The NCIS Season 21 DVD set is a stark reminder that TV shows on DVD have become a rarity in the age of streaming. As digital media takes over, owning a physical copy of your favorite show’s latest season is no longer guaranteed, and when it is, the product is often bare-bones, offering little to enhance the viewing experience. However, Paramount bucks this trend with the NCIS Season 21 DVD, packed with bonus material that adds real value to the collection—a necessity for this pivotal season.
Season 21 is particularly significant for one of television’s longest-running crime dramas. It marks the show’s milestone 1,000th episode and bids farewell to the beloved character Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, following the death of actor David McCallum. These moments make this season a must-have for fans who want to dive deeper into the show’s legacy.
NCIS Season 21 Delivers Key Episodes
The season’s most important episode is “The Stories We Leave Behind” (Episode 2), which thoughtfully writes out Ducky following the heartbreaking news of McCallum’s passing. The episode not only gives viewers a chance to mourn Ducky but also honors the star who brought him to life. Co-written by McCallum’s scene partner Brian Dietzen, the episode features a poignant guest appearance by Michael Weatherly, reprising his role as Tony DiNozzo. It’s a powerful example of how to respectfully handle the loss of a cast member, both on and off-screen.
Other standout episodes include “A Thousand Yards” (Episode 6), the 1,000th episode of NCIS, which delivers everything fans expect from such a landmark. It’s packed with callbacks to past characters and events, all within a personal storyline where Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) is shot. The season finale, “Reef Madness,” also shines with strong performances by Gary Cole and Katrina Law, culminating in a major decision for Law’s character, Jessica Knight.
However, not all episodes hit the mark. Episode 8, “Heartless,” stands out as the weakest, stumbling with its writing and failing to engage viewers despite Cole’s efforts. Some attempts at humor throughout the season also fall flat. Despite these missteps and a truncated 10-episode run due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, Season 21 still offers a compelling reminder of why NCIS has endured for so many years.
