NCIS isn’t usually the kind of show that shocks its audience—but “In Too Deep” completely flips that expectation. Season 23, Episode 12 delivers one of the boldest twists in years, and surprisingly, it works.
The biggest reveal? McGee has a son he never knew about. It’s the kind of storyline that feels unlikely for such a grounded character, yet the execution makes it land emotionally. Instead of undermining who McGee is, it adds new depth—and a lot of questions about what comes next for him, Delilah, and Mateo.
At the same time, the episode raises the stakes even higher by putting NCIS itself in danger. Budget cuts and possible restructuring threaten the entire team, forcing everyone to confront an uncertain future. It’s a rare shake-up for a long-running procedural—and it makes the story feel fresh again.