We’re still not quite over the death of Leon Vance on NCIS, and that’s understandable.
The death came out of nowhere during a monumental milestone episode, and it was done extremely well.
That death is going to stick, and that means change at HQ, which could be exciting for one particular character
It’s difficult to comprehend because nobody can be the director that Vance ever was. But that’s not the point.
Just like any government organization, as one person leaves a role — however it happens — someone new has to take over, and we’re sure to see some intern directors to start with.
While NCIS has some fantastical elements, it is still rooted in the real world, which means the transfer of power needs to make sense.
The question is whether we’ll see any of those intern directors.
There have been plenty of cases when intern directors have been mentioned but not seen, because they are only temporary.
This gives everyone at NCIS time to grieve, which they need. It’s the only way that can make the next step work out well, because there is only one person who can take over as director.
Sure, some will think Alden Parker, since he already runs the team, but another team member has already shown signs of wanting a higher position.
McGee Makes the Best Replacement for Vance
I hate to use the term “replacement,” as nobody can replace Vance. However, this would be the term used in business.
He’s already shown that he wants to advance through the ranks.
Sure, he gave up the chance to run the team after Gibbs left, but that was more out of respect for Gibbs. He couldn’t see himself sitting in the chair of the man who gave him a chance all those years ago.
This was when Jenny was the director, with Vance coming in and shaking things up during NCIS Season 5.
While Vance has become a close and loyal leader, McGee doesn’t quite have the same loyalty to him as he did to Gibbs.
Then there’s the fact that McGee wasn’t quite ready for a promotion at the time of Gibbs’ exit during NCIS Season 19, but now he is.
For the last couple of seasons, he’s wanted to move up the ranks. We even got a full arc with him being jealous of the man who got the position he wanted.
This suggests he is now ready to move up the career ladder to become the Director of NCIS.
The problem is that this will take time, but it is possible. And the simple fact is that it’s the only option.
Out of everyone who could take over, McGee has the most respect from everybody — not just the team, but us as fans.
He is the one we, as fans, want to see move to that level, and we know he’s capable of it.
Sure, it would mean coming out of the field more, but it’s something he’s accepted as necessary if he wants to step up in his career.
It will mean slightly better hours to be with Delilah and the twins, and while the fate of Vance contradicts it, he is in a safer job behind a desk than in the field.
McGee has come a long way since being the probie that he was, and I feel like the mention of his nickname being “probie” during NCIS Season 23 Episode 12 was a hint that this promotion would eventually come.
This season has been about reminding us of the characters’ pasts, and this promotion will show us just how far McGee has come.
There’s also the fact that Vance all but foreshadowed McGee’s promotion, sharing how “McGee is destined to lead,” and we all know that’s the case.
He didn’t get the Deputy Director position, but that’s because the Director position, as always, was meant to be for McGee on NCIS.
This will mean bringing someone new onto the team, and there’s arguably the perfect person for that: Dale Sawyer.
Torres may not agree with that, though!
Love this show? We do too — and we want to keep writing about it.
Your comment or share can help make sure we get to. That’s the magic of supporting indie media.
What do you think about Vance’s death on NCIS, and who can take over his position to ease this loss?