NCIS Star Spills Secrets on Epic Farewell to Ducky and David McCallum! Team Left Shaken to the Core!

In an interview with TVLine, Brian Dietzen, known for his portrayal of Dr. Jimmy Palmer on NCIS since Season 1, delves into the profound impact and legacy of David McCallum, who brought the beloved character of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard to life.

As NCIS prepares to air “The Stories We Leave Behind,” a tribute episode to honor McCallum’s memory, Dietzen discusses his involvement in co-writing the episode alongside executive producer Scott Williams. He shares the significance of crafting a fitting tribute not only to the character of Ducky but also to McCallum himself.

Dietzen reveals that after McCallum’s passing, Williams reached out to him to co-write the episode, a gesture that he felt honored to accept. The episode is not solely a compilation of Ducky’s greatest moments but rather a meaningful exploration of the impact of one’s life and the legacy they leave behind.

One poignant decision in the episode is to depict Jimmy’s discovery of Ducky’s passing, emphasizing the familial bond within the NCIS team and the profound loss they collectively endure. Dietzen stresses the importance of showcasing how deeply the team is affected by Ducky’s death, particularly through Jimmy’s perspective, given his close relationship with the deceased character.

The episode also pays homage to Ducky’s relationships with past and present team members, incorporating nods and tokens of admiration from various characters throughout the series’ history. While logistical challenges prevented the inclusion of every past cast member, the episode carefully navigates these limitations to honor Ducky’s legacy in a meaningful way.

Dietzen reflects on his last conversation with McCallum, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to have spoken to him before his passing. He acknowledges the perspective gained from such a loss and emphasizes the sense of community and camaraderie among the NCIS cast and crew.

As the NCIS family comes together to celebrate McCallum’s life and contributions to the show, “The Stories We Leave Behind” stands as a heartfelt tribute to a beloved actor and character whose impact will be felt for years to come.