NCIS fans were deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum. It is hard to imagine a more beloved character who consistently brought joy to viewers whenever he appeared onscreen. The situation is made even more poignant by the fact that McCallum was scheduled to return for the show’s 20th-anniversary season but passed away before production on Season 21 could commence.
McCallum was set to reprise his iconic role as Donald “Ducky” Mallard in a few episodes meant to celebrate the NCIS oral history. Despite his absence, the show’s co-showrunners and executive producers, Steven D. Binder and David North, have confirmed that Ducky’s death will be addressed in Season 21.
The show will not rely on off-screen explanations for his absence, such as retirement or relocation. Instead, the NCIS team will learn of Ducky’s death, and the episode will be dedicated to mourning and reminiscing about their memories of him. True to Ducky’s meticulous and compassionate nature, he will manage to solve one last crime with the team, even in his absence.
As fans eagerly await Season 21, the big question is whether there will be cameos from original cast members who worked alongside Ducky for years, such as Leroy Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and Abbey Sciuto (Pauley Perrette). However, Binder and North have chosen not to comment on these potential returns.
The showrunners promise a “special moment” for fans, ensuring major emotional moments that viewers won’t want to miss. Despite the loss of David McCallum, his legacy will be properly honored on the show. Binder and North have spoken about McCallum twice since his passing, praising his generosity toward co-stars and acknowledging the legendary presence he brought to the set every day. They express gratitude for the opportunity to work with him, emphasizing that McCallum will be remembered as a true legend.