In the vast landscape of NCIS characters, two have remained constant, steadfast pillars from the very beginning: Timothy McGee and Jimmy Palmer. As NCIS wraps up its twenty-first season and gears up for the next installment, fans are buzzing with questions, particularly after the season finale cliffhangers.
The latest season left viewers hanging on two major plot points: the impending departure of Jessica Knight from the MCRT and the revelation of Alden Parker’s backstory following his hallucination on the boat. While these storylines have captured fans’ imaginations, there’s a call for greater development for two other characters who have been quietly but consistently present since the show’s inception.
Since NCIS’s debut in 2003, Sean Murray’s Timothy McGee and Brian Dietzen’s Jimmy Palmer have been integral parts of the team. Despite not being central to the main drama (Jimmy’s involvement escalated with his romance with Jessica Knight), McGee and Palmer have stood out throughout the series’ run.
Both actors started as guest stars in season 1 before joining the main cast, becoming characters with compelling career trajectories akin to the leads. Remarkably, they are the only Major Case Response Team members who have been there since the beginning.
McGee’s journey began as a tech-savvy agent whose innovative programs aided the MCRT, leading to a promotion to full-time agent after tracking down season 1’s terrorist, Ari Haswari. On the other hand, Jimmy Palmer started as an Assistant Medical Examiner under Dr. Mallard, eventually becoming Chief Medical Examiner for the MCRT, a position he still holds by season 21.
As the characters with the longest tenure on the team, McGee and Palmer’s storylines deserve meticulous exploration. While Palmer’s drama with Jessica Knight may take center stage in the upcoming season, fans hope McGee will also receive a plot twist that delves deeper into his story.
With their unwavering presence, McGee and Palmer are more than just supporting characters; they are the heartbeat of NCIS, embodying loyalty, dedication, and resilience. As the series continues, their enduring roles serve as a reminder of the invaluable contributions of every member of the team.