NCIS has stated goodbye to many beloved characters through the years.
Sadly, the collection must say goodbye to Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard following David McCallum’s demise in September.
CBS and people near the present have but to disclose whether or not a tribute episode is within the works, however there is no method the collection will proceed with out a becoming tribute to an actor who introduced a lot to the present.
For a collection that is been on the air for 20 years, there was numerous forged turnover, that means the present has a superb alternative to carry again some individuals who have been lengthy gone to assist say goodbye to Ducky.
However who ought to return for the large occasion?
Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs
Harmon’s time on the wheel concluded with NCIS Season 19, however Gibbs appeared completely satisfied along with his new outlook on life.
He left his workforce within the trusty fingers of Gary Cole’s Agent Alden Parker, nevertheless it at all times appeared like a short lived hiatus to maintain Gibbs within the groups’ orbit if one thing occurred.
Gibbs and Ducky have had an incredible relationship since NCIS Season 1, so we think about that Harmon will likely be excessive on producers’ want lists to stage a comeback.
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For his half, Harmon hasn’t dominated out returning, and we think about it could be enjoyable to return for an episode right here and there versus being locked into 20+ episode seasons.
Broadcast TV has the tightest manufacturing schedules, and it should be exhausting.
Cote de Pablo as Ziva David
There is a cause why followers clamored for de Pablo’s return once we had been led to consider that Ziva had been killed off-screen: She’s among the finest characters within the franchise.
Ziva additionally had many memorable encounters with Ducky whereas on the workforce.
It will make good sense for her to need to pay her respects to such a cherished member of her former workforce.
The excellent news? We all know Ziva’s alive and properly after de Pablo staged a short-term comeback as a part of some of the stunning storylines in NCIS historical past.
Michael Weatherley as Tony DiNozzo
Weatherley was some of the in style actors on the present for 13 seasons, and even years later, followers have been bellowing for his return.
For his half, Weatherley has been teasing a comeback left, proper, and middle, however we can’t consider it is taking place till CBS confirms it.
There may be nonetheless some uncharted territory for Tony and Ziva, so it would not shock us if Weatherley returned alongside de Pablo to pay tribute to Ducky.
Within the course of, followers can study what the couple has been as much as within the years since their supposed reunion.
Pauley Perrette as Abby Sciuto
Abby had a improbable bond with Ducky, however there is a excessive likelihood Perette is not going to be enthusiastic about returning to the collection.
Perrette departed throughout NCIS Season 15 and has been vocal numerous instances about not being enthusiastic about returning.
Perrette and Harmon had a large falling out, and it would not appear to be one thing they’ve labored via.
The one likelihood I see of the actress returning is that if Harmon declines to return for the episode, as properly.
One other risk entails Abby showing through a video message.
We’ll want to attend for some updates on NCIS Season 21 to seek out out what’s taking place on that entrance.
Emily Wickersham as Ellie
Wickersham’s departure from NCIS Season 18 stays one of many collection’ largest mysteries.
It got here out of nowhere and left us with extra questions than solutions.
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Ellie coming back from her top-secret mission would undoubtedly go away followers begging for her to share the display screen with Wilmer Valderamma’s Nick Torres.
The collection appeared to set us up for one more NCIS romance for the ages, nevertheless it wasn’t meant to be.
Sadly, we do not assume a one-episode stint would carry that storyline to a detailed.
However Ellie was a giant a part of the workforce for a number of seasons, so bringing her again could be a good suggestion.
Whether or not Wickersham is able to return is unclear, however we’ll eagerly await solutions.
Maria Bello as Dr. Jack Sloane
Maria Bello’s three-season run on the collection wrapped in March 2021.
Followers related with Jack Sloane in a giant method, so a return as she pays tribute to Ducky, a person with whom she had a storied historical past, could be fascinating.
It is also price noting that Sloane had fairly the reference to Gibbs, and we would not thoughts seeing them revisit it.
Many different faces might be seen once more, however the above six are the individuals whose returns we consider would have probably the most vital influence.
These six returning and their myriad of connections to different characters would possibly go away newer workforce members out within the chilly, or it may present a cherished bridge between the outdated and the brand new that viewers will always remember.
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Provided that the collection has been on the air for twenty years, there are a lot of connections between varied workforce members, however the stars would wish to align to carry them to life once more.
Schedules are an element, and provided that NCIS and most different broadcast reveals had been delayed because of the twin Hollywood strikes, the collection is going through an accelerated manufacturing schedule to get new episodes on the air early subsequent 12 months.
That signifies that schedules will not be as malleable as earlier than, and a few people who find themselves enthusiastic about revisiting NCIS could not have the ability to stage a comeback.
The essential factor is that the inevitable tribute to Ducky is befitting of the character, the actor who portrayed him, and his many contributions; the present won’t ever be the identical with out him.
What are your ideas on who ought to return for a tribute episode?
Hit the feedback beneath.
NCIS Season 21 is about to premiere on Monday, February 12, 2024.
Paul Dailly is the Affiliate Editor for TV Fanatic. Follow him on X.
