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

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

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

However 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 practically so far as he did.

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

In any other case, Ducky was that cool outdated man who would cease by and possibly seek the advice of when he wasn’t busy with a guide tour or a educating job.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 dying of Ducky, necessitated by the passage of David McCallum at age 90 on September 25, 2023?

Effectively, if ever an episode cried out for being prolonged, this was it. Sadly, 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 associate for 20 years as Jimmy Palmer, and longtime government producer Scott Williams did not convey again the Ducky viewers grew to like over the prolonged collection.

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

And, as funerals trigger the residing to mirror, this was an natural method to convey 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.

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

Nevertheless, wedging a case of the week into a short while body wasn’t superb. That is the place an expanded timeframe would have been useful.

Even holding one earlier comedy and increasing NCIS to 90 minutes would have been useful for the reason that 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 offered for a better worth.

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

The one 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. Nonetheless, this storyline wasn’t well worth the valuable minutes it ate up.

Lastly, we now have to speak in regards to the elephant that wasn’t within the room: Gibbs. Ducky was Gibbs’ closest good friend on the staff. And Jethro does not present up for his funeral?

Possibly DiNozzo was the higher selection because the visitor star since some philosophying was required. Might you see Gibbs doing that: “Rule 39: Deal with folks properly once they’re alive, not simply once they’re lifeless.”

Sure, Tony sparkled in his cameo, particularly his Ducky impression. He was a sensible choice for those who may solely have one shock visitor.

However once more, extra time would have allowed for extra returning stars, which viewers would have cherished. Because it stands, they need to really feel just a little short-changed.

His colleagues and viewers have now misplaced the grand outdated man of NCIS. The elder spokesman is now, what, McGee? He does not convey 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.

However Gibbs can stroll again within the door (we want he had). Ducky, as important a personality to the collection, will not. And there is an inevitable lack of civility within the bullpen because of this.

Regardless of being identified 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 advised on NCIS Season 18 Episode 2.

Due to that bond, Gibbs was the one one who may 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 along with his wide-ranging information base.

He was an mental badass and had no qualms about sharing his information with typically 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 one in every 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 form of eccentric uncle or grandfather they did not have, often visiting their residing rooms anymore.

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