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Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, played by David McCallum, has been an integral part of NCIS since the beginning. As the chief medical examiner, his knowledge, quirky flair, and historical tidbits rendered him a favorite among fans. But with McCallum's death in September 2023, the character's departure also became final, ending an era in NCIS. The fans were left heartbroken when the show paid tribute to the legendary actor and his iconic character.
While Ducky's departure had been a gradual one over the past few seasons, his death was the culmination of his tenure on the show. The narrative and McCallum's real-life departure both played a role in making this a reality, and the outcome was the bittersweet farewell of one of NCIS's favorite characters.
A discussion of why Ducky left NCIS and what it does for the future of the show is offered below.
Ducky's Exit from the NCIS Narrative
Ducky's departure from NCIS was integrated into the plotline across several seasons, but his character's eventual exit was finally forced by David McCallum's death. His character initially began to hint at a retirement after suffering a heart attack in Season 9. This caused him to reassess his workload, which ultimately resulted in a temporary leave of absence in Season 15, during which he assumed a teaching role at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
When he returned, Ducky indicated his retirement as chief medical examiner, delegating the position to his long-term assistant, Dr. Jimmy Palmer. Nevertheless, he continued in association with the team, but not as a participating member, since he took on a newly created role of NCIS historian, thereby staying on without his previous responsibilities. This provided fewer hands-on involvements, but still allowed him to be involved in investigations.
Up until Season 20, Ducky had relocated to Edinburgh, Scotland, and only made sporadic visits to assist his former comrades. But, with the passing of McCallum in 2023, his fate is what will get scripted into the show as a fitting farewell. Dozens of episodes will honor him, keeping his wise counsel and legacy part of the history of the team forever.
The Real Reason David McCallum Left
Aside from the narrative, McCallum's decision to scale down his character in NCIS was mostly on a personal basis. McCallum stated that he wanted to spend more time with his family and admitted that Ducky's character was no longer the center of the show after his retirement. As an actor who had been part of the show for nearly two decades, McCallum desired to move attention toward private interests without severing links with the show.
In negotiations with the producers, McCallum had contemplated leaving the show altogether. However, the producers didn't want to lose him and offered him the part-time position of a historian on the show, an offer he couldn't refuse. This allowed McCallum to still be associated with NCIS and, at the same time, pursue his personal life. His half-retirement from the show left him available for occasional guest appearances, thus bringing much respite to audiences who feared his total absence from the show.
Will NCIS recast Ducky's character after McCallum's death?
At the moment, a recast seems highly unlikely. Although Ducky's appearances on NCIS have stopped, his exit is not permanent in a broader sense. Showrunner Steven D. Binder has talked about McCallum's enduring legacy to the show. Although there are no official plans, the character's ongoing mentions could mean that the door is ajar for a flashback.
Binder and the cast have spoken up about how much they admire McCallum and the amount of depth he added to the character. His dynamics with the team, particularly with Gibbs and Palmer, are fan favorites. Audiences still find themselves crossing their fingers in the hopes that flashbacks might allow Ducky to remain in the NCIS universe for years to come.
The Legacy of Ducky Mallard
Ducky's departure is a monolithic shift for NCIS because he was the sole remaining cast member from when the show initially started. In addition to his forensic skills, he was renowned for his morality and profound understanding of human beings. His historical reference-filled monologues were well-suited to offer introspective moments of insight that contrasted with the procedural nature of the show.
His dialogue with the main characters, particularly Leroy Jethro Gibbs, were an integral part of NCIS. Their banter and respect provided some of the most memorable moments of the series. His guidance of Jimmy Palmer also illustrated his approach towards the future generation of forensic experts.
Although his omnipresent nature will be greatly missed, Ducky's memory will remain with the show for many years to come. His impact on the team is always spoken of, and his efforts will never be forgotten. The showrunners have done a great job of ensuring his character completes a full circle realistically, without diminishing his significance to the story.
NCIS Streaming and Release Details
For viewers waiting to see Ducky's story again on NCIS, there are previous seasons of the series available for streaming on sites like Paramount+ and the CBS website. The series is also still airing new shows on CBS, and the final episodes featuring Ducky are still available. The episodes of the show are also on other streaming websites, and vary based on location.
NCIS has been a genre benchmark in the crime procedural, with sneak previews of flagship episodes being screened at special arenas. This says a lot about the long-term and popular nature of the series as an ever-present popular culture source. Irrespective of the de-emphasis on the Ducky role, the character's presence remains integrated into contemporary storylines within the series.
David McCallum's limited role was an equally organic step for the actor, as much as it was for his character. The decision to scale him back was one made for personal purposes, and the crew of the show was able to reach an agreement and appreciate what he had contributed without benching him entirely for the show.
Although Ducky is no longer a main cast member, his impact on NCIS cannot be forgotten. His legacy can be accessed by his fans and by periodic guest stars in later seasons. Through the use of references, guesting, or period footage, Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard will always be remembered as part of NCIS history.
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