In a poignant and heartfelt tribute, the latest episode of NCIS bid farewell to David McCallum’s iconic character, Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, while honoring the enduring legacy of the beloved actor. McCallum, who passed away on September 25 at the age of 90, had portrayed the eccentric chief medical examiner since the show’s inception in 2003, endearing himself to fans with his wit, charm, and unwavering dedication to justice.
Titled “The Stories We Leave Behind,” the episode served as a fitting send-off for McCallum’s character, allowing viewers to mourn alongside the NCIS team as they grappled with the loss of their dear friend and colleague. Co-written by Brian Dietzen, who plays Dr. Jimmy Palmer, Ducky’s protégé, the episode struck a delicate balance between honoring McCallum’s memory and celebrating his remarkable contributions to the long-running procedural.
“We wanted to honor a life well-lived, 60 years in this business and 20 years on our show,” Dietzen shared with USA TODAY. “This allows fans to grieve with us. We’ve all experienced this loss.”
The episode opened with a gut-wrenching scene as Palmer discovered Ducky peacefully lying in bed, a poignant reminder of the character’s enduring presence in the hearts of his colleagues and viewers alike. As the team grappled with their grief, they rallied to solve one final case alongside Ducky, ensuring that his legacy would live on through their shared pursuit of justice.
Throughout the episode, poignant flashbacks showcased memorable moments from Ducky’s tenure on the show, underscoring the profound impact he had on his fellow characters and the countless lives he touched over the years. From heartfelt conversations with Leroy Gibbs (Mark Harmon) to endearing interactions with Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette), the flashbacks served as a touching homage to McCallum’s incomparable talent and the indelible mark he left on NCIS.
One of the episode’s most poignant moments came with the surprise return of Michael Weatherly as Special Agent Tony DiNozzo. Weatherly, who left NCIS in 2016 after 13 seasons, reprised his role to offer support to Palmer and pay tribute to his mentor. DiNozzo’s heartfelt gesture, presenting Palmer with a bowtie reminiscent of Ducky’s signature style, underscored the enduring bonds forged between the characters and the profound impact Ducky had on those around him.
As the episode drew to a close, a title card appeared on screen, honoring McCallum’s memory with a simple yet powerful message: “In memory of our dear friend and colleague David McCallum. We will miss you.” It was a poignant reminder of the lasting impact McCallum had on NCIS and the countless lives he touched throughout his illustrious career.
Through “The Stories We Leave Behind,” NCIS paid tribute to David McCallum’s remarkable legacy, celebrating the life and contributions of a beloved actor who will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans around the world. As the show continues its journey, McCallum’s spirit will live on, inspiring future generations of viewers and reminding us all of the enduring power of storytelling.