NCIS has stated goodbye to many beloved characters over time.
Sadly, the sequence must say goodbye to Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard following David McCallum’s dying 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 not any approach the sequence will proceed with out a becoming tribute to an actor who introduced a lot to the present.
For a sequence that is been on the air for 20 years, there was a lot of solid turnover, that means the present has a superb alternative to convey again some individuals who have been lengthy gone to assist say goodbye to Ducky.
But who ought to return for the massive occasion?
Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs
Harmon’s time on the wheel concluded with NCIS Season 19, however Gibbs appeared completely happy together with his new outlook on life.
He left his workforce within the trusty palms of Gary Cole’s Agent Alden Parker, but it surely all the time appeared like a momentary hiatus to maintain Gibbs within the groups’ orbit if one thing occurred.
Gibbs and Ducky have had a nice relationship since NCIS Season 1, so we think about that Harmon might 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’s a purpose why followers clamored for de Pablo’s return after we had been led to consider that Ziva had been killed off-screen: She’s probably the greatest characters within the franchise.
Ziva additionally had many memorable encounters with Ducky whereas on the workforce.
It would make good sense for her to wish to pay her respects to such a cherished member of her former workforce.
The excellent news? We know Ziva’s alive and nicely 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 well-liked 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 heart, however we can’t consider it is taking place till CBS confirms it.
There remains to be some uncharted territory for Tony and Ziva, so it would not shock us if Weatherley returned alongside de Pablo to pay tribute to Ducky.
In the method, followers can be taught what the couple has been as much as within the years since their supposed reunion.
Pauley Perrette as Abby Sciuto
Abby had a unbelievable bond with Ducky, however there’s a excessive probability Perette is not going to be enthusiastic about returning to the sequence.
Perrette departed throughout NCIS Season 15 and has been vocal numerous occasions 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 by way of.
The solely probability I see of the actress returning is that if Harmon declines to return for the episode, as nicely.
Another risk entails Abby showing through a video message.
We’ll want to attend for some updates on NCIS Season 21 to search out out what’s taking place on that entrance.
Emily Wickersham as Ellie
Wickersham’s departure from NCIS Season 18 stays one of many sequence’ largest mysteries.
It got here out of nowhere and left us with extra questions than solutions.
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Ellie getting 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 sequence appeared to set us up for one more NCIS romance for the ages, but it surely wasn’t meant to be.
Sadly, we do not assume a one-episode stint would convey that storyline to a shut.
But Ellie was a massive a part of the workforce for a number of seasons, so bringing her again can be a good concept.
Whether 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 sequence wrapped in March 2021.
Fans related with Jack Sloane in a massive approach, so a return as she pays tribute to Ducky, a man with whom she had a storied historical past, can be attention-grabbing.
It’s additionally price noting that Sloane had fairly the reference to Gibbs, and we would not thoughts seeing them revisit it.
Many different faces may very well be seen once more, however the above six are the individuals whose returns we consider would have essentially the most vital impression.
Those six returning and their myriad of connections to different characters may go away newer workforce members out within the chilly, or it may present a cherished bridge between the previous and the brand new that viewers will always remember.
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Given that the sequence has been on the air for twenty years, there are lots of connections between numerous workforce members, however the stars would wish to align to convey them to life once more.
Schedules are a issue, and provided that NCIS and most different broadcast exhibits had been delayed as a result of twin Hollywood strikes, the sequence is going through an accelerated manufacturing schedule to get new episodes on the air early subsequent yr.
That signifies that schedules will not be as malleable as earlier than, and a few people who find themselves enthusiastic about revisiting NCIS might not be capable of stage a comeback.
The vital 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 under.
NCIS Season 21 is ready to premiere on Monday, February 12, 2024.
Paul Dailly is the Associate Editor for TV Fanatic. Follow him on X.
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