Warning: MAJOR SPOILERS ahead for NCIS: Origins season 1, episode 18!NCIS: Origins season 1 ended with Lala Dominguez (Mariel Molino) heading to the protagonist's house with positive news, having lied to Lara Macy (Claire Berger) about Pedro Hernandez's (George Paez) death. However, on her way over, a little girl runs into the street, with Lala crashing her car in an attempt to avoid her. The season ends with her seemingly unconcious in her car, though her actual fate remains unclear.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Stowell explained what Lala's cliffhanger car crash means for NCIS: Origins going forward, and what it means for season 2. The Gibbs actor said that it's possible this event will either make his character grow closer to his love interest, or have him back off, not wanting to lose anyone close to him. This is, of course, if she survives, with the series star not certain whether she's going to make it out alive. Check out what Stowell had to say below:

This will have gigantic ramifications on him. No matter what happens, he just cannot seem to stop hurting people. I don't know whether it'll make him double down on his feelings for her or make him so scared that he wants to completely retract.

Is she dead? Is she in a coma? Is she paralyzed? I don't know any of these things. I know this much. He's going to find out that she was in a car accident after it seems like she was on the way to his house, so the guilt will only build.

What Stowell's Statement Says About Lala's Fate In NCIS: Origins

Gibbs Will Feel Guilty No Matter The Outcome

Although there's no telling if Lala will live to see NCIS: Origins season 2 as of writing, her character doesn't have a role to play outside the prequel series. She is never mentioned by Gibbs in the original NCIS, hinting that whatever romantic relationship they had in the past doesn't make it into the present. This means it's possible she does die during this car crash, bringing about a traumatic end to their relationship. Another possibility is a life-altering injury, which could still cause their romance to crumble.

Based on Stowell's statement, however, the fact Lala was driving to Gibbs' house means he'll be wracked with guilt over whatever the outcome is. The car crash may impact multiple characters on NCIS: Origins, but the main protagonist is going to blame himself for the tragedy, even if he never could have predicted it. No matter what the outcome is for Lala's fate, it seems as if the car crash is going to have long-standing implications for what happens to the pair going into season 2.

Our Take On Lala's Possible Death In NCIS: Origins

Is She Going To Be Written Out So Soon?

While it's possible Lala does meet her end because of season 1's car crash, it's also possible the event is just a red herring for what her final fate is going to be. There's no definitive evidence this is the end of her story, with the car crash never revealing for certain if she died. No matter whether she lives through the ordeal or succumbs to her injuries, though, NCIS: Origins season 2 will be dealing with the long-term aftermath of the terrible accident.

All episodes of NCIS: Origins season 1 are now streaming on Paramount+.

Source: EW