‘NCIS: Origins’: Mariel Molino Breaks Down Lala’s Feelings for Gibbs

[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for the NCIS: Origins Season 2 premiere, “The Funky Bunch.”]

“I honestly didn’t know the extent of how much fans loved Lala,” Mariel Molino admits. Then came their reactions to the NCIS: Origins cliffhanger, which left her character’s life hanging in the balance after a finale-ending car accident.

The premiere reveals that Lala is alive, and she’s just ready to return to work. But there’s tension between her and Gibbs (Austin Stowell), both personally (he’s now dating Kathleen Kenny‘s Diane after not kissing Lala or visiting her) and professionally (he’s way too overprotective). Below, Mariel Molino talks about how Lala’s doing going forward, how she feels about Gibbs and how their relationship is, and more.