Timothy McGee’s NCIS Exit Is Quietly Confirmed

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The latest episode of NCIS Season 23, titled “Page-Turner,” might be setting the stage for Timothy McGee’s departure. The episode focuses on McGee, who is kidnapped by a woman connected to the current case, and highlights his secret career as a novelist writing under the name Thom E. Gemcity.

This episode features a lot of growth for McGee. He realizes that even though his novels aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, he’s positively impacted people’s lives, which brings out a new side of his personality. However, the show suggests McGee has already found his path away from NCIS, and this episode confirms that he has a great opportunity waiting for him.

Timothy McGee’s Kidnapping Story In NCIS Season 23 Explained

While on a book tour, McGee is kidnapped after a diner meeting with a journalist, where he unexpectedly encounters a devoted fan. Initially, it appears this fan is responsible for the kidnapping, but Tim soon learns the woman actually needs his help to locate her missing son.

This case happens at the same time as an investigation by the Major Case Response Team. Tim accidentally solves it while role-playing with characters based on his colleagues, Alden Parker (Gary Cole), Jessica Knight (Katrina Law), and others. By the time the real team arrives at the scene, Tim has already figured out who committed the crime and is taking them into custody.

Tim McGee consistently proves he’s NCIS’s most valuable asset. His MIT education and 23 years with the team make him incredibly versatile – he handles everything from negotiating with kidnappers and hacking into systems, to cracking cases and even arresting criminals. Despite his contributions, a promotion isn’t currently possible for McGee.

McGee realized he needed a new direction and applied to be the Deputy Director at NCIS. While his wife hoped for a stable, 9-to-5 job for him, McGee himself was looking for more professional growth. Unfortunately, he didn’t get the position – it went to Gabrielle LaRoche (Seamus Deaver) – and this effectively stalled his career progression.

McGee’s Thom E. Gemcity Story Hints At Sean Murray’s NCIS Exit

In Episode 6, McGee realizes he’s already on the path to the life and career he desires, but achieving it would mean leaving NCIS and his team. Following his job interview at the diner, a devoted fan approaches him with a podcast idea – an episode focused on people who write books on the side.

Tim McGee is a great person to interview because he balances his work solving crimes with NCIS and his passion for writing thrillers. When a podcaster reaches out to him, he initially asks her to stop contacting him. But then she asks a question that really makes him think: would he ever consider quitting NCIS to become a full-time writer?

McGee avoids answering the question, but it’s possible his biggest fan has stumbled onto a key point. Perhaps Tim has thought about leaving NCIS to focus on writing, mainly because it would give him and Delilah (Margo Harshman) the stable schedule and secure job they both want for him.

As a long-time NCIS viewer, it’s pretty clear McGee’s hit a ceiling. With Parker and the Director firmly in their roles, there just doesn’t seem to be a natural path for him to climb higher within the agency. It’s a shame, but honestly, I think his writing is where he’ll really find opportunities to grow and advance his career. It feels like the right direction for him, even if it means stepping away from field work.

Will Sean Murray Leave NCIS in Season 23?

It would be sad to see McGee leave NCIS, primarily because Sean Murray has been with the show for 23 years. He’s one of the original cast members and the longest-serving special agent. However, his character’s departure could allow Tim to grow and change, which makes sense for the show’s direction.

While there’s no indication that Murray will leave NCIS anytime soon, the show seems to be subtly preparing for McGee’s potential departure. He expressed dissatisfaction with his job last season, and although the current season hasn’t shown how he’ll deal with limited career growth, it has introduced a possible new direction for his character.

Also, NCIS has subtly introduced McGee’s potential replacement: Curtis Hubley (J. Claude Deering). Hubley, a tech expert who works in the NCIS basement, has expressed interest in becoming a probationary agent. He’s already shown he’s capable, assisting the MCRT team in solving multiple cases.

I truly believe Curtis is the ideal person to take over from McGee. He’s got the skills and the gut instinct to really excel, and he’s clearly eager to move up. Plus, he’d bring a fresh approach to the job. It would also be fantastic for McGee! He could finally spend more time with Delilah and the kids, and really dedicate himself to his writing – that ‘Deep Sixies’ project he’s always talking about. It feels like NCIS is already making things happen to allow him to do just that.

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2025-11-24 18:09