NCIS bid farewell to David McCallum, who passed away on September 25 at the age of 90. David McCallum, known for his role as the eccentric yet highly effective investigator Donald “Ducky Mallard,” was the last original cast member of the show, having portrayed the character for two decades.
Remembering David McCallum:
In the episode titled “The Stories We Leave Behind,” Jimmy Palmer, played by Brian Dietzen (who also co-wrote the episode), discovers Ducky’s passing at his home. Ducky is found peacefully in his bed, dressed in his monogrammed pajamas, with his loyal corgi nearby.
Reflecting on Ducky’s death, Timothy McGee, portrayed by Sean Murray, remarks that passing away peacefully in one’s sleep is not a bad way to go. The NCIS team receives condolences from the Scottish parliament, who express their desire to honor David McCallum’s Scottish heritage with a symbolic gesture of sending “a mountain of thistles.”
Director Leon Vance, played by Rocky Carroll, emphasizes celebrating Ducky’s long and fulfilling life, echoing what McCallum would have wanted. The episode pays tribute to Ducky by revisiting memorable moments from past seasons, showcasing his impactful presence on the show.
Flashbacks feature interactions between Ducky and other beloved characters, such as Leroy Gibbs, Tony DiNozzo, Ziva David, and Abby Sciuto. These scenes serve as a reminder of Ducky’s wisdom and the connections he forged with his colleagues throughout his time on the team. Read More
Before Ducky’s memorial, there was a pressing case involving a deceased soldier named Danny, whose reputation was tarnished by an ambitious councilman named Allan Berger. The official story claimed Danny died in an Afghan brothel from a heroin overdose, but his daughter Serena suspected foul play.
Ducky shared Serena’s doubts, and the team’s investigation uncovered Danny’s connection to Berger, who had been involved in illicit activities during his time as a contractor in Afghanistan. When Danny threatened to expose Berger’s wrongdoing, Berger orchestrated his murder to silence him.
With the case resolved and Danny’s name cleared, the team could focus on honoring Ducky’s memory. But before the memorial, Palmer, who was preparing to deliver a eulogy, received a surprise visit from DiNozzo. DiNozzo presented Palmer with a special gift—a bowtie reminiscent of what Ducky used to wear in the lab, symbolizing the friendship between Palmer and Ducky.
After a heartfelt exchange, Palmer and DiNozzo attended the memorial, paying their respects to their late colleague. The episode concluded with a title card dedicating the episode to David McCallum’s memory, acknowledging his impact on the show and the fondness with which he is remembered by the cast and crew.
