NCIS Season 22 Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Beloved “Ducky” Mallard
NCIS has returned with an emotional start to its 22nd season, honoring the late David McCallum, who passed away in September 2023 at 90. In a touching tribute, the team revisits one of Ducky’s unresolved cases in an episode titled The Stories We Leave Behind, a clear homage to McCallum’s beloved character, Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard.
The season features the return of Agent Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) and the rest of the team, but it’s Episode 3, The Trouble With Hal, that brought an unexpected nod to Ducky, moving fans to tears. In a nostalgic scene, Agent Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) jokingly suggests turning Ducky’s office into a gym, sparking debates among the team. Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) insists on preserving Ducky’s files, ultimately leading to a compromise: a “multi-purpose room” now affectionately called “Ducky’s.”
This touching detail captured viewers’ hearts, with fans flooding social media to praise the show’s tribute. One fan posted, “Thanks for giving us more Ducky love #NCIS.” Another added, “‘Meet me at Ducky’s Place’—a perfect tribute to our beloved Dr. Mallard.”
NCIS Season 22 continues Mondays on CBS.
