NCIS Season 21 faces the delicate task of honoring the late David McCallum, an original cast member who played Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard for the show’s entire 20-season run. McCallum, who passed away at the age of 90, made brief cameos in the last two episodes of Season 20, making him the last remaining original cast member after Mark Harmon’s departure.
Executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North praised McCallum, referring to him as “a legend and a joy to work with” over the show’s two-decade span. With Ducky’s character recently off-screen, possibly on a global book tour, the show now faces the decision of how best to pay tribute to McCallum’s extensive acting legacy.
Options for handling Ducky’s tribute range from keeping his existence idyllic and off-camera, following the example set by Call Me Kat, to a more emotional farewell. The latter would aim to honor McCallum’s contributions to the show.
Considering this, the show must decide which familiar faces from the past should be present to bid their last respects to the beloved character. The poll options include:
- Mark Harmon – Gibbs: Gibbs, whose last appearance was in the Season 18 finale, could make a poignant return from Alaska to bid a proper farewell to his longtime friend and distinguished colleague, “Duck.”
- Michael Weatherly – Tony DiNozzo: Tony, last seen in the Season 13 finale, could return, along with his daughter Tali and Ziva, providing a welcome fan service due to their connection with Ducky.
- Pauley Perrette – Abby Sciuto: Despite Abby’s departure in May 2018, her love of science and her connection with Clayton Reeves might warrant her involvement in any farewell episode, even if she doesn’t share a moment with Gibbs.
- Cote de Pablo – Ziva David: Ziva, who exited in Season 11 and returned in Season 16, could play a fitting role, especially given her critical situation with Gibbs and her reunion with Tony and Tali.
- Emily Wickersham – Ellie Bishop: Despite Bishop’s abrupt exit in the Season 18 finale, her return might be welcome, although it could pose closure concerns with Nick’s character.
- Maria Bello – Dr. ‘Jack’ Sloane: Jack’s connection to Ducky’s transition and her departure in March 2021 could make her return fitting for a tribute.
The decision on which characters to bring back for the tribute will likely depend on the narrative direction the show chooses, balancing emotional resonance and continuity with the characters’ story arcs.