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Warning: Spoilers for “NCIS” Season 23, Episode 5 — “Now and Then”
Ron P. Jaffe/ CBS
Fans of “NCIS” have long cherished the character of Donald “Ducky” Mallard, and the show continues to honor his legacy. In a recent episode titled “Now and Then,” a subtle nod to Ducky may have slipped under the radar of many viewers. During a scene where the team gathers around Jimmy Palmer’s (Brian Dietzen) photo album, the cover is inscribed with “The Stories We Leave Behind.” This is a poignant reference to the episode in Season 21, Episode 2, where the team learns of Ducky’s passing, airing shortly after the real-life death of actor David McCallum at the age of 90.
The moment of camaraderie among the team serves as a heartfelt tribute to Ducky’s warm and personable nature. This is just one of many tributes to both Ducky and McCallum across “NCIS” and its spinoff “NCIS: Origins.” In fact, “NCIS: Origins” recently dedicated an entire episode to celebrating their legacy.
In “NCIS: Origins,” actor Adam Campbell portrays a young Ducky in “The Edge,” a Season 2 episode that stands as a comprehensive homage to David McCallum. Campbell had previously brought young Ducky to life in four episodes of “NCIS” from Season 12 to 18. In his latest portrayal, Ducky shares a pivotal bonding moment with Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Austin Stowell), gifting him something meaningful. The episode’s soundtrack, featuring music composed by McCallum, further elevates its tribute status, with the episode itself named after one of his songs.
David McCallum, born to a concert violinist, was a talented musician who released four albums in the 1960s, showcasing his original compositions alongside cover tracks. At the conclusion of “The Edge,” a tribute card shows McCallum playing the guitar, adding a personal touch to the homage. Meanwhile, “NCIS” also honored Ducky with a special memorial in “The Stories We Leave Behind,” featuring Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) attending the gathering and updating everyone on his life. This reunion reinforces the family-like bond the team shares, a sentiment that Ducky himself would have wholeheartedly embraced.
NCIS and NCIS: Origins have both honored Ducky
Greg Gayne/CBS
“NCIS: Origins” employed Adam Campbell as the younger version of Ducky in “The Edge,” a Season 2 episode which serves as a full-on tribute to David McCallum. Campbell also played young Ducky on “NCIS” across four episodes between Season 12 to Season 18. His “Origins” outing sees Ducky and Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Austin Stowell) bond and get closer. Ducky gives Gibbs an important gift, but it’s the ultimate Ducky episode for another reason — the soundtrack features music created by McCallum. In fact, the episode is named after one of his songs.
The Scottish actor was the son of a concert violinist. He was a musician on the side and he released four albums in the 1960s, all of which contain original songs as well as covers. At the end of “The Edge,” there’s a tribute card to McCallum, and it shows him playing guitar. “NCIS” itself held a lovely memorial for Ducky in “The Stories We Leave Behind.” Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) shows up at the function, letting everyone in on what he’s been up to. It’s another excuse for the gang to get together as the family they’ve always been, something Ducky would have approved of.
