Ana Dumaraog is a Writer and Editor at Screen Rant, where she expertly covers Network TV offerings, among other things
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Ana brings clarity and enthusiasm to every story she tackles—whether reporting on new releases or offering deep dives into fan-favorite franchises. Her coverage translates complex entertainment developments into engaging, audience-focused content.
NCIS season 23's last minute reveal prevents Timothy McGee from leaving MCRT. CBS's longest-running procedural had quite a 2025-2026 TV cycle. Following a few years of identity crisis and painful evolution, it seemed like NCIS was finally near the end of a dark tunnel. Not only did it solidify the dynamic of the newest iteration of MCRT under Alden Parker, it also found the perfect balance between personal and professional stories — something that was the core of its storytelling during its golden years.
That said, NCIS season 23 wasn't without any faults. Some episodes still fell into the trap of cases that were a little too silly and a few supporting characters remained sidelined, despite their clear potential. Throughout the year, however, the procedural's biggest issue was still its treatment of Sean Murray's most veteran character. While he had episodes focused on him, there was nothing compelling enough that would get him out of the stagnation that the character had been stuck in, and would have paved the way for his exit. Luckily, a massive twist saved the day.
While the NCIS season 24 finale's case wasn't exactly that big, the events surrounding the matter was what definied "Sons and Daughters." As Kayla and the rest of MCRT fought for the legacy of the late Director Leon Vance on the heels of Gabriel LaRoche's return, McGee was busy showing Matteo the ropes around Navy Yard in the hopes that his son will be granted an internship in the organization. Considering how he missed the first 18 years of his son's life, it made sense for Murray's character to be excited, so it was extra-heartbreaking to learn that Matteo wasn't really interested in following his dad's footsteps.
The shootout between Matteo and Nick Torres left NCIS season 23 on a cliffhanger. Regardless of who got shot, it effectively solves McGee's stagnancy, as it sets up a compelling future for him in the show. For years now, it felt like NCIS didn't really know what else to do with Murray's character, especially after he was passed on for the Deputy Director post that was, somehow, never brought up again. This started rumblings about the most veteran member of MCRT potentially leaving. For what it's worth, NCIS also dropped various clues about McGee potentially making moves to secure his post-agency life, including working on a device patent and restarting his Thom E. Gemcity career. Now, he has a purpose to stay, as solving Matteo's case will be important to him personally and professionally.
In an ideal world, McGee would have already been the automatic replacement for Vance as NCIS's new director. However, it's clear that the show is trying to stretch out the storytelling, with the return of LaRoche, not to mention the string of interims that never really made an impact. This doesn't mean that McGee taking over the role will never happen, but NCIS urgently needed to find a substantial narrative for the character without disrupting the bigger scheme of things.
The NCIS franchise is officially expanding, with its upcoming new series rolls out a brilliant marketing scheme after initial lukewarm reception.
By focusing on his arc with Matteo, CBS can do that. Granted that whatever illegal activity he was involved in will eventually be part of the procedural's overall story, McGee would still be at the center of it moving forward. Navigating this new role, especially with the season 23 finale twist, will offer the agent a fresh narrative, which has long been overdue. It will gradually put him back at the forefront of NCIS season 24, storytelling, perhaps as part of setting up his eventual ascendancy in the organization.
