NCIS fans have seen Jimmy Palmer, portrayed by Brian Dietzen, undergo significant character development over the years. Palmer, who started as an assistant to Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, eventually became the NCIS chief medical examiner. Throughout the show’s 21 seasons, Dietzen has remained one of the few consistent cast members.
Palmer’s storyline took a poignant turn in Season 21 when he received heartbreaking news about the death of Dr. Ducky Mallard. This marked another significant loss for Palmer, who had previously endured the off-screen death of his wife, Breena.
Breena’s character, portrayed by Michelle Pierce, made sporadic appearances over 13 seasons, totaling only seven episodes. However, her death had a lasting impact on Palmer’s character arc and allowed the show to address themes of grief and resilience, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the Season 18 episode “The First Day,” it was revealed that Breena passed away from COVID-related complications in December 2020. Due to pandemic restrictions, Palmer was unable to be with her during her final moments and could only communicate with her through video calls.
This devastating loss was further explored in subsequent episodes, showcasing Palmer’s struggle to come to terms with Breena’s death. The emotional depth of this storyline highlights the resilience of Palmer’s character and adds a layer of realism to the show’s narrative.
Despite Breena’s limited on-screen presence, her impact on Palmer’s life and the show’s storyline is undeniable. Her off-screen death serves as a catalyst for Palmer’s character development and allows the show to explore deeper themes of love, loss, and perseverance.
NCIS fans have witnessed Brian Dietzen’s character, Jimmy Palmer, evolve from an assistant to Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard to the NCIS chief medical examiner. Dietzen’s tenure on the show has been notable, as he’s one of the few cast members to appear in all 21 seasons alongside Sean Murray. Palmer’s journey took a poignant turn in Season 21 when he received the distressing news of Ducky’s passing. This marked another significant loss for Palmer, who had previously mourned the death of his wife, Breena, due to COVID-related complications. Although Breena’s character appeared infrequently, her death had a lasting impact on Palmer’s storyline, allowing the show to address themes of grief and resilience in the wake of the pandemic. Dietzen’s influence extends beyond acting, as he has co-written several episodes, including one where Palmer reunites with Breena in a dream, providing closure and a path forward for his character.
