NCIS Farewell to Ducky: Who Should Return for the Emotional David McCallum Tribute?
How can NCIS Season 21 best honor original cast member David McCallum, who passed away on Monday at the age of 90? McCallum, best known as Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard, played the part for all 20 seasons.
His final appearances were brief cameos in the last two episodes of Season 20. After Mark Harmon’s departure, he was the show’s final remaining original cast member. NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North praised McCallum, calling him “a legend and a joy to work with over the course of the show’s two-decade run.
With Ducky’s character recently off-screen, possibly on a globe-trotting book tour, NCIS Season 21 faces a choice in handling the late David McCallum’s tribute.
They could follow the example set by Call Me Kat, keeping Ducky’s existence idyllic and off-camera. Alternatively, the show may opt for a more emotional farewell to honor McCallum’s extensive acting legacy.
Given this, which familiar faces from the show’s past do you think should be present to bid the beloved character their last respects? Share your thoughts in the poll below.
Mark Harmon – Gibbs
Gibbs’ last appearance was in the Season 18 finale when his boat unexpectedly exploded.
In the fourth episode of Season 19, after solving a case involving a contract killer and an environment-poisoning copper mine, Gibbs chose to remain in Alaska, embracing the remote lifestyle that the multi-episode arc had brought him to. Gibbs’ character position remains enigmatic, with Executive Producer Steven Binder implying a year ago that Gibbs is neither here nor there. Gibbs is said to be in a condition of limbo, as if he has converted into pixie dust and is hovering in the sky till duty beckons him back. What better “call to duty” than a quick trip to Washington, D.C. to bid a proper farewell to a longtime friend and distinguished colleague “Duck”?
Michael Weatherly – Tony Dinozzo
Weatherly’s last NCIS appearance was in the Season 13 finale, revealing Tony’s daughter with Ziva. Despite teasing a possible return, it hasn’t happened, even after the cancellation of Bull. Tony and Tali presumably reunited with Ziva in late Season 17. Given their connection with Ducky, their presence in any remembrance would be a welcome fan service.
Pauley Perrette – Abby Sciuto
LAST SEEN: Perrette’s original NCIS career concluded in May 2018 after 15 seasons. Abby dedicated herself to creating a charity for homeless women after Clayton Reeves sacrificed his for her. She traveled with Reeves’ body to London before beginning a new chapter in her life. Given her love of science, it would be strange not to hear from her in some form during any farewell episode, even if she doesn’t share a moment with Gibbs.
Cote de Pablo – Ziva David
De Pablo’s enigmatic character Ziva exited NCIS at the start of Season 11 after an eight-season run. She unexpectedly resurfaced in the Season 16 finale and recurred in a few Season 17 episodes. Gibbs assisted Ziva with a critical situation before to her reunion with Tony and Tali in Season 17. Ziva planned to contact them once they were established to ensure their safety. It would be fitting for both Tony and Ziva to be present to honor Ducky.
Emily Wickersham – Ellie Bishop
In the Season 18 finale titled ‘Rule 91,’ Gibbs made his last appearance, adhering to the Gibbs rule ‘When you walk away, don’t look back.’ Special Agent Bishop abruptly quit NCIS for a top-secret covert mission on Odette’s behalf. While it would be lovely to have Ellie return, it may create closure concerns with Nick that a single guest appearance cannot overcome.
Maria Bello – Dr. ‘Jack’ Sloane
Bello’s final appearance as forensic psychologist Jack Sloane aired in March 2021, concluding her three-season run. Jack hinted at retiring to Costa Rica but stayed in Afghanistan to continue protecting young girls from Taliban abduction after a mission with Gibbs. Given her connection to Ducky’s transition, it would be fitting to hear from Jack again.
