Although Mark Harmon has returned to the NCIS universe as the narrator of NCIS: Origins-and even appeared on screen twice in the prequel-he hasn’t shown up on the main series since his Season 19 exit in “Great Wide Open.”

After wrapping up his mission with Timothy McGee in Naktok Bay, Alaska, Gibbs chose to stay behind and begin a quieter life. McGee returned to Washington D.C., and the two haven’t spoken since.

When CinemaBlend asked Sean Murray what he’d want Gibbs and McGee to talk about if they reunited, he focused on the emotional core of their relationship. Murray believes Gibbs would immediately want to ensure McGee is “being honest with himself” and still doing the job for the right reasons-values Gibbs instilled in him over nearly two decades. Murray highlighted that McGee, who had a strained relationship with his own father, always saw Gibbs as the father figure he never had and still longs for his approval.

This topic came up because, during the recent NCIS/NCIS: Origins crossover, Vera Strickland told McGee that she has been in touch with Gibbs-and that Gibbs is proud of him. After years of working side by side, their bond clearly grew far beyond workplace camaraderie, something strongly reflected in their final moment together in Alaska.

Murray added that a future conversation between the two would likely center on McGee’s desire for reassurance: “Am I doing OK, boss?” Gibbs remains a moral compass for him, even in his absence.

As for whether the pair will ever reunite on-screen, the answer isn’t clear. In the current NCIS timeline, Gibbs is still living off the grid in Alaska, repairing CB radios and even taking in a stray dog. Harmon hasn’t indicated any plans to return to the main series and is currently focused on Origins.

Still, many fans-Murray included-hope the two characters will cross paths again someday. For now, McGee continues to thrive at NCIS and at home with his family, and there’s little doubt Gibbs would approve.