How Gibbs and Lala’s Relationship in NCIS: Origins Shapes Rule 12: Austin Stowell Breaks It Down
The NCIS franchise has long been known for its complex characters, compelling cases, and the unwritten rules that guide the team. Among these, Rule 12—”Never date a co-worker”—has been a cornerstone of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ strict code of conduct. But in NCIS: Origins, the prequel series that explores Gibbs’ early career, fans are seeing a side of him that challenges the very rule he came to live by.
The evolving relationship between Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) and his colleague Lala has become a central focus of the show, offering a glimpse into the events that likely shaped his creation of Rule 12. In a recent interview, Stowell opened up about how this relationship influences Gibbs’ development and the personal turmoil that leads him to adopt such a hardline stance later in life.
The Early Sparks of Gibbs and Lala’s Relationship
In NCIS: Origins, Gibbs is portrayed as a young, ambitious agent still learning the complexities of balancing personal relationships and professional duties. His chemistry with Lala is undeniable, and the show doesn’t shy away from exploring the tension between their growing feelings and the challenges of working together in high-stress environments.
Stowell described the relationship as a pivotal moment for Gibbs, one that exposes his vulnerabilities and forces him to confront the consequences of mixing work and romance. “Lala is someone who truly understands Gibbs in a way few people can,” Stowell explained. “Their connection is deep, but it’s also complicated by the pressures of the job and the secrets they’re both keeping.”
The Road to Rule 12
Fans of the original NCIS know that Rule 12 became a guiding principle for Gibbs, often enforced with unwavering conviction. Stowell hinted that Gibbs’ relationship with Lala plays a significant role in shaping this rule.
“There’s a moment in every person’s life where they learn something the hard way,” Stowell said. “For Gibbs, his relationship with Lala represents one of those moments. It’s not just about heartbreak—it’s about understanding how personal entanglements can cloud judgment and put lives at risk.”
The series is careful to show the nuances of their relationship, from the undeniable pull they feel toward each other to the cracks that begin to form as their professional lives collide. Viewers are left to wonder how their story will end and what will ultimately lead Gibbs to adopt Rule 12 as an unbreakable tenet of his life.
The Impact on Gibbs’ Legacy
Stowell emphasized that NCIS: Origins isn’t just about revisiting Gibbs’ past but about understanding the experiences that shaped the iconic leader fans have come to admire. The relationship with Lala is a crucial piece of that puzzle.
“What we’re seeing with Lala is a younger Gibbs grappling with decisions that will define who he is,” Stowell noted. “It’s raw, it’s emotional, and it’s messy—everything that life tends to be when you’re figuring out who you are.”
Fans Are Watching Closely
As the season unfolds, fans are eagerly dissecting every interaction between Gibbs and Lala, speculating about how their story will influence the creation of Rule 12. Will their relationship end in tragedy? Or will it simply be a hard lesson learned?
Whatever the outcome, Stowell promises that it will be a turning point for Gibbs. “This relationship is a key moment in understanding why Gibbs became the man we know,” he said. “And it’s going to leave an impact—not just on him, but on viewers as well.”
With each new episode of NCIS: Origins, the layers of Gibbs’ character are peeled back, offering fans an unprecedented look at his emotional journey. As the drama between Gibbs and Lala unfolds, one thing is certain: the road to Rule 12 is as compelling as it is heartbreaking.
