NCIS Season 21 kicks off with a heart-wrenching premiere as Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) discovers the passing of his mentor, Ducky Mallard (David McCallum). As the team comes to terms with the loss, tonight’s episode takes a poignant turn. They delve into one of Ducky’s unfinished cases, centering on a woman seeking justice for her dishonorably discharged father from the Marines. Amidst the investigation, cherished memories of Ducky resurface, offering a bittersweet tribute to his legacy. Dietzen shares, “It’s definitely not a clip show, it’s definitely a show, though, that will highlight Ducky and what he’s done over the course of his NCIS career and how he’s interacted with his NCIS family.” Despite the challenges posed by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, Dietzen and executive producer Scott Williams collaborate on crafting this special episode, ensuring a fitting farewell to McCallum’s iconic character.