Is David McCallum’s Last Episode as ‘Ducky’ on NCIS an Unforgettable Farewell that Will Take You on an Emotional Rollercoaster?

The world mourned the loss of David McCallum, known for his role on “NCIS,” who passed away at the age of 90. McCallum was a veteran actor who left a significant mark on television in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s through iconic roles like Illya Kuryakin on “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” Simon Carter on “Colditz,” and Steel on “Sapphire & Steel.” However, it was his portrayal of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the long-standing CBS procedural series “NCIS” that truly established him as one of the most prolific actors of his generation.

Sadly, McCallum did not receive a grand farewell on “NCIS” akin to the send-off Mark Harmon received when he departed the show in 2021. In fact, McCallum made sporadic appearances as Ducky during the most recent season of “NCIS.” His brief role in the Season 20 finale, titled “Black Sky,” turned out to be his final performance as Ducky Mallard due to his passing.

While his appearance in the episode was brief, he provided Alden Parker (Gary Cole) and Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) with crucial information about their latest target. Despite the absence of a grand farewell, it’s important to note that Ducky’s presence on “NCIS” had been diminishing in the years leading up to McCallum’s final appearance.

During “NCIS” Season 20, Ducky Mallard, portrayed by David McCallum, appeared in just four episodes, following a trend consistent with the previous season. In fact, McCallum’s last appearance in more than half of a season’s episodes occurred during the 16th season of “NCIS,” which aired from 2018 to 2019. After that season, the actor’s appearances became less frequent each year.

In a November 2022 interview with Radio Times, McCallum expressed a sense of disconnection when appearing on “NCIS” after many of his former co-stars had left the show. “When I go there, it’s like being in a different show,” the actor admitted. “It doesn’t quite make sense anymore.” In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter prior to McCallum’s passing, “NCIS” executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson acknowledged the actor’s reduced presence in the show’s recent seasons.

Johnson stated, “David McCallum doesn’t do that much in the series anymore. He could return for four or five episodes. It’s become far too difficult for him, and I believe he’s ready to retire.” Notably, McCallum never officially left “NCIS” or retired before his passing. However, due to this year’s WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which delayed the production of new “NCIS” episodes, he never had the opportunity to film additional scenes for the show after his appearance in the Season 20 finale.

Whether he had plans to return or not remains unanswered, but fans can celebrate the significant number of episodes in which McCallum’s Ducky appeared during his impressive 20-year tenure on the show.