“Mark [Harmon] said to us, ‘I didn’t know you guys were doing that, and there was no greater way to honor David [McCallum] than to put his music [in], because David felt so passionate about his music,’” NCIS: Origins executive producer David J. North says of the upcoming tribute to the late actor with Adam Campbell reprising his role as the younger version. Adds EP Gina Lucita Monreal, “There’s three songs that he performed and he was very proud of his music, and we are so proud to put it in the episode and you’ll see, it just fits so beautifully within what we were doing in the episode.”
The episode, titled “The Edge,” after one of McCallum’s songs (which will be featured in the episode), airs on Tuesday, October 28. In it, Campbell’s Ducky comes as a liaison from D.C. headquarters — he and Gibbs have met before, in 1980 (NCIS Season 18 Episode 2, “Everything Starts Somewhere”) — to evaluate whether Pendleton needs an in-house medical examiner, but is that the only reason for his visit? We’ll have to wait and see.
“You see the connection that Gibbs and Ducky shared and Mark and David McCallum shared through Austin [Stowell] and Adam Campbell’s portrayal of young Ducky,” North tells TV Insider. “Gina and I were just in the sound studio with Mark Harmon doing his narration for that episode and seeing the emotion that Mark has towards David, and Mark is a huge fan of Adam who plays young Ducky, as was David McCallum. So, we’re really excited. It’s going to be a really special episode.”
When NCIS: Origins was announced, fans were thrilled to see the beloved world of NCIS come alive again through the early years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. But beyond the nostalgia, this prequel series carries a deeply emotional purpose — honoring the late David McCallum, who played the legendary Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard.
The creative team behind NCIS: Origins recently previewed how they plan to celebrate McCallum’s enduring legacy while expanding on Gibbs’ early life and his timeless friendship with Ducky. Let’s take a deep dive into how this upcoming series balances heartfelt tribute, clever callbacks, and powerful storytelling.
A Tribute to a Legend — Honoring David McCallum
Few actors have left a mark on NCIS fans like David McCallum. For over two decades, his portrayal of Ducky blended intellect, warmth, and wit. The loss of McCallum in 2023 deeply affected both fans and the NCIS family — and NCIS: Origins is making sure his spirit remains at the heart of the franchise.
According to the producers, this prequel will include subtle and emotional nods to McCallum’s legacy throughout the season — both through storytelling and visual tributes.
The Origins of a Friendship — Gibbs Meets Ducky
At its core, NCIS: Origins explores the early professional and personal life of Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) and his path toward becoming the stoic yet compassionate leader fans know and love.
The Chemistry Between Gibbs and Ducky
Their friendship was one of the most enduring relationships in the NCIS universe. In Origins, fans will see how this bond began — before Gibbs’ famous rules, before the modern NCIS team — when he was still finding his place in the agency.
The writers promise that the Gibbs-Ducky dynamic will reflect the same mix of humor, intellect, and heart that made their future partnership so iconic.
Behind the Scenes — How the Team Planned the Tribute
Conversations with McCallum’s Family
The Origins team worked closely with McCallum’s family to ensure his tribute felt authentic and respectful. Showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal revealed that every detail — from the dialogue to the set design — was crafted with care.
“We wanted to honor David in a way that feels natural to the story,” she explained. “His presence will be felt in every episode.”
Subtle Nods in the Script
Rather than a single “tribute episode,” McCallum’s legacy is woven into the show’s DNA. Expect Ducky’s early quirks, his love of classic literature, and his fascination with the human psyche to appear throughout the story.
Easter Eggs Fans Should Watch For
Fans of the NCIS franchise know the writers love planting hidden clues and callbacks — and Origins is no exception.
References to Gibbs’ Rules
In the original NCIS, Gibbs was famous for his “rules” — life lessons that guided his every decision. In Origins, we’ll likely see the birth of those rules. Maybe Gibbs learns his first lesson the hard way, setting the foundation for the man we later meet in the flagship series.
Classic NCIS Props and Locations
From Gibbs’ future basement project to the iconic NCIS headquarters, expect Origins to recreate familiar environments with a nostalgic twist.
Keep an eye out for visual homages — like Ducky’s signature bow tie or a vintage car that mirrors his later rides.
Mentions of Familiar Faces
While Origins focuses on Gibbs’ early years, subtle nods to characters like Mike Franks, Jenny Shepard, and even Abby Sciuto may pop up through dialogue or flash-forward teasers.
Building Gibbs’ Character — Before He Became a Legend
Austin Stowell’s Take on Young Gibbs
Taking on a role made iconic by Mark Harmon isn’t easy, but Austin Stowell has embraced the challenge with heart and authenticity.
In interviews, Stowell mentioned that Mark Harmon himself has been closely involved as an executive producer — mentoring him and ensuring Gibbs’ essence remains intact.
The Transformation from Marine to Agent
NCIS: Origins dives into Gibbs’ post-Marine life, exploring how his military discipline and emotional scars shaped the way he handled crime scenes, relationships, and leadership.
The Emotional Weight of McCallum’s Legacy
A Character That Defined Empathy
Dr. Mallard wasn’t just a coroner — he was the emotional compass of NCIS. His compassion for victims, his ability to find humor in darkness, and his intellectual curiosity made him unforgettable.
The new show mirrors those same qualities through emotional storytelling, giving fans a taste of the empathy and wisdom McCallum embodied.
How Fans Reacted to McCallum’s Passing
When McCallum passed away, tributes flooded social media from co-stars, fans, and even real-life forensic professionals. Origins aims to channel that love and respect into its episodes — ensuring his contributions are never forgotten.
The Role of Mark Harmon in the Prequel
Mark Harmon may not be returning as Gibbs on-screen, but his presence behind the camera is monumental.
Executive Producer with a Personal Touch
Harmon’s creative influence ensures the show maintains the authenticity fans expect. As someone who worked closely with McCallum for years, Harmon views Origins as a love letter to friendship, loyalty, and legacy.
Expanding the NCIS Universe
A New Generation of Agents
While honoring the past, NCIS: Origins also introduces fresh faces and stories. The younger cast brings new energy while preserving the show’s trademark blend of crime, camaraderie, and heart.
The Balance Between Mystery and Emotion
Expect gripping investigations with emotional depth. The cases will challenge Gibbs’ morality and highlight the lessons that shaped his leadership style.
What This Means for Longtime NCIS Fans
For fans who’ve followed NCIS since 2003, Origins offers a chance to rediscover the roots of everything they love about the series — the loyalty, the humor, the unspoken bonds.
It’s both a beginning and a farewell — celebrating McCallum’s life while exploring Gibbs’ past.
Why This Tribute Matters
This isn’t just another prequel — it’s a heartfelt continuation of what NCIS stands for: honor, integrity, and family. By celebrating David McCallum’s enduring influence, the show reminds viewers that legacies never die — they evolve, inspire, and live on through stories.
Conclusion
NCIS: Origins isn’t just about solving crimes; it’s about honoring the human connections that make life meaningful. The tribute to David McCallum promises to be emotional, authentic, and unforgettable — a testament to the legacy of a man who gave NCIS its heart.
As fans prepare to revisit Gibbs’ early days, they’ll find themselves not only uncovering the origins of a legend but also celebrating the enduring friendship between Gibbs and Ducky — two men whose bond transcended time, loss, and even death.
