Only a few key characters remain from the original “NCIS” team that started almost 20 years ago. And now that Mark Harmon’s exited the show, some fans wonder if there’s potential for spin-off series for other big-name characters.
Take Sean Murray’s McGee. When Harmon’s character Gibbs left the show, many thought McGee would take his place as the team lead. But newcomer Gary Cole’s Special Agent Aldean Parker snatched it up instead. Many fans were furious with this decision because McGee has been with the show the longest aside from Harmon.
But what if this was a strategic move on CBS’s part? Could they be setting McGee’s storyline up for his own spin-off series in a different location? TV Insider brought up how the new cast members and characters should have their time to shine on the original “NCIS” show. Why not take an old character like McGee and give him a new opportunity to grow away from all his previous experiences?
Or, on the flip side, CBS could consider Cole’s character Parker. Originally an FBI agent, Parker initially butt heads with members of the “NCIS” team, including Harmon. Now, based on recent episodes and promos, it looks like he’s finally starting to get used to belonging to and leading NCIS. But what if his storyline isn’t to set him up as this team’s new lead, but for his own journey with his own team? Maybe he takes this experience and decides to run his own operation away from the OG team.
There’s a slew of other characters the network could choose to base a new show off of. Even cast members who left rather abruptly, like Emily Wickersham, could return with their own spin-off. Just look at Chris Meloni on “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” who returned after a 10-year hiatus.
One Reason why ‘NCIS’ Star Gary Cole’s Character Differs From Mark Harmon’s Gibbs
In a recent promo for the next episode, “NCIS” showed a different side to Special Agent-in-Charge Aldean Parker that the team hadn’t seen before. He brings a box of pastries for the team one morning, trying to get on their good side.
McGee even called out Parker for it, saying, “The new guy is trying to score some brownie points.”
“Would you rather I only bark orders?” Parker responds.
“It’s what we’re used to,” McGee quips. Apparently, the NCIS team is used to Gibbs running a tight ship with no time for generous gestures.
We’ll have to wait and see how Parker’s attempts to get along with the team work out for him in the future. He only has a tenuous hold on his leadership position for right now. Gibbs could return at any time, upsetting the delicate balance in place.
