Why NCIS Revived This Character’s Crime Writer Persona

Published: January 9, 2025

Why NCIS Revived This Character’s Crime Writer Persona

By Movieguide® Contributor

NCIS Season 22 mid-season finale reintroduced Timothy McGee’s Thom E. Gemcity persona, a move that could have major ramifications for McGee’s career.

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

At the beginning of the season, McGee lost out on a promotion to NCIS deputy director to former Department of Defense Inspector General Gabrielle LaRoche, leaving the senior field agent with few growth opportunities.

According to Screen Rant, “McGee decided to advance his career after a six-month time gap following the NCIS season 21 finale. The senior field agent initially turned down a promotion to lead MCRT following the exit of Agent in Charge Gibbs, citing that he didn’t want the desk job. Still, McGee’s brief stint as temporary NCIS director in the 1000th episode of NCIS may have bolstered his confidence and convinced him to advance. To cap off the front half of Tim’s journey in season 22, NCIS delivered an unexpected twist in McGee’s career, giving him leverage in his current dilemma.”

The unexpected twist? Thom E. Gemcity.

“McGee’s pen name and side hustle as a fictional crime thriller novelist reentered the discussion in NCIS season 22, episode 9, ‘Humbug,’ as MCRT investigated the leaked excerpts of a tell-all novel that threatened to derail a critical Veteran’s bill,” Screen Rant said.

“When a shocking tell-all threatens to ruin Christmas for a decorated Marine, NCIS must uncover the truth and deliver a holiday miracle – before the book hits shelves and turns a hero’s legacy into a holiday disaster,” a logline for the episode reads.

“While McGee and Knight’s undercover operation is a ruse to advance their case, it has real consequences,” Screen Rant continued. “Assuming Tim surrenders his next novel to secure the tell-all manuscript, Thom E. Gemcity’s next novel is officially in the pipeline — and McGee could unwittingly revamp his career. The development comes at a time when McGee is feeling unsatisfied with his role on MCRT. McGee can explore his career and write full-time following the development, providing him with the regular hours that Delilah desires. By revitalizing his career, McGee can advance outside MCRT, partially fixing NCIS‘ unsolvable Timothy McGee problem.”

Actor Sean Murray who plays McGee hasn’t shared any specific details about his character’s future, but he had his castmates have fun on set.

In a recent episode, McGee and Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) reffed a children’s soccer game, and McGee asked Palmer if they got one of the calls correct in the game.

“Jimmy and McGee have some serious children’s soccer reffing issues to discuss… oh, and they have to help their team solve a murder too!” Dietzen wrote on Instagram. “So great to share scenes with my friend of over 20 years. @therealseanhmurray and I had some fun with this one!”