NCIS Pays Tribute to Late Star David McCallum in Emotional Episode

NCIS aired a poignant tribute episode dedicated to the late star David McCallum, marking the end of an era for the long-running series.

The episode titled ‘The Stories We Leave Behind’ paid homage to McCallum’s iconic character, Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard, who he portrayed for two decades on NCIS.

As fans bid farewell to McCallum, the last original cast member of the show, they were taken on an emotional journey through old scenes and touching moments.

McCallum’s on-screen mentee, Jimmy Palmer played by Brian Dietzen, took center stage in the tribute episode, embracing his new role as the show’s chief medical examiner.

The episode opened with a heart-wrenching scene where Palmer discovers Ducky’s lifeless body at home, setting the tone for a reflective and sincere farewell to the character.

Among the original cast members, Timothy McGee, portrayed by Sean Murray, reflected on Ducky’s impactful life, emphasizing the need to celebrate his enduring legacy.

The episode interspersed flashbacks featuring Leroy Gibbs, Tony DiNozzo, Ziva David, and Abby Sciuto, highlighting the profound impact Ducky had on the NCIS team.

A parallel narrative unfolds with a riveting case involving a soldier named Danny, tying into Ducky’s final pursuit for justice.

As the team solves the case, Palmer is surprised by a thoughtful gift from DiNozzo, symbolizing the passing of the baton from one generation of NCIS to the next.

The episode concludes with a touching title card dedicated to David McCallum, reminding viewers of his enduring presence and contribution to the show.