David McCallum’s Emotional Farewell: Ducky Solves One Last Crime in NCIS Season 21 Tribute – Exclusive Details!

In the upcoming season 21 of NCIS, a tribute episode will honor the late David McCallum, who portrayed the beloved character Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard. Scheduled to air on February 19 at 9/8c on CBS, the second episode will depict the team learning of Ducky’s passing, with the character posthumously solving one last crime.

Co-showrunners and executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North expressed the significance of honoring the legendary actor and dear friend. The episode, co-written by executive producer Scott Williams and Brian Dietzen (Dr. Jimmy Palmer on the show), will see the team reflecting on their memories of Ducky as they grieve. True to Ducky’s meticulous and compassionate nature, he manages to solve one final crime with the team even after his passing.

While the showrunners remained tight-lipped about potential cameos from returning cast members, they teased a “very touching and special moment” that viewers won’t want to miss. David McCallum played Ducky since the pilot episode and passed away at the age of 90 in September.

Brian Dietzen previously shared a touching tribute to his co-star on Instagram, describing David as his mentor and dear friend. The cast, currently filming the new episodes since returning to set in December, marks the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike.

The season 21 premiere of NCIS is set for February 12 at 9 pm, followed by the first episode of NCIS: Hawai’i season three at 10 pm.