NCIS: Origins fans make passionate plea as beloved agent's fate still up in the air

The second season trailer for NCIS: Origins has yet to confirm whether Lala Dominguez, portrayed by Mariel Molino, will return for more action in the popular CBS prequel series.

This gripping drama is the latest offshoot from the main NCIS franchise, delving into the early career of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a role previously filled by TV legend Mark Harmon.

Austin Stowell steps into the shoes of a younger Gibbs during his time at the Naval Investigative Service (NIS) in the 1990s, when technology was limited but their missions were just as thrilling.

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In the pulse-racing finale of the first season, which aired in April this year, Gibbs and Dominguez's friendship nearly escalated to the next level following a steamy encounter in a swimming pool.

However, their near-kiss was interrupted and a shocking twist at the end of the episode could mean that the tantalising will-they-won't-they dynamic is already over, reports the Mirror US.

After a conversation with Lara Macy, played by Claire Berger, Dominguez drives off in her car, presumably to reunite with Gibbs.

Suddenly, a young girl chasing her dog runs into the road and Dominguez swerves desperately to avoid her, causing her car to veer off the road.

In the final scenes of the episode, the agent is left unconscious, or worse, bloodied and bruised in the fiery wreckage.

Showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal have remained tight-lipped about her fate in the upcoming season, and the latest trailer has done little to alleviate fans' worries.

After the trailer dropped on the NCISVerse Instagram page, countless fans flocked to the comments section with heartfelt prayers for Dominguez's wellbeing.

One devastated viewer responded with a crying emoji: "Pls tell me lala isn't dead like tht is the only thing I want."

Another supporter expressed their concern: "Hey so uh I don't see Lala yet.."

A third dreaded the worst outcome, writing: "So she's gone", accompanied by a tearful emoji.

"Please tell me Dominguez is ok," someone else pleaded. "Please don't be dead."

Yet another fan posted: "I hope lala survives", prompting a final supporter to respond: "Fingers crossed."

Within the trailer, a foreboding voiceover from Harmon's veteran Gibbs hints at Dominguez's destiny.

"The team wasn't what it used to be," he reveals. "I tried to keep my mind busy at the office. The job wasn't right without her."

Could this suggest Dominguez perished in that catastrophic crash?

Or might she simply be taking time away from active duty whilst recovering from her wounds?

Catch the season two premiere of NCIS: Origins in just two weeks' time to discover the truth.

NCIS: Origins season 2 premieres Tuesday, 14th October on CBS. Stream season 1 on Paramount+.