Spoiler Alert for NCIS season 22, episode 9, "Humbug"

While Timothy McGee failed to get a promotion in NCIS season 22, episode 1, "Empty Nest," Parker finds an empty bullpen because his agents are occupied. McGee factors into that, noting he has an interview on the hill to secure the promotion to NCIS deputy director, citing that he wants the regular hours that come with the job.

McGee lost out on the opportunity despite NCIS Director Leon Vance putting in a good word. The promotion went to Department of Justice Inspector General Gabrielle LaRoche, who butts heads with the agency. To complicate things, Tim suspects that Gabrielle LaRoche is the mole responsible for leaking information about Nick Torres' undercover operation to the Nexus cartel. Tim investigates Gabrielle LaRoche in NCIS season 22, episode 3, "The Trouble with Hal," due to his suspicion. The results could be devastating but, coincidentally, put McGee ahead.

NCIS Season 22 Tackling Its Mole Mystery Opens Up The Opportunity For McGee's Promotions

McGee Investigates Gabrielle LaRoche In NCIS Season 22

If NCIS can put their mole worries behind them, it should open a door for McGee to climb the organization. In NCIS season 22's first case, while digging into REACT raids on Nexus cartel hideouts to find Torres, Kasie Hines finds a clue: the REACT raids had been coming up empty, contrasting earlier operations that seized drugs and dirty money. Furthermore, Torres reveals his cover is blown when Parker and Knight finally find the agent in California. Parker thinks it's an intel leak, and Vance confirms it, saying that Inspector LaRoche informed him NCIS is under investigation.

Despite finding an explanation for the REACT leaks, the MCRT team believes LaRoche could be the mole. They don't know who outed Nick, and LaRoche accesses the classified file about Agent Torres' undercover operation. If McGee's covert investigation proves LaRoche's guilt, the deputy director will be out of the job, and McGee can take over the position. If MCRT finds out LaRoche isn't the NCIS mole, making it likely that the Inspector infiltrated NCIS to investigate, the current deputy director could return to DOJ or advance to NCIS director, freeing up his position for McGee.

What McGee Being NCIS' Deputy Director Might Mean For MCRT & NCIS

Timothy McGee's Development Could Go Either Way

Tim becoming NCIS deputy director would be game-changing for MCRT. The deputy director has never had a prominent role in NCIS, but McGee's promotion could change that. There have been a couple of appearances from Deputy Director LaRoche in NCIS season 22, potentially signaling the deputy director will play a more prominent role in the series, perhaps featuring frequently like the director. In that case, McGee's advance to deputy director could give the team a new quasi-leader. Additionally, switching up his role and allowing for McGee's NCIS replacement while keeping Sean Murray as a regular cast member.

Unfortunately, while it would be great to see McGee finally take the next step, it could mean putting one foot out the door.

In contrast, Tim's advance to NCIS director could be bad news for Murray fans. While Murray hasn't signaled his NCIS exit, his character advancing to the NCIS deputy director role and shifting his agency duties could mean that McGee will have a reduced role in NCIS moving forward. Similarly to when Ducky transitioned to NCIS historian and was featured less frequently, McGee's transition could be a way for Murray to step back without stepping away. Unfortunately, while it would be great to see McGee finally take the next step, it could mean putting one foot out the door.