NCIS Season 22 Revives McGee’s Most Powerful Advantage Over MCRT

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for NCIS season 22. Timothy McGee finds himself in a challenging situation in the latest season of NCIS. In the opening episode of season 22, titled “Empty Nest,”portrayed by Sean Murray, McGee’s quest for promotion to the position of NCIS deputy director takes a hit when he loses out to Gabrielle LaRoche, the former Department of Defense Inspector General. This turn of events emphasizes McGee’s feeling of being confined within his role on the Major Case Response Team (MCRT), hinting at an aspiration for growth that currently seems unattainable, particularly regarding upward mobility within the agency.

After a six-month time leap from the season 21 finale, McGee seeks to elevate his professional trajectory. He had previously declined a chance to lead the MCRT following Agent Gibbs’s departure, expressing a disinterest in desk-based duties. However, a temporary stint as NCIS director during the show’s milestone 1000th episode appears to have reignited his ambition, ultimately leading him to pursue more significant responsibilities. A surprising twist in his career arc presents an unexpected pathway to address his career dilemma.

McGee’s Writer Persona Returns in NCIS Season 22 Mid-Season Finale

The Revival of McGee’s Thom E. Gemcity Persona

In the mid-season finale of NCIS season 22, McGee rekindles his writing ambitions as Thom E. Gemcity. His alter ego came into play in episode 9, “Humbug,”where the MCRT probes leaked chapters from a tell-all novel that could jeopardize crucial legislation for veterans. Seeking to gain access to the manuscript was central to the team’s investigation, leading McGee to an innovative idea: he decides to reach out to the book’s publicist under the guise of his pen name.

As a writer, Timothy McGee is known for his series “Deep Six,”featuring a character named L.J. Tibbs, inspired by his mentor, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. In a clever twist, McGee and Agent Jess Knight engage in an undercover scheme to retrieve the manuscript of “Darkness at Dawn”from Marley Jaggers’ publicist, Martin Gates. Their plan unfolds as Agent Knight secures the manuscript in exchange for a pre-release copy of McGee’s next novel, showcasing a clever negotiation strategy that holds great significance for his writing career.

Thom E. Gemcity: A Potential New Career Path for McGee

New Opportunities for Timothy McGee

McGee looking on pensively in NCIS season 22

The undercover operation, although primarily aimed at advancing the investigation, may have significant implications for McGee’s career. Should McGee commit to delivering his next book to secure the tell-all manuscript, it could lead to an unexpected resurgence in his writing career. This progress arrives during a time when McGee grapples with discontent in his MCRT role, potentially offering him a pathway to pursue writing full-time, aligning with the stable work hours desired by his wife, Delilah.

Though it would be a bittersweet departure for McGee, who has dedicated two decades to NCIS, he expressed a yearning for a new direction earlier in season 22. If the opportunity arises where he must choose between his role in the agency versus a writing career, it could prompt NCIS to reevaluate his contributions and adjust accordingly. Ultimately, McGee’s potential exit from MCRT could serve as a significant lever in navigating his future within the show.

Will McGee Ultimately Depart NCIS?

The Future is Uncertain

Nick and McGee look at Jimmy off camera in NCIS season 22

The narrative surrounding McGee in season 22 has been one of the most engaging plots. With minimal advancement in his character arc during season 21, the current season unfolds with a wealth of intriguing possibilities for McGee’s future. Given that an alternative career path has emerged, the prospect of him stepping away from NCIS to embrace a new chapter looms large. Producers have not indicated a definitive exit strategy for McGee; rather, they have woven a narrative rich with potential twists and character development.

Regardless, it is reassuring for viewers to know that McGee has a viable backup plan should he choose to leave NCIS. All the attention surrounding his character might be paving the way for the recognition he deserves. With internal agency dynamics hinting at potential changes, including the possibility of a mole, a future where McGee ascends to the role of deputy director remains a tantalizing possibility, contingent on the developments of the season.

Source & Images