Entertainment
CBS Needs To Make a Bold Call With ‘NCIS’ Starting With Timothy McGee
After over two decades on network television, NCIS is one of the longest-running police procedurals of all time. Since then, all the original cast members have exited the series for various reasons. This leaves Sean Murray‘s Timothy McGee as the most tenured character since his introduction back in Season 1, Episode 7, “Sub Rosa.” Although McGee was only intended to be a one-time guest star, he became a recurring character in Season 1 before being promoted to series regular in Season 2. With 23 seasons’ worth of character development, it looks like McGee is leveling up to a position he’s perfect for.
With a milestone of 500 episodes, the NCIS creative team was definitely going to deliver an episode that would impact the show in a big way. In a shocking twist, NCIS Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) died saving the agency. He’s been a staple of the series since the end of Season 5, when he officially took on the role of NCIS Director following the death of Jenny Shepard (Lauren Holly). After 18 seasons, the federal agency needs a new director, and they already have the perfect person to lead: Tim McGee.
Timothy McGee Is Destined To Be the NCIS Director
McGee was first introduced as a probationary agent (aka “probie”) back in Season 1, referring to NCIS Senior Agent Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) as “sir” in a very timid and insecure manner. While it took some time, McGee experienced so much character development once he joined Gibbs and DiNozzo on the Major Crimes Response Team (MCRT). Even though DiNozzo would give him goofy nicknames, McGee pushed back and earned the respect of his peers. McGee earned the status of being a Senior Field Agent with his dedication to the job and extreme care for every case. Even when he and his partner, Delilah Fielding (Margo Harshman), experienced a personal tragedy, McGee came back even stronger. McGee is truly the most well-balanced character of NCIS as he’s able to prioritize his personal life over the job.
When Gibbs retired from NCIS, he gave his blessing for McGee to take over MCRT. But seeing how Gibbs was, he knew the strain it would have on his life, so he respectfully passed on the position because his family came above anything else. But that doesn’t mean McGee doesn’t love NCIS. When Vance had to step away from his directorial duties, McGee happily filled in and did a good job at running the agency. In Season 22, McGee applied to be NCIS Deputy Director but sadly lost the position to Department of Justice Inspector Gabriel LaRoche (Seamus Dever). While it seemed like McGee’s growth was at a standstill, Season 23 is giving fans hope that McGee will finally get the recognition he deserves.
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“What good’s it being an armed Federal Agent, if you can’t drive fast?”
In the 500th episode of NCIS, Vance says, “McGee is destined to lead, and leaders know when to ask for permission and where to ask for forgiveness.” The director of a global agency singling out McGee as a leader is a huge moment that speaks volumes. With over 20 years of experience on MCRT, McGee has led various agents, such as Ellie Bishop (Emily Wickersham), Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama), and Jessica Knight (Katrina Law). He’s even worked with agents in other offices, like Sam Hanna (LL Cool J), G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell), and Dwayne Pride (Scott Bakula). With his relationship with various people across the entire agency, McGee would be a perfect leader and have a huge number of supporters. As a husband and a father to two kids, McGee has a constant fear that each day might be his last, considering the risk he takes as a Senior Field Agent. Putting him in the Director position would still paint a target on his back, but at least he would see less action. While that sounds like a punishment, it’s a big evolution for McGee.
With Cyber Ops Tech Operator Curtis Hubley (J. Claude Deering) returning in NCIS Season 23, Episode 15, the show is also hinting that he could be McGee’s replacement on MCRT. Throughout his recurring appearances, Hubley has been vocal about one day becoming a probie. It would be a full circle moment to see McGee usher in a new probie and share his wisdom after his years of experience. Even if McGee becomes NCIS Director, fans don’t have to worry about seeing less of their fan-favorite NCIS character. Vance has had a strong presence throughout the series, and that shouldn’t change if McGee takes on this role. It would be interesting to see McGee continue to provide his expertise to MCRT, even if it’s just bouncing off theories or using his new power as NCIS Director to speed through any red tape.
NCIS‘ 500th episode is a major turning point for the series and foreshadows even more great stories for seasons to come. There’s a reason why the show has gone on for 23 seasons and continues to maintain its loyal fanbase. With McGee as the most tenured character on the show, it’s finally time to see him get a big character moment that changes the status quo moving forward. He’s become the face of the NCIS franchise since Gibbs’ exit in Season 19, and he has more than proven himself worthy of becoming a leader of the global agency.
New episodes of NCIS Season 23 drop on Tuesdays. The series is streaming on Paramount+.
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