NCIS: Sydney Season 2’s Premiere Dropped A Major Reveal About Mackey’s Past, And The Showrunner Told Us How It Adds ‘Put An Extra Layer Of Pressure On Her’

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Warning: SPOILERS for the NCIS: Sydney Season 2 premiere are ahead!

Approximately one year ago, the first season of NCIS: Sydney came to an end, but it wasn’t until March of the following year that the series was renewed for its second season. Fast-forward to tonight; on CBS in the U.S., and available with a Paramount+ subscription, Sydney started its second season as scheduled on the 2025 television calendar with the episode titled “Heart Starter.” Before the episode aired, showrunner Morgan O’Neill shared with TopMob that it would contain a significant revelation about Olivia Swann’s character, Michelle Mackey. True to his word, Mackey disclosed to Jim “JD” Dempsey in the season premiere that she has a son. Furthermore, O’Neill hinted that this will add an additional layer of tension for Mackey throughout the rest of Sydney‘s second season.

In the storyline of “Heart Starter,” as the team started investigating Colonel Rankin following the Season 1 finale twist where he was linked to the kidnapper of JD’s son, Mackey revealed that her nearly-18-year-old son resides in the United States. Since this crucial personal detail has been disclosed, I asked O’Neill if we might encounter Mackey’s son and possibly witness flashbacks to her high school years. This was his response:

Will we encounter him? Yes, we will. Won’t we delve into the past? Not always, but as the narrative unfolds, it seems her past unexpectedly collides with her present, creating a dramatic impact. As the story moves forward, we’ll intensify the tension around her, revealing a sensitive spot. It’s something she’s carefully guarded for a long time. On an emotional level, this revelation significantly breaks down the barriers between her and JD. This is information she’s shared with few, and it might prompt him to reciprocate. This interaction brings our main characters closer emotionally, perhaps more than they dared in the initial season.

After receiving a call from her son, Mackey shared the information with JD. She was ready to disclose this aspect of her personal life to Todd Lasance’s character because it seemed their professional partnership was nearing its end. With Ana Niemus, another assassin implicated in the plot to abduct JD’s son and revealing Rankin’s role, being released, Mackey was put on suspension and JD was placed on leave. Given that their collaboration appeared to be concluding, Mackey felt at ease disclosing this part of her life before they parted ways.

1. However, the event clearly didn’t transpire as Niemus was recaptured, causing Mackey and JD’s superiors to reinstate them and keep the team together. As Morgan O’Neill pointed out, her son’s exposure has left her emotionally exposed. This isn’t necessarily a negative development because it seems it will bring her closer to JD, but it’s also something Mackey isn’t accustomed to dealing with in such a personal manner. O’Neill further remarked:

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2. But the situation that was suggested didn’t occur. Niemus was recaptured, which led to Mackey and JD being reinstated by their superiors and keeping the team intact. Morgan O’Neill noted that her son’s revelation has made her more emotionally vulnerable. While this may lead to a closer relationship between her and JD, it’s also an area where Mackey is not typically involved. O’Neill went on:

The conclusion brings about significantly increased danger for our characters since emotional vulnerability makes one inherently vulnerable. Throughout the season, we selected several crucial scenes, which you’ll witness. However, as the season unfolds up to episode 10, we delve deeper into these beloved characters, revealing even more reasons for our affection towards them. Additionally, in certain instances, what we uncover may leave us surprised, and I hope this revelation is just as thrilling for the audience as the initial season.

At the conclusion of “Heart Starter,” the team remained clueless about the true mastermind behind this sinister scheme, despite Rankin being the only one with knowledge of their identity. However, due to blackmail, Rankin was left in a coma and unable to reveal the information. The team can merely pray that he recovers while everyone else believes him to be deceased. Furthermore, we anticipate the introduction of Mackey’s son at some stage, likely when he travels to Australia to see her.

Furthermore, just like Morgan O’Neill mentioned, besides Mackey and JD becoming acquainted, the main characters of NCIS: Sydney will be delved into more deeply, making viewers grow fonder of them. I can’t wait to discover what this exploration entails as new episodes of NCIS: Sydney air every Friday at 8 p.m. on CBS nationwide.

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2025-02-08 05:07