NCIS Pays Tribute to David McCallum in Emotional Episode
NCIS has unveiled an extended trailer for its upcoming tribute episode dedicated to the late David McCallum, beloved for his role as Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard on the iconic procedural series.
McCallum, who passed away last September, will be honored in an episode airing next Monday (February 19). The storyline revolves around the NCIS team grappling with the news of Ducky’s death, even as his legacy continues to guide them through solving one final case.
The trailer, shared on Instagram, captures poignant moments as Dr. Jimmy Palmer (played by Brian Dietzen), Ducky’s protégé, comes to terms with the loss of his mentor. Scenes also depict the entire NCIS team mourning the departure of their beloved colleague. Flashbacks feature past characters like Mark Harmon’s Gibbs and Michael Weatherly’s DiNozzo alongside McCallum, reflecting on their shared journey.
“Join us this Monday as we pay tribute to the beloved Ducky in a special episode you won’t want to miss,” reads the caption, hinting at an emotional rollercoaster for fans.
Brian Dietzen, who co-wrote the episode dedicated to McCallum, shared his sentiments: “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 centers on the agents as they mourn Ducky and find solace in completing one of his unfinished cases involving a woman connected to a dishonorable discharge 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,” commented NCIS showrunners David North and Steven D. Binder to TVLine, underscoring the significance of this tribute.
In the episode, as the team grapples with Ducky’s passing, they reflect on their cherished memories of him. True to Ducky’s meticulous and compassionate nature, even in death, he continues to influence the team to solve one last crime.
NCIS airs on CBS in the US, with Season 21 returning on February 12. For viewers in the UK, Seasons 1-20 are available for streaming on Disney+.
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