NCIS fans were in for a shock when they tuned in for the latest episode on Monday and received something unexpected instead.
CBS opted to air a rerun episode of NCIS instead of a new one on Monday. The rerun featured a tribute to Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, portrayed by actor David McCallum, who played the role until his passing in September 2023. When the episode originally aired last month, it left many fans feeling saddened by the loss.
Several fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their emotions after re-watching the show on Monday.
One user wrote, “It’s unbelievable just how good this episode was. No matter how many times you watch it, it doesn’t become any less of a tear-jerker. Ducky/David would’ve been proud. #NCIS.”
Another shared, “I’ve…watched the #NCIS tribute to David McCallum. #Ducky. Tears. Many tears but so many smiles too – what a well-written show. Worthy of, and true to, the tradition the original established. Well done @BrianDietzen.”
A third fan confessed, “Watching the rerun #NCIS episode about Ducky. Still gets me…”
A fourth fan remarked, “No new #NCIS on tonight but they are replaying the ode to #Ducky episode [crying emoji].”
Before the rerun aired, someone else disclosed, “Heads up, #NCIS fans… A rerun of the #Ducky tribute is on in 30 minutes. Grab your gear and some tissues. @ncisverse.”
DR. DUCKY’S TRIBUTE
The NCIS writers bid farewell to the late David’s character, Dr. Donald, in a tasteful manner.
Towards the conclusion of the tribute episode, Agent Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) was seen anxiously questioning Agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole), “What was going on?”
Alden’s silence lingered until the screen faded to black.
Producers brought back Michael Weatherly, 55, to reprise his role as the adept special agent, Tony DiNozzo.
Michael departed from the series in 2015.
DAVID’S DEATH
David passed away from natural causes, surrounded by his family in his final days.
Additionally, the seasoned Scotland-born performer celebrated his birthday just a few days prior to his passing.
David had a prominent role in the 1960s show The Man From U.N.C.L.E., a spy fiction series.
For the last two decades, he starred on NCIS, a spin-off of the television show JAG, which premiered on September 23, 2003.
NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North released a statement about their longtime star.
Steven and David said: “For over twenty years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard.”
“But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more.”
The two continued: “He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke.
