Emotional Rollercoaster: David McCallum’s Farewell Episode on NCIS – Brace Yourself for the Unforgettable Goodbye!
The world mourned the loss of David McCallum, best known for his role as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the long-running CBS series “NCIS.” While McCallum had an illustrious career spanning the 1960s to the 1980s with roles in “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” “Colditz,” and “Sapphire & Steel,” it was his portrayal of Ducky that left a lasting mark on television.
Contrary to the farewell given to co-star Mark Harmon in 2021, McCallum did not receive a comparable send-off on “NCIS.” His sporadic appearances in the recent Season 20, culminating in the finale, “Black Sky,” marked his final performance as Ducky Mallard due to his passing.
Although his role in the last episode was minor, McCallum’s Ducky provided crucial information to characters Alden Parker and Leon Vance. Despite the absence of a grand send-off, it’s worth noting that Ducky’s presence on “NCIS” had been diminishing in the years leading up to McCallum’s final appearance.
During Season 20, McCallum appeared in only four episodes, consistent with the trend from the previous season. His last significant presence occurred during the 16th season (2018-2019). In a November 2022 interview, McCallum expressed a sense of disconnect on the set, stating, “When I go there, it’s like being in a different show. It doesn’t quite make sense anymore.”
Executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson acknowledged McCallum’s reduced role, mentioning, “David McCallum doesn’t do that much in the series anymore. It’s become far too difficult for him, and I believe he’s ready to retire.” While McCallum never officially retired before his passing, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes prevented him from recording additional scenes for the show.
The question of whether he had plans to return remains unanswered. Nonetheless, fans can celebrate the extensive number of episodes featuring McCallum’s Ducky over his 20-year tenure on “NCIS.”
