Timothy McGee is one of the NCIS franchise’s most influential names, so I hope NCIS season 22 fixes this weird McGee storyline from season 21. Sean Murrary’s character warrants some of the most compelling character development as one of the most veteran personalities in the series, but season 21 did not deliver that. CBS announced the premiere date for the next chapter, and I can’t help but wonder how everything will play out for the NCIS cast, especially McGee. Despite the character’s strange developments, NCIS season 21’s episodes set up monumental moments for season 22.
After turning down her father’s former position as Special Agent in Charge of the Far East Office, Jessica Knight shocked the NCIS universe when she accepted the promotion to Chief REACT Training Officer in the NCIS season 21 finale. Moreover, Gary Cole’s Alden Parker almost lost his leg while investigating the final case of the season. Even McGee had big moments, stepping up as temporary NCIS director as Leon Vance recovered from a gunshot wound to the back. Beyond that, NCIS failed to deliver a complex narrative for the Timothy McGee character.
McGee And His Wife Delilah Had Weird Squabbles In NCIS Season 21
Sean Murray And Margo Harshman Portray Tim And Delilah McGee
In NCIS season 21, episode 9, “Prime Cut,” the episode began with McGee and his wife, Delilah. She was visibly distraught, prompting a rant about their dilapidated kitchen. The frustration wasn’t even believable. Margo Harshman’s character delivered her qualms in a modern, renovated space. They could have solved her primary complaint – they’ve been in their home for eight years and haven’t updated anything – by hiring a technician for the sink and outlets she mentioned. Still, McGee’s wife went behind his back to get them on a home remodeling television series instead, then frantically came to the bullpen to tell McGee.
Ultimately, McGee and Delilah were rejected for the series because they didn’t sow enough controversy. While I agree, you wouldn’t know that from how Delilah created controversy in episode 9. What was worse was Delilah’s storyline in season 21, episode 6, “Strange Invaders.” Delilah oddly involved all of McGee’s co-workers in a poll about whether he should shave his goatee. It distracted from the case in a way that added negative value to the show. The reality is that NCIS season 21 deployed overrun, poorly executed sitcom tropes to develop the McGee character, and it didn’t pay off.
McGee & Delilah Need To Have More Serious Conversations In Season 22
Timothy McGee Needs To Evolve And Uphold His Legacy
McGee and Delilah need to have more profound conversations in NCIS season 22. NCIS could have portrayed Tim’s relationship as stationary and content in season 21 because something will challenge McGee personally and professionally in season 22. That is the character development he needs. However, I fear for the series if what NCIS offered of McGee’s romance in season 21 was intended to be the least bit compelling or moving. I found their behavior in season 21 to be cringe-worthy. The interactions felt fabricated for a sitcom positioned in the past, not for a significant franchise driving television’s future.
Sean Murray is one of the series’ most veteran actors, but NCIS portrayed the Timothy McGee character caught up in unbelievable surface-level arguments in NCIS season 21. Tim deserves more than a caricature of a relationship. The series needs more compelling character development for the NCIS-recording-breaking Timothy McGee character. The exaggerated elements of McGee’s relationship didn’t bring out the best acting from Murray, either. I genuinely want to see him challenged in season 22 because I’ve witnessed McGee evolve and know his potential.
While McGee discovered he had a sister in episode 5, “The Plan,” and took over as NCIS director, it was not enough to balance the awkwardness of his relationship narrative. The character did not make for a complex offering in season 21, as did Jessica Knight and Leon Vance. NCIS honed in on the McGee character to presumably deliver a more developed character to audiences, but it made McGee’s life feel one-dimensional. I found it ironic that Delilah took pride in their lack of controversy; she created a lot of drama around a leaky faucet and loose outlets.