Notice! Spoilers ahead for NCIS Season 22, Episode 3.The problem with Sean Murray as Timothy McGee is clear in NCIS season 22, and there may not be a good way to resolve it. All of the original members of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ team are no longer part of the Major Case Response Team following Ducky Mallard’s death in season 21. This means that, despite not being part of the inaugural cast, having been introduced several episodes in the 1st season, McGee is the oldest character in the main series. Be connected NCIS for more than two decades, Murray’s character grew from a meticulous rookie to a confident senior field agent.
Having been on NCIS for a long time, McGee has seen every version of MCRT. He’s been there through multiple deaths and countless matches. He was the last person Gibbs spoke to before retiring to Alaska in NCIS season 19. Now, he is Alden Parker’s most trusted agent. McGee’s narrative also included the development of his personal lifewhich now includes being married to Delilah and having two children. This is all great, but NCIS season 22 exposes a problem with the character and his future on the series that, unfortunately, may not have a good solution.
New NCIS Deputy Director Is Potentially a Spy Agency
THE NCIS The season 22 premiere revealed that McGee was vying for the vice principal position. Unfortunately, he didn’t get the job, which went to Gabriel LaRoche – former DOJ inspector general. In addition to the threat he poses to the agency, NCIS’s choice of an outsider over McGee, who was a key player in the organization for more than two decades, was disheartening. Murray’s character admits this in NCIS season 22, episode 3, “The Trouble With Hal”, during a stakeout with Parker. However, part of the conversation is how McGee getting the job would have forced him to leave MCRT.
McGee has been a part of the Navy Yard team for some time, and while he didn’t get the promotion, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who would argue that he doesn’t deserve one at this point in his career.
Overall, it’s great to keep Murray NCISespecially after the series of casting departures in recent years. Parker himself confirmed that being vice principal would tie him to his desk, which might not exactly be McGee’s idea of a job. That said, staying with MCRT isn’t the best future for the character either. McGee has been a part of the Navy Yard team for some time, and while he didn’t get the promotion, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who would argue that he doesn’t deserve one at this point in his career.
MCRT no longer serves McGee on NCIS
McGee has outgrown the role of senior field agent
Although LaRoche’s true intentions are eventually resolved, McGee’s failed promotion leaves NCIS at a crossroads. Unfortunately, being at MCRT no longer serves the character, as there is no chance of advancement within the agency unless he leaves the current team. McGee can stay safe and remain a senior field agentwhich means it will maintain the status quo of the show. That said, knowing that he’s actually ready to move up to a much higher position suddenly makes this an off-putting option.
For what it’s worthMcGee was offered the job by Gibbs following Mark Harmon’s departure. However, he declined, saying he wanted to remain on the field. That being said, that was also three years ago. He’s grown up since then and maybe being behind a desk and having greater responsibility is something he wants now. Perhaps being the interim director in NCISThe thousandth episode motivated him to climb the agency’s hierarchy. Regardless, it’s clear that McGee wants some changes, but to do so he’ll have to say goodbye to his team of over 20 years.
Is there a way to solve the McGee problem from NCIS?
Solving McGee’s Problem Requires Big Changes
As it stands, there is no viable way to keep McGee NCIS while fulfilling your desire to advance your career. The MCRT has always been a small team, with a leader, who is now Parker, and several field agents. Even if they prove that LaRoche is actually a spy in the organization and McGee becomes Deputy Director, NCIS Season 22, Episode 3 confirms that Murray’s character will no longer be part of Parker, Jessica Knight, Nick Torres, Jimmy Palmer and Kasie Hines’ day-to-day operations.
At this point, the only way to solve McGee’s problem is to make some changes. NCIS may expand the Deputy Director position to include field work. The role has been underutilized throughout the show and this could be the chance to make it more relevant, especially if McGee ends up taking over the role. Otherwise, Murray’s character could also be the next director of NCISif the theories about Leon Vance’s departure finally come to fruition.