In a poignant episode of NCIS titled “The Stories We Leave Behind,” the team bid farewell to Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard and honored the memory of the late David McCallum, who portrayed him. However, amidst the somber atmosphere, fans were treated to a surprise return from Michael Weatherly’s beloved character, Tony DiNozzo.
Initially, the showrunners had envisioned a grand reunion involving all the beloved characters, including Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs, akin to the star-studded gatherings seen in Marvel’s Avengers movies. However, due to budgetary and logistical constraints, the focus shifted to Weatherly’s cameo as Tony DiNozzo.
Co-showrunner Steven D. Binder explained the decision, stating that while Gibbs may have been the obvious choice given his connection to Ducky, it was Jimmy Palmer who needed consolation in that moment. Weatherly’s Tony, being Jimmy’s good friend, provided the perfect blend of support and levity for the scene.
Reflecting on Weatherly’s cameo, Brian Dietzen, who plays Jimmy and co-wrote the episode, emphasized the significance of Tony’s return in offering support to his grieving friend.
While Harmon’s future involvement remains uncertain, the showrunners expressed that the door is always open for his return. They emphasized the importance of giving Gibbs’ character the special treatment he deserves, hinting at the potential for a significant storyline upon his eventual comeback.
Despite the logistical challenges, the show’s creators recognize the immense impact of Gibbs on the series and its dedicated fanbase, assuring viewers that his story is far from over.
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