Ever since losing Rocky Carroll’s character, discussions about who will succeed him as the Director of NCIS have been at the forefront of the fan base’s conversations. CBS has yet to confirm its permanent pick, but any long-time viewer of the procedural would argue that McGee is best-suited for the role. Not only has he been with the agency for a long time, he’s also well-equipped to take over Vance’s post. If he gets promoted, however, MCRT will have to find someone to fill the void he’s leaving behind.

Mateo Joining NCIS Makes McGee’s MCRT Exit Easier

 Paramount Express

Details for the NCIS season 23 finale, “Sons and Daughters,” confirm the return of Mateo — the secret son of McGee from a past relationship nearly two decades ago. Apparently, he’s exploring the possibility of starting an internship with the agency. Considering his inherited knack for computers, he would fit right in, but beyond that, the idea of Mateo becoming the newest probie of MCRT allows McGee’s transition out of the on-the-ground team easier to accomplish.

This is because there’s something special about knowing that his son will go through the same arc that he’s had. While not a member of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ original team, McGee arguably has the most satisfying development out of everyone in the show — from a mumbling probie to a capable senior field agent. Additionally, Mateo being part of Parker’s team ensures that McGee will remain tied to its weekly operation, effectively maintaining his relevance beyond the administrative and political duties of the director of NCIS. Understandably, he will want to keep an eye on how his son is doing as the latest addition to the squad.

How Mateo Joining NCIS Is A Return To Basics For The CBS Procedural

Exploring the idea of McGee moving up the agency leader has come with talks about his MCRT replacement, with a couple of names already floated, including Dale Sawyer and Curtis Hubley. While there’s nothing wrong with seeing either of them filling the void, Mateo’s situation arguably poses a more interesting storytelling opportunity for NCIS, and not just because of his lineage.

Both Sawyer and Curtis have been in the series for years, albeit their respective developments have been limited as they aren’t series regulars. That said, bringing someone who is very green but eager like Mateo is reminiscent of the earliest days of NCIS, wherein Gibbs had to take in Kate Todd after she shifted out of the Secret Service, and then, eventually McGee. Later on, Bishop was also in the same boat, in a sense that she didn’t have any ground experience but was really enthusiastic about learning. With Mateo, NCIS has the opportunity to build another main character from the ground up.

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