NCIS Season 22 Makes an Emotional Tribute to Ducky Mallard Following David McCallum’s Passing
The beloved series NCIS has returned for its 22nd season, and it has touched the hearts of fans with an unexpected homage to the late Donald “Ducky” Mallard, a character that many viewers have cherished over the years. David McCallum, who portrayed Ducky, passed away in September 2023 at the age of 90, leaving a profound impact on the NCIS family and its loyal audience.
In a poignant episode titled “The Stories We Leave Behind,” the CBS crime drama paid tribute to McCallum by allowing the team to investigate one of Ducky’s unresolved cases. This heartfelt gesture underscored the deep connections formed over the years, as characters and fans alike grappled with the loss of such a pivotal figure in the series.
As Season 22 kicked off, the team was reunited, including Agent Jessica Knight, portrayed by Katrina Law, who returned to the squad after a brief hiatus. However, it was the third episode, “The Trouble With Hal,” that truly caught fans off guard with another touching nod to McCallum and his iconic character.
Early in the episode, Agent Nick Torres, played by Wilmer Valderrama, casually suggests converting Ducky’s vacant office into a gym, igniting a spirited debate among the team. Initially, there were concerns about how Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen), Ducky’s former mentee, would feel about such a significant change. Ultimately, Jimmy expresses the belief that Ducky would have wanted the space to be utilized in a meaningful way.
In a touching twist, the office is designated for various purposes, including meditation sessions led by Kasie Hines (Diona Reasonover). Meanwhile, Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) insists on preserving Ducky’s filing cabinets, valuing the history and documents contained within them.
The episode culminates in a heartwarming salute, with the office being officially renamed the “Dr. Donald Mallard Memorial Multi-Purpose Room.” As per Vance’s recommendation and Jimmy’s clever suggestion, it is affectionately referred to as “just Ducky’s.” This gesture did not go unnoticed by fans, who flooded social media with emotional reactions and praise for the episode.
One fan expressed their gratitude by saying, “Thanks for giving us some more Ducky love. Palmer’s respect and love for his mentor is evident.” Another admirer reminisced, stating, “‘Meet me at Ducky’s Place…’ A perfect tribute to our beloved Dr. Mallard.” Many others shared similar sentiments, with comments like, “Ducky’s office is now a multi-purpose room. I love it,” and “They’re calling it Ducky’s! I’m obsessed.”
The tribute to David McCallum and his character Ducky serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy left behind by both the actor and the role. As NCIS Season 22 continues to air every Monday on CBS, fans can look forward to more heartfelt moments and tributes to a character who has become synonymous with the series.
