**NCIS Releases Emotional Tribute Trailer for Late Star David McCallum**
NCIS has unveiled an extended trailer for the tribute episode honoring the late David McCallum, known for his iconic role as Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard. The Scottish actor passed away last September, and the special episode will air next Monday, February 19.
The Instagram clip shows Dr. Jimmy Palmer, played by Brian Dietzen, realizing his mentor has died, alongside scenes of the NCIS team mourning. A montage features past characters Mark Harmon’s Gibbs and Michael Weatherly’s DiNozzo sharing moments with McCallum. “Join us this Monday as we pay tribute to the beloved Ducky in a special episode you won’t want to miss,” the caption reads, promising an emotional journey for fans.
Dietzen, who co-wrote the episode, commented: “On Monday we’ll remember, mourn and celebrate a beloved member of our family. We’ll see you all then.”
Titled ‘The Stories We Leave Behind,’ the episode follows the agents as they grieve Ducky and find solace in working on one of his unfinished cases involving a woman whose father was dishonorably discharged from the Marines. “Everyone at NCIS felt it was important to do an episode that honors such a legendary actor, not to mention a dear friend,” NCIS showrunners David North and Steven D. Binder told TVLine.
In the episode, the team learns of Ducky’s passing and reflects on their memories of him. True to Ducky’s meticulous and compassionate nature, even after his death, he still manages to help solve one last case with the team.
NCIS airs on CBS in the US and returns for season 21 on February 12. Seasons 1-20 are streaming on Disney+ in the UK.
