NCIS Season 23 Finale Breakdown: Who Was Shot and What Happens in Season 24?

The latest NCIS cliffhanger has left fans in a state of absolute shock. After a season of tension and unexpected revelations, the Season 23 finale ended with a sound that no one wanted to hear: a gunshot. But as we gear up for the return of the series, the biggest question remains: Who actually pulled the trigger, and who is bleeding in that alley?

The Setup: A Father, a Son, and a Secret

The drama centers around McGee (Sean Murray) and his newfound relationship with his teenage son, Mateo (Patrick Keleher). While Mateo initially seemed like a curious teen interested in a cyber internship at NCIS, the finale revealed a much darker side. The tension peaked when Agent Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) confronted Mateo about a missing application in the system, only for the teen to reveal he was armed and warned that “they could be watching.”

The screen cut to a wide shot of the city, the echo of a gunshot rang out, and the credits rolled. It was the perfect recipe for a sleepless night for NCIS fans.

The Silver Lining: No One is Dead (Yet)

Before you spiral into grief over a favourite character, there is some good news. Executive producer Steven D. Binder has already confirmed to TV Insider that while someone was definitely hit, no one died in the exchange.

“It’s much more interesting when someone’s alive and been shot than when they’re dead,” Binder explained, citing the classic moment when Gibbs shot McGee as a precedent for high-stakes drama that keeps characters in the game.

4 Bold Theories for the NCIS Season 24 Premiere

With the stakes higher than ever, how will the writers resolve this mystery? Here are the four most likely scenarios for the start of Season 24:

• The Betrayal: Mateo shot Torres. This would create an excruciating emotional conflict for McGee, torn between his duty as a federal agent and his love for his son.
• The Reflex: Torres fired in self-defence. While Torres is a seasoned pro, a chaotic scramble could lead to a non-fatal shot, forcing him to deal with the guilt of shooting a teenager.
• The Third Party: Remember Mateo’s warning that “they” were watching? A mysterious third party could have fired from the shadows, hitting either Torres, Mateo, or both, potentially kidnapping them in the process.
• The Plot Twist: Someone else attacked, and either Torres or Mateo shot the attacker. Imagine the shock of Season 24 opening with a “bad guy” in the morgue instead of a teammate.

What’s Next for the Team?

Regardless of who was hit, the fallout will be seismic. The relationship between McGee and Torres—two of the most enduring teammates—will be tested like never before. As we wait for Season 24 (expected Fall 2026 on CBS), the anticipation is building.

What is your theory? Do you think Mateo is a double agent, or is he being framed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!