NCIS Season 21 Episode 2 Review: The Stories We Leave Behind

Saying goodbye to Ducky was troublesome for his colleagues at NCIS and viewers.

The present incarnation of the NCIS Major Crimes Response Team bid farewell to longtime medical expert Donald “Ducky” Mallard on NCIS Season 21 Episode 2.

But solely about half of this squad actually knew Dr. Mallard, who began fading into retirement about 4 seasons in the past: Jimmy Palmer (his protege), Kasie Hines (his scribe), and Tim McGee, the one agent to return almost so far as he did.

That is not to say the remainder of them did not know and respect the legend of Ducky. But of these, solely Nick Torres and Director Vance had a lot skilled overlap with him.

Otherwise, Ducky was that cool previous man who would cease by and perhaps seek the advice of when he wasn’t busy with a e-book tour or a educating job. And let’s not neglect his official function as NCIS historian, combining two of his passions.

So, how effectively did the episode deal with the demise of Ducky, necessitated by the passage of David McCallum at age 90 on September 25, 2023?

Well, if ever an episode cried out for being prolonged, this was it. Unfortunately, there have been too many parts {that a} farewell to Ducky cried out for to suit into 42 minutes.

That is not to say that the script co-written by Brian Dietzen, McCallum’s display screen accomplice for twenty years as Jimmy Palmer, and longtime govt producer Scott Williams did not carry again the Ducky viewers grew to like over the prolonged collection.

The highlight fell on Ducky the Philosopher with well-curated clips as flashbacks from the longer established characters corresponding to McGee, Vance, and Jimmy.

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And, as funerals trigger the residing to replicate, this was an natural method to carry again selection Ducky scenes from the previous. These reminiscences that confirmed Duck in his glory had been essentially the most profitable a part of this tribute.

Also, Palmer coping with extra grief in his life confirmed how a lot Jimmy has grown. And lots of that credit score ought to go to his mentor, Ducky.

However, wedging a case of the week into a short while body wasn’t very best. That’s the place an expanded time-frame would have been useful.

Even holding one earlier comedy and increasing NCIS to 90 minutes would have been useful because the following NCIS: Hawaii was the second episode of a two-parter and should not have been held.

And certainly, these adverts within the first half-hour would have bought for the next value.

It did not assist that it wasn’t a very suspenseful case. As quickly as the rich businessman working for increased workplace on the again of a lifeless Marine was unveiled, it was evident who the villain of the piece was.

The solely upside of the case is that the brokers, solely half of whom would have labored intently with Ducky, had to determine how his thoughts labored. Still, this storyline wasn’t well worth the treasured minutes it ate up.

Finally, now we have to speak in regards to the elephant that wasn’t within the room: Gibbs. Ducky was Gibbs’ closest pal on the group. And Jethro would not present up for his funeral?

Maybe DiNozzo was the higher selection because the visitor star since some philosophying was required. Could you see Gibbs doing that: “Rule 39: Treat people nicely when they’re alive, not just when they’re dead.”

Yes, Tony sparkled in his cameo, particularly his Ducky impression. He was a sensible choice if you happen to might solely have one shock visitor.

But once more, extra time would have allowed for extra returning stars, which viewers would have beloved. As it stands, they need to really feel a bit of short-changed.

His colleagues and viewers have now misplaced the grand previous man of NCIS. The elder spokesman is now, what, McGee? He would not carry that very same gravitas.

Some would level to Mark Harmon’s departure on NCIS Season 19 Episode 4 as the start of the top for the franchise flagship.

But Gibbs can stroll again within the door (we want he had). Ducky, as important a personality to the collection, will not. And there’s an inevitable lack of civility within the bullpen in consequence.

Despite being recognized by many by his nickname, Dr. Mallard had no truck with them. To him, Abby was “Abigail,” Ellie was “Eleanor,” and Tim was “Timothy.”

Gibbs and Ducky had a particular relationship, going again to when a youthful Dr. Mallard saved an excellent youthful Gibbs, a narrative lastly informed on NCIS Season 18 Episode 2.

Because of that bond, Gibbs was the one one that might name Dr. Mallard “Ducky” to his face, and Ducky was the one one who would name Gibbs “Jethro.”

In his day, Ducky balanced all these action-prone brokers together with his wide-ranging data base.

He was an mental badass and had no qualms about sharing his data with generally eye-rolling coworkers.

Dr. Mallard performed an important function in NCIS investigations, which gained path and impetus from his autopsies of the victims.

He additionally talked to these victims, though they hardly wanted to be put extra comfy.

He additionally was certainly one of TV’s earliest psychological profilers, serving to his squad mates to grasp the killers they had been pursuing.

Viewers are going to overlook having Ducky, the sort of eccentric uncle or grandfather they did not have, often visiting their residing rooms anymore.

Rest in peace, Ducky. Your absence will reduce NCIS.