NCIS Season 23, Episode 12 ‘In Too Deep’ is kind of a wild episode, because NCIS is a very steady procedural that can sometimes throw a good twist our way (Ellie Bishop!), but even when it does, it’s usually the kind of twists that are telegraphed. We don’t really come here to be shocked. Or, expect to be. But this hour throws a wrench into everything we’ve been thinking… and I can’t say I hate it.
Mostly, because it makes the show more interesting, and it allows us to play with dynamics we haven’t really had a chance to explore. And also because… well, we kinda like the storylines that involve the entire team. And this NCIS/CID one looks like it’s going to shake up the foundation of not just this show, but perhaps others. That’s hard to do in Season 23. No, that’s almost impossible to do in Season 23. And yet here we are.
MORE: Here’s how to watch every NCIS show in order
WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT’S HIS SON?
The first big swing the episode takes has to do with the news that McGee has a son he never knew about. Is Timothy McGee the last person you’d expect to see this storyline from? Yes, yes, he is. If it works, it’s only because the show refuses to compromise his character to make it fit. And also, because by the time we get the reveal, we’re so sure it’s going to turn out that he’s not the father, so the fact that he is actually feels like a gut-punch.
Where does McGee go from here? Where does Mateo? We don’t know! And for someone whose personal life has been so rock solid for a while, that might just be an interesting question. Delilah seems very supportive, from what McGee told us, but this doesn’t just mean we’ll have to see her sometime soon; we’ll have to see Mateo meeting his siblings. And we’ll probably get more of Olivia, too.
I was convinced that if this turned out to be true, I was going to hate it. Seeing it unfold, however, I’m cautiously optimistic this can be an interesting wrinkle for a show that hasn’t really rocked the boat as this hour did in quite a while.
MORE: Want a complete list of Gibbs’ rules? We’ve got one!
WHAT DO YOU MEAN NCIS IS NO MORE?
Considering the show is called NCIS, and there’s one other show set in the present time with NCIS in the name, plus other agencies that exist in this timeline, even if the shows are done, it’s hard to believe NCIS will just cease to exist. But the fight to keep their jobs—and to save the agency, begins now for this team, and honestly? I’m kinda excited.
NCIS is always at its best when it lets the characters be a team. What does this mean? Does Jimmy get reassigned? Will they be forced to work with another ME? What about Kasie? And does the new agency, whatever it looks like, have a need for McGee, Torres, and Knight? If not, who do you choose? McGee has the most experience, which is good, but he’s also probably the most expensive. If you’re looking to cut the budget, he might be the one to go.
Or, you know, Parker. Plus, what happens to Vance? Does he even have a job at this point? We can’t even imagine this show without Vance. So, how does this get solved? I assume something big is going to happen that’s going to require NCIS proving that they’re essential, which feels like a hard argument to make, but whatever. I’m in. Convince them and me!
MORE: Have you checked out the NCIS companion podcast? Brian Dietzen and Diona Reasonover tell us why you should!
Things I think I think:
- But is the room big enough for Vance and Parker?
- Why do men always have to act like children?
- “I hate it when mom and dad fight.” Okay, but who is mom?
- Why didn’t you answer the woman’s email, McGee?
- “What’s up with exes lately?” Indeed, Kasie. What’s up with your ex, Jessica?
- Jimmy and Jessica gossiping over a heart is actually very romantic.
- Also symbolic.
- Cheating on the test, really?
- “You’ve been putting everyone around you in danger.” Probably an exaggeration, but also not totally wrong.
- But Parker’s got good points too.
- Not that you really need to have this argument here and now.
- McGee’s face at Mateo was priceless. Sean Murray is going to eat up this storyline.
- “I kinda feel like I can’t breathe right now.” US TOO.
- If only there was someone McGee could call who could understand being in this position. If only!
- Now it’s Jessica and Torres gossiping, lol.
- Okay, at least he talked to Delilah.
- Are Vance and Parker really getting competitive about who’s got more health issues?
- “What’s going on, Leon?”
- Budget cuts everywhere!
- “We gonna hug now, or what?”
- Why was Jimmy babysitting the kid?
- Truly didn’t expect Mateo to actually be McGee’s son..
- Okay, Olivia, but sorry isn’t anywhere near enough. You didn’t just hurt Tim, you hurt your kid. Badly.
- “I would like the be part of Mateo’s life.” Welcome to our life, Mateo!
- Not that our future is looking all that great if NCIS is getting shut down, lol
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of NCIS Season 23, Episode 12 ‘In Too Deep’? Please share with us in the comments below! And if you have any thoughts about the show, leave a review/rating of your own in our NCIS hub!
NCIS airs Mondays at 8/7c on CBS.
