Origins' Gibbs Twist clarified a confusing detail about his past on the main show

Notice! This article contains spoilers for NCIS: Origins Season 1, Episode 9, “Vivo o Muerto.”NCIS: Origins introduced several plot holes NCIS universe since its debut in October, but its latest twist has revealed that not everything is as it seems. NCIS: Origins Episode 9 showed Gibbs and Lala teaming up to investigate a missing person case that takes them to Tijuana, Mexico. While there, they learn that the case has major links to a human trafficking ring led by the Reynosa cartelthe infamous organization that is directly related to the deaths of Gibbs' wife and daughter.

Lala immediately called the rest of the team for backup, as the case's connection to the cartel only raised the stakes for Gibbs. The trafficking network could finally lead to the capture of cartel leader Pedro Hernandezand help Gibbs get justice for Shannon and Kelly. Previous episodes of NCIS: Origins revealed that Gibbs tried, but failed, to track down Hernandez to avenge his family's death. It's always been implied that Gibbs' change in behavior was due to his growth around loss, but the latest revelation about Hernandez implies something different.

NCIS: Origins confirmed that Gibbs killed Hernandez before joining the NIS

Gibbs kept Hernandez's murder a secret from his team

In the final moments of NCIS: Origins episode 9, Lala discovers that Hernandez was killed 6 months ago by a sniper. A member of the Reynosa cartel tells her that the cartel only covered up his death so as not to appear weak to others. When Lala shares this information with Gibbs and Franks, nothing more is said, but a slight smile appears on Gibbs' face, revealing that he already knew this because he was the shooter.

While Lala is angry and Franks just stares at Gibbs, it's clear they both understand that Gibbs is the killer. Lala and Franks' reactions at that moment reveal that they didn't know Hernandez was deadand their different reactions also reveal their compassion for Gibbs. Lala is angry that Gibbs didn't trust her enough to tell her, but Franks understands. Franks' reaction to Tish's abuse even implies that he would probably do the same thing if he were in Gibbs' situation.

Why NCIS: Origins Implied Hernandez Was Still Alive

The secret made for better revelation

A deeper look into Hernandez's murder was one of the most anticipated NCIS: Origins stories following the original show. The deaths of Gibbs' wife and daughter are so important to Gibbs' personality that his act of revenge is one of Gibbs' finest momentsas it really reveals Gibbs' character. Implying that Hernandez had not yet been killed at the beginning of NCIS: Origins made for an exciting mystery for NCIS fans to follow, given the importance of the moment.

Keeping Hernandez's death a secret NCIS: Origins also aligned with Gibbs values. He keeps things to himself and only shares when absolutely necessary. Furthermore, his reserved nature symbolizes his rule #4: “The best way to keep a secret? Keep it to yourself.” While killing Hernandez was probably a full circle moment for Gibbs, it was also incredibly painful because it symbolized all the loss in his life. It made sense for him not to tell anyone.