Sean Murray’s portrayal of Timothy McGee in NCIS season 22 highlights a significant challenge, one that may not have a straightforward resolution. With the passing of Ducky Mallard in season 21, all original members of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ team have departed from the Major Case Response Team. This shift positions Timothy McGee, who joined the series a few episodes into its first season, as the longest-serving character in the flagship show. Over the course of more than twenty years on NCIS, Sean Murray’s character has evolved from a meticulous Probie to a self-assured Senior Field Agent.
After spending so many years on NCIS, Timothy McGee has witnessed every iteration of the Major Case Response Team. He has endured numerous losses and farewells, standing as the last person to converse with Gibbs before his retirement in Alaska during season 19.
Now, he serves as Alden Parker’s most dependable agent. McGee’s journey has also seen significant personal growth, including his marriage to Delilah and the joy of raising two children.
While these developments are commendable, NCIS season 22 reveals a troubling issue regarding McGee’s character and his future on the show, one that unfortunately may not have a favorable resolution.
Timothy McGee’s Unsuccessful Promotion In NCIS Season 22 Is Disappointing, Yet It Offers A Glimmer of Hope
The premiere of NCIS season 22 unveiled McGee’s ambition to become the Deputy Director, a role he ultimately lost to Gabriel LaRoche, the former DOJ Inspector General. This decision was particularly disappointing, as it meant that an outsider was chosen over Timothy McGee, a dedicated member of the agency for over twenty years.
In Season 22, Episode 3, titled The Trouble With Hal, Sean Murray’s character reflects on this setback during a stakeout with Parker. Their discussion reveals that while McGee’s promotion would have been a significant achievement, it would have also meant leaving the MCRT team he has been a vital part of.
Timothy McGee has been a valuable member of the Navy Yard team for quite some time, and while he may not have received a promotion yet, it would be difficult to find anyone who believes he hasn’t earned one at this stage of his career.
Retaining Sean Murray in NCIS is a fantastic decision, particularly in light of the recent wave of cast changes. Parker has acknowledged that taking on the role of Deputy Director would confine him to his desk, which likely doesn’t align with McGee’s vision of his job.
However, remaining in MCRT may not represent the most promising path for the character either. McGee has been a dedicated member of the Navy Yard team for quite some time, and while he may not have received a promotion yet, it’s hard to find anyone who would dispute that he has earned one at this stage in his career.
MCRT Is No Longer Supporting Timothy McGee In NCIS
LaRoche’s genuine motives will ultimately come to light, but McGee’s unsuccessful promotion places NCIS in a pivotal situation. Regrettably, remaining in MCRT no longer benefits his character, as there is little opportunity for advancement within the agency unless he departs from his current team.
McGee has the option to remain secure as a Senior Field Agent, which would preserve the show’s existing dynamics. However, discovering that he is truly prepared to pursue a significantly higher role makes this choice increasingly unappealing.
It’s important to note that McGee had the opportunity to take over Gibbs’ position following Mark Harmon’s departure. He chose to decline the offer, expressing a desire to remain in the field. However, that decision was made three years ago.
Since then, McGee has evolved, and it’s possible that he now sees value in stepping into a more significant role behind a desk. His experience as the Acting Director during NCIS’ milestone 1000th episode may have sparked a new ambition to advance within the agency.
Clearly, McGee is seeking change, but achieving that will mean parting ways with a team he has been a part of for over two decades.
Is There A Solution To The Timothy McGee Dilemma In NCIS ?
Currently, there is no feasible option to retain McGee in NCIS while also allowing him to pursue his career ambitions. The Major Crimes Response Team has always operated as a compact unit, led by Parker, with a handful of field agents.
Even if they successfully demonstrate that LaRoche is a mole within the organization, and McGee is promoted to Deputy Director, NCIS season 22, episode 3 clearly indicates that Murray’s character will be stepping away from the daily activities alongside Parker, Jessica Knight, Nick Torres, Jimmy Palmer, and Kasie Hines.
To address McGee’s dilemma effectively, it’s essential to implement some changes. One viable solution is to broaden the responsibilities of the Deputy Director position to encompass fieldwork.
This role has not been fully leveraged during the series, and now presents a perfect opportunity to enhance its significance, particularly if McGee is poised to step into the office.
Alternatively, if the speculation regarding Leon Vance’s departure proves true, Murray’s character could emerge as a strong candidate for the next NCIS Director.