A Special Tribute to Doctor Ducky Mallard

Everything there is to know about the 'NCIS' David McCallum tribute episode

NCIS fans, get ready for a heartfelt episode! After the premiere episode of season 21, the upcoming episode is set to honor the beloved character of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, played by the late David McCallum. Let’s dive into what we can expect from this touching tribute.

David McCallum portrayed Dr. Ducky Mallard, the wise and enigmatic character, for over 20 years, winning the hearts of audiences worldwide. His presence on the show was truly legendary. When McCallum passed away in September 2023, it was only a matter of time before the series paid tribute to this incredible actor.

David McCallum as Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard

The upcoming episode, titled “The Stories We Leave Behind,” will focus on one of Ducky’s unfinished cases. As the NCIS team mourns the loss of their dear friend, they find solace in working on a case that meant a lot to him. The episode, written by Brian Dietzen and EP Scott Williams, will beautifully honor both Ducky and the man behind the character.

According to Dietzen, the episode aims to be more than just a clip show of Ducky’s greatest moments. It will explore the theme of the legacy we leave behind and the stories that define us. As Dietzen shared with TVLine, “What’s important is what’s left to our loved ones when we’re done with life.”

NCIS cast

While there haven’t been any official hints about cameo appearances from previous characters like Gibbs or Abby, the tight-lipped cast and crew have left fans guessing. We’ll have to tune in to find out!

Prepare yourself for an emotional journey as NCIS pays tribute to the unforgettable Dr. Mallard. Grab some tissues, because this episode is bound to be a tearjerker.

What about you? Who would you like to see return to NCIS to pay their respects to Dr. Mallard? Let us know in the comments on Facebook.

Watch the preview for the upcoming episode here: