Warning! Spoilers ahead for NCIS season 22, episode 3.Sean Murray's problem as Timothy McGee is clear in NCIS season 22, and there may not be a good way to solve it. All original members of Leroy Jethro Gibbs' team are no longer part of the Major Case Response Team after Ducky Mallard's death in season 21. That means that, despite not being part of the inaugural cast, having been introduced several episodes into season 1, McGee is the longest-serving character in the flagship series. Being on NCIS for more than two decades, Murray's character has grown from a finicky Probie to a confident Senior Field Agent.
Having been on NCIS for so long, McGee has seen all versions of MCRT. He was there through multiple deaths and countless departures. He was the last person that Gibbs talked to before retiring in Alaska in NCIS season 19. Now, he is Alden Parker's most reliable agent. McGee's narrative has also included the development of his personal life, which now includes being married to Delilah and having two kids. All of these are great, but NCIS season 22 exposes a problem with the character and his future in the show that sadly, may not have a good solution.
McGee's Failed Promotion In NCIS Season 22 Stings But Has A Silver Lining
NCIS' New Deputy Director Is Potentially An Agency Mole
The NCIS season 22 premiere revealed that McGee was vying for the position of Deputy Director. Sadly, he didn't get the job, which went to Gabriel LaRoche —former DOJ Inspector General. Aside from the threat he poses to the agency, NCIS choosing an outsider over McGee, who has been a foundational player in the organization for more than two decades was disheartening. Murray's character admits to this in NCIS season 22, episode 3, "The Trouble With Hal," during a stakeout with Parker. However, part of their conversation is how McGee getting the job would have forced him to leave MCRT.
Overall, it's great to keep Murray in NCIS, especially after the string of cast departures in the last few years. Parker himself confirmed that being a Deputy Director would tie him to his desk, which may not exactly be McGee's idea of work. That said, staying in MCRT isn't also the best future for the character. McGee has been part of the Navy Yard squad for a while, and although he didn't get the promotion, it would 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 In NCIS
McGee Has Outgrown Being A Senior Field Agent
While LaRoche's true intentions will eventually be resolved, McGee's failed promotion leaves NCIS at a crossroads. Unfortunately, being in MCRT no longer serves the character, considering that there is no chance of upward mobility in the agency unless he leaves his current team. McGee can stay safe and continue being a Senior Field Agent, which means that it will maintain the status quo of the show. That said, learning that he is actually ready to move on to a much higher position suddenly makes this option off-putting.
For what it's worth, McGee was offered Gibbs' job after Mark Harmon's exit. However, he turned it down, saying that he wanted to stay in the field. That said, that was also three years ago. He has grown since then, and perhaps, being behind a desk and having a bigger responsibility is something that he now wants. Maybe being the Acting Director in NCIS' 1000th episode motivated him to climb the agency ladder. Regardless, it's clear that McGee wants some changes, but to do that, he will have to say goodbye to his team of more than 20 years.
Is There A Way To Solve NCIS' McGee Problem?
Solving McGee's Problem Requires Major Changes
As it is, there is no viable way to keep McGee in NCIS while also fulfilling his wish to advance in his career. MCRT has always been a small team, with one leader, who is now Parker, and several field agents. Even if they prove that LaRoche is, in fact, a mole in the organization, and McGee gets to become the Deputy Director, NCIS season 22, episode 3 confirms that Murray's character will no longer be part of the day-to-day operations of Parker, Jessica Knight, Nick Torres, Jimmy Palmer, and Kasie Hines.
At this point, the only way to solve McGee's issue is to make some changes. NCIS can expand the Deputy Director post to include fieldwork. The role has been underutilized throughout the show's run, and this could be the chance to make it more relevant, especially if McGee ends up taking over the office. Otherwise, Murray's character could also be the next NCIS Director, if theories about Leon Vance leaving ultimately pan out.
