As the writers’ strike comes to a close and SAG-AFTRA has the opportunity to re-enter negotiations with the studios, fans are already speculating about NCIS Season 21. While the season won’t air until 2024, there’s nothing stopping fans from creating their own NCIS Season 21 hypotheses.
This season is set to be marked by significant changes. Unfortunately, the passing of David McCallum, who portrayed Ducky, in September at the age of 90, is a major blow for NCIS fans and McCallum enthusiasts. He was the only remaining original cast member.
The 20th season concluded on a dramatic cliffhanger, with Nick Torres threatening to assassinate a man, putting his career in jeopardy. Fans are eager to see how Torres will extricate himself from this situation and what might happen to the other team members.
One of the key elements for the upcoming season will be addressing Ducky’s death. Ideally, the show should handle this loss through natural causes, allowing the team to focus on mourning Ducky rather than developing a case related to his tragedy.
With the loss of Ducky, the show is likely to explore how this affects the team. Each character will have to navigate their unique path of grief. It will be less painful for newcomers Parker and Knight, who were not as familiar with Ducky. However, Torres, Jimmy, and McGee will undoubtedly be the hardest hit by the loss.
The situation surrounding Torres, who threatened someone’s life at the end of Season 20, is a significant storyline to be resolved. Fans speculate that Torres will ultimately choose not to carry out the act but embark on a mission to uncover the individual’s actions against his family, with the help of his sister and Bishop.
The relationship between Palmer and Knight will also be explored further. Living together might be a possibility, or they might decide that strengthening their family unit is the best course of action. While a proposal might be unlikely, fans are eager to see their relationship progress.
In light of Ducky’s death, numerous figures from the past may return to mourn. A video call with Mark Harmon as Gibbs or appearances from Tony and Ziva would be appreciated by fans.
McGee’s writing career may also see development as he could use his experiences, including Ducky’s death, as inspiration for a new novel.
Lastly, fans anticipate another crossover with NCIS: Hawaii, possibly involving Torres’ current plot or Knight traveling to Hawaii to provide closure for Ernie’s love interest.