NCIS season 21, episode 2 delivered an emotional tribute to the iconic character Dr. Mallard, played by David McCallum, who bid farewell to the long-running series. The episode featured a poignant storyline that honored the beloved medical examiner-turned-historian, Ducky, who had been a core cast member until his character's passing.
The episode also saw the return of Michael Weatherly as Tony DiNozzo, a fan-favorite character who made a cameo appearance at the end of the episode. DiNozzo's presence provided comfort to Palmer, played by Brian Dietzen, as he struggled to cope with the loss of his mentor and friend, Ducky.
Brian Dietzen, who not only portrayed Ducky's protégé but also co-wrote the episode, shared insights into the decision to bring back DiNozzo for this special tribute. The return of Weatherly's character after a decade since his retirement was met with celebration by fans, as it added a nostalgic touch to the episode.
While DiNozzo's return was well-received, there was a sense of disappointment among fans that Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, did not make an appearance in the tribute episode. However, there is speculation that Gibbs may return in future episodes, possibly in the franchise's upcoming 1000th episode.
NCIS season 21 continues to captivate audiences with its ensemble cast, led by Special Agent Alden Parker, portrayed as a quirky former FBI agent. The team dynamics, including characters like NCIS Special Agent Timothy McGee, NCIS Special Agent Nicholas Torres, NCIS Special Agent Jessica Knight, and the ever-reliable NCIS Director Leon Vance, add depth to the high-stress investigations portrayed in the series.
As the show progresses, fans eagerly anticipate the potential return of Gibbs and the reunion of iconic characters like DiNozzo, keeping the excitement levels high for the future episodes of NCIS season 21.