All I can say is, we don’t know what we don’t know, and CBS’ NCIS: Origins may have some extremely intense stuff planned for the second half of the season.
We have a great team here. We just hope the team can work together to get to the finish line. Not everyone can get into the original NCIS.
Who is your favorite NCIS: Origins character so far?
When NCIS: Origins returns, what do you hope will be the focus of the second half of the season?
Let me know in the comments below, and join me again as I review the next episode of NCIS: Origins!
Be on the lookout for NCIS: Origins spoilers ahead of each new episode!
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