CBS’s NCIS: Origins is set to take viewers on a journey to Mexico in an upcoming episode titled Vivo O Muerto. The team will be working to catch a suspect who has fled to the South American country, a mission that proves to be deeply personal for Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell in the prequel series).
Mexico holds a painful significance for Gibbs. It’s tied to unresolved trauma, as the suspect behind his family’s murder is believed to have escaped there. Despite the NIS team’s dedicated efforts over the years, they have been unable to bring the perpetrator to justice. This backdrop of unfinished business adds emotional weight to the team’s current mission and serves as a grim reminder of past failures.
The episode’s promo teases an intense case involving a missing girl. In the clip, Randy (Caleb Foote) reveals that “they were headed to a club in Tijuana,” hinting at a lead in the investigation. The stakes are high, and tensions escalate as Gibbs makes it clear that he refuses to lose sight of a key character, Lala (played by Mariel Morina). As the team’s sniper, Gibbs stands ready to act swiftly should the situation spiral out of control.
Executive producers David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal have shed light on the complex dynamic between Gibbs and Lala. North previously told TV Line, “[In Alaska], Gibbs reflects on his life. This is a moment where he feels compelled to document his story, and Lala plays a significant part in it.” While their interactions have sparked speculation about a romantic connection, the relationship has yet to move in that direction.
Mariel Morina addressed the nature of their bond earlier in the season, explaining, “There’s definitely a spark, but it’s not romantic—at least not yet. The tension and frustration they’re experiencing are the driving forces behind those sparks.”
Vivo O Muerto promises to delve into Gibbs’ haunted past while navigating the complexities of his present, offering fans a gripping, emotionally charged episode.
