“Incognito,” the sixth episode of NCIS: ORIGINS, attempts to give Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Austin Stowell) his first undercover moment, a situation seemingly ripe with potential for awkward humor and fish-out-of-water shenanigans. Yet, while Gibbs’s undercover foray into a world of smoky backrooms and shady characters certainly delivers a few wry smiles, it’s Lala (Mariel Molino) who truly commands attention in this episode.
The case itself—the death of a Navy seaman suspected of leaking classified intel—is standard NCIS fare. A stolen top-secret file concerning a mysterious “tomahawk” leads Gibbs and Lala to an underground gambling den, where their attempts to blend in provide some mildly amusing moments. Gibbs, predictably, struggles with the nuances of undercover work, relying more on intimidation than charm.
However, the episode’s real focus is Lala’s continued struggle to find her place within the nascent NCIS team. Facing sexism and microaggressions, she negotiates a professional landscape where her skills and insights are often dismissed. While she ably assists Gibbs in the gambling den, using her quick thinking to save his cover, the underlying tension of her position remains palpable.
Throwing another wrench in the works of Lala’s story is a personal revelation that adds a new dimension to her internal conflict. Confronted with guilt over a recent personal indiscretion, she must balance her professional challenges with a burgeoning personal crisis. The episode hints at the intricate relationships of the early NCIS team, portraying the casual sexism of the era with a degree of nuance that mostly avoids preachiness.
While the “tomahawk” plotline provides a sufficient framework for the action, it’s the quieter moments—Lala’s frustration with her colleagues, her internal struggles—that give “Incognito” its weight. The episode concludes with Lala making a decision regarding her personal life, a choice that is likely to have repercussions in future episodes.
NCIS: ORIGINS airs Mondays at 8/7c on CBS.
