In NCIS Season 22’s “Bad Blood,” longtime tech wizard Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) locked eyes with a familiar foe—Fletcher Voss, played by Bones’ T.J. Thyne. This unlikely reunion isn’t just fan service; it acts as a catalyst, pushing McGee toward a crossroads—and potentially, his exit path from NCIS.
Let’s unpack why this villain’s comeback matters more than fans realize.
Who Is Fletcher Voss—And Why Does He Haunt McGee?
A Nemesis from Season 21 with Long Memories
Voss burst into the NCIS ensemble during the landmark 1000th episode as a tech-savvy adversary who launched Bandium, a social app tied to a top-secret NCIS leak. The fallout whipped up dangerous chaos—including a shooting at Director Vance’s wife’s grave movieguide.org+1Screen Rant+1Reddit+7Reddit+7Olles+7metronews23.comScreen RantScreen Rant+6looper.com+6thenewsroom.com.ng+6.
McGee—and much of the team—lost trust in him. That explosion of betrayal cemented Voss as McGee’s personal villain.
Season 22 Revives Voss as a Seemingly Reformed Ally
“Bad Blood” Re-introduces the Brain—This Time on McGee’s Side
During Season 22, Episode 13 (“Bad Blood”), Voss returns—not as a villain, but as a consultant unveiling his DNA startup, Life Sequence looper.com+1thenewsroom.com.ng+1.
Faced with a cold-blooded murder, the team resists working with him. Eventually, McGee must process dark legacies and personal grudges—challenging his belief in redemption.
The Villain’s Return Sparks McGee’s Deepest Reckoning
Confronting Personal Hatred—Beyond Just Another Case
Skipping shallow team tension, Voss’ return prompts McGee to confront more profound issues: trust, change, and the cost of emotional baggage.
McGee literally forces himself to forgive—but only after drugs, blood transfusions, and intense conversation. Their moment together hints at McGee’s capacity—and readiness—for a major shift thenewsroom.com.ng.
McGee’s Career Crisis—Desk Job vs. Field Agent
Season 22 Set Up an Unresolved Choice
McGee kicked off Season 22 vying for Deputy Director—yet he lost to LaRoche and remained agent-in-the-fieldReddit+15Vocal+15Olles+15. His writer persona, Thom E. Gemcity, also returned, indicating ambition beyond NCISReddit+4Screen Rant+4Vocal+4.
Now, the emotional showdown with Voss acts as the tipping point. If McGee can’t find peace at NCIS, maybe his exit path becomes inevitable.
Fans See the Shift—And It Feels… Inevitable
Reddit Weighs In on McGee’s Next Move
“I think McGee moves into upper management,” says one Redditor. Others speculate McGee may leave NCIS entirely—from promotion or burnout .
The consensus? This isn’t just a one-off arc—it’s the emotional groundwork for something much bigger.
Where Could McGee Go Next? Four Exit Scenarios
1. Promotion to Director or Desk Job
McGee has earned respect—his intelligence, patience, and character make him a strong candidate for leadership Screen Rant+15Reddit+15Reddit+15thenewsroom.com.ng+9Screen Rant+9metronews23.com+9.
2. Crime-Novelist Career Under Gemcity
A full pivot into authorship, with Day jobs at home and writing gigs, fits the personal growth hinted at this season Vocal.
3. Burnout After Voss Confrontation
That emotional reckoning? Could break McGee—sending him into sabbatical or therapy before re-emerging in civilian life.
4. Temporary Exit for a Personal Crisis
McGee’s marriage factor and past trauma could spark a longer arc pivoting away from NCIS, leaving the door open for return—if only narratively.
How Voss’ Return Propels McGee to Action
It’s Not Just Plot—it’s a Personal Wake-Up Call
By reintroducing Voss, NCIS leverages emotional pressure to force McGee to decide—fight or pivot. This sets up a major turning point in an otherwise stable role.
Why This Matters for the Long-Running Franchise
The Show Needs Growth to Survive
After Gibbs’ departure, NCIS needs new voices to carry it forward. McGee is one of the longest-tenured characters—his exit would mark a seismic shift, one grounded in narrative and emotional truth.
What’s Next for McGee—Signs to Watch
Look for:
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Career talk in upcoming episodes—offers, dreams, doubts
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More Gemcity mentions, possible publisher contact
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Family strain as career change heats up
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Another emotional showdown—perhaps with LaRoche or another old enemy
This arc isn’t wrapping up soon—it’s building to a reveal.
Conclusion
The return of Fletcher Voss was more than nostalgia—it served as a catalyst for McGee to reevaluate everything: his purpose, loyalty, and future. As NCIS moves beyond its Gibbs-era stability, McGee’s arc might be the next big shake-up. And thanks to that villain reappearance, his exit path has never been clearer—or more emotionally earned.
FAQs
Q1: Why did Fletcher Voss return in Season 22?
A1: To reintroduce unresolved tension with McGee—sparking a personal crucible and emotional showdown. Screen Rant+4Vocal+4Reddit+4movieguide.org+6Olles+6EW.com+6Screen Rant
Q2: How did McGee react to Voss’s return?
A2: He confronted long-held grudges, engaged in a near-physical altercation, and ultimately helped Voss—showing deep character growth.
Q3: Has McGee hinted at leaving NCIS permanently?
A3: Yes—his loss for promotion and revived writing career suggest he’s ready for change in Season 22. The Voss arc reinforces that direction.
Q4: What will McGee do instead of being a field agent?
A4: Possibilities include leadership (desk job), full-time writing, or a break for family/personal reasons.
Q5: Will McGee exit soon?
A5: Likely—current storytelling pushes him toward a transformative personal journey, suggesting his NCIS role could end by Season 23 or 24.
