CBS sets Ducky’s tribute episode for NCIS season 21. In light of a long-time beloved cast member David McCallum’s death, the procedural is staging a special send-off for both the actor and the character he played since the series started in the mid-2000s. Ducky had fewer appearances in recent NCIS seasons, but he remained an important part of the team, so it’s only natural that they take some time to honor his legacy.
Per TVLine, NCIS season 21, episode 2 will function as Ducky’s swan song. Long-time cast member Brian Dietzen, who plays his long-time protégé, will direct the outing that will see the squad learning of his passing. In true Ducky fashion, however, he becomes instrumental in solving one last case, even when he’s already gone. NCIS co-showrunners/executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North have this to say about the outing: “Everyone at NCIS felt it was important to do an episode that honors such a legendary actor, not to mention a dear friend.
In the episode, the team will learn of Ducky’s passing and reflect on their memories of him as they grieve. And true to Ducky’s meticulous and compassionate nature, even after he’s gone, he still manages to solve one last crime with the team.”
Will Any Former NCIS Character Return For Ducky’s Episode?
After news broke out that McCallum had sadly passed away, many of his former co-stars in NCIS released their respective statements to pay tribute to the actor. There was no shortage of love for McCallum, who was the final original cast member still in the police procedural before his death. Considering how big of an impact he and Ducky have had on NCIS, a tribute episode isn’t surprising. While the premise sounds interesting, what’s more curious is to see if any of his old cohorts will be part of it.
Both Binder and North remain mum on the matter, although they did tease some not-to-be-missed scenes from the upcoming Ducky tribute episodes. Whether that involves any old NCIS characters remains to be seen, but it isn’t difficult to imagine that any former cast member would be opposed to doing the special if their schedules permit. More than anyone, however, it’s most crucial to see Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs back, considering his long-time friendship with Ducky. Since the ex-NCIS leader has just retired, nothing is stopping him from being involved in terms of narrative.
Ducky was vital in solving some of the biggest cases in NCIS. However, more than his medical expertise, he would be most remembered for his rapport with the team. Seeing the current roster pay tribute to him in the upcoming episode will be special, but it’s arguably more important for the likes of Gibbs, Tony DiNozzo, and Abby Sciuto to show up for his send-off.
