With the start of season 23, there has been a flurry of online discussion about whether McGee is beginning his exit arc and possibly eyeing a different career path. It wouldn’t be the first time a major character has left NCIS, with the departure of lead actor Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs in October 2021 being a notable example.
In comments to TVLine, Murray addressed the rumors that he’s leaving NCIS. He begins by acknowledging that rumors tend to circulate because characters can face unexpected twists. He goes on to note that one is completely safe on the shows, referring to the shocking death of Caitlin Todd in season 2 to illustrate how storylines can take an unexpected turn. Read his quote below:
“There’s always an element of the gossip thing that comes up. Things can take big, unexpected turns with characters. I mean, things can happen. No one is ever quite safe on this show. We were also the show [where] one of the lead characters took a bullet and died at the end of season 2.”
Murray also hints at some surprises ahead for the remainder of NCIS season 23, previewing big moments in the episodes to come. In particular, the McGee actor mentions that the franchise has pulled off some unexpected turns throughout its run and teases that, as the current season moves along, there will be developments that fans of the series “are really going to enjoy” because it’s different and unexpected:
“We’ve had some really surprising things happen… I can tell you there’s stuff coming up this year that longtime fans of the show are really going to enjoy, because it’s different for us and unexpected.”
As it stands, it doesn’t seem like any potential exit from McGee will be as violent as Caitlin Todd’s death. The basis for the concern about McGee is that he’s somehow stalled in his career. He has other interests, such as writing, which could take precedence in light of his frustrations with Gabriel LaRoche and missing out on new job opportunities overall. But as Murray himself notes, there could be surprises that viewers aren’t considering.
Either way, after Mark Harmon’s departure, McGee has appeared in the most NCIS episodes out of anyone. If he does eventually leave, it will have to be handled in a way that feels satisfying and true to the character’s personality. Or it could be the case that by the end of season 23, it will be abundantly clear that McGee isn’t planning to go anywhere.
