The upcoming episode of NCIS season 21 is set to be a heartfelt tribute to the beloved character of Dr. Donald 'Ducky' Mallard, portrayed by the late David McCallum. McCallum, an original cast member of NCIS, passed away in September 2020 at the age of 90. Having portrayed Ducky for two decades, McCallum left an indelible mark on the show and its fans.
In an interview with TV Insider, actor Brian Dietzen, who plays Dr. Jimmy Palmer and also co-wrote the episode with executive producer Scott Williams, hinted at the significance of the upcoming tribute. When asked about the involvement of former NCIS cast members in the episode, Dietzen's response alluded to the honoring of Ducky's connection with various characters, particularly with Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon.
Dietzen expressed that the aim was to pay homage not only to the current team but also to past characters like Tony, Ziva, Bishop, and Abby. While the episode is not solely built around clips, it includes poignant moments that allow viewers to witness Ducky's interactions with both the current team and previous incarnations. This thoughtful approach seeks to provide fans with glimpses into Ducky's journey over the years, highlighting his enduring impact.
The tribute episode, titled 'The Stories We Leave Behind,' incorporates the passing of McCallum's character into the storyline. The team mourns the loss of their esteemed chief medical examiner, grappling with their grief while trying to find solace in working on one of Ducky's unfinished cases. This case revolves around a woman whose father was dishonorably discharged from the Marines, adding an additional layer of complexity and emotional depth to the narrative.
While it remains uncertain whether former cast members will make cameo appearances in this episode to bid farewell to McCallum and Ducky, it is evident that the contributions of both the character and the actor will be honored and cherished. This episode is poised to resonate deeply with fans who have been dedicated to this long-running CBS procedural from its inception.
NCIS, known as the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, revolves around a team of special agents working together in high-pressure situations. Special Agent Alden Parker, played by Gary Cole, leads the team. His character brings a unique blend of calm professionalism, sharp wit, and sarcasm to his cases. The team also includes seasoned agents such as Special Agent Timothy McGee, portrayed by Sean Murray, an MIT graduate with exceptional computer skills, and Special Agent Nick Torres, portrayed by Wilmer Valderrama, known for his unpredictability and extensive experience with undercover assignments.
Joining the team is Special Agent Jessica Knight, played by Katrina Law, a formidable REACT agent specializing in hostage negotiations and high-risk operations. Assisting the team is Dr. Jimmy Palmer, portrayed by Brian Dietzen, who has grown from an assistant to a fully licensed medical examiner. Rounding out the team is forensic scientist Kasie Hines, portrayed by Diona Reasonover, who was once Ducky's graduate assistant.
Overseeing these operations is NCIS Director Leon Vance, played by Rocky Carroll, a highly trained agent with a penchant for shaking up the status quo. Together, they investigate a wide range of crimes related to the Navy and Marine Corps, from murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines.
As the show enters its 21st season, fans can catch new episodes of NCIS on Mondays at 9 PM ET on CBS or stream them on Paramount+. The Ducky tribute episode is scheduled to air on Monday, February 12. For those who have followed this long-running procedural since the beginning, this episode promises to be a poignant and memorable celebration of a beloved character and the actor who brought him to life.
