Spoiler Alert: NCIS Season 21 Insights Ahead!
NCIS star Brian Dietzen sheds light on the profound impact of David McCallum’s death on the show’s narrative. The iconic actor’s passing at age 90 prompted a significant shift in the upcoming season, resulting in a heartfelt tribute.
Creating ‘The Stories We Leave Behind’: With McCallum’s demise occurring during the planning phase of Season 21, the production team opted for a special episode to bid farewell to the beloved character, Ducky. Brian Dietzen, known for his role as Dr. Jimmy Palmer, collaborated with Scott Williams to co-write the emotionally charged episode.
Retracing Ducky’s Legacy: In the poignant episode, titled ‘The Stories We Leave Behind,’ the NCIS team grapples with Ducky’s death by delving into one of his unsolved cases. Brian Dietzen explains, “Since Jimmy worked so closely with Ducky, for a couple of decades, it made sense that a lot of the story would be retold through his eyes and his memories.”
Honoring Ducky’s Impact: Dietzen emphasizes the importance of honoring Ducky’s relationships with both the current and past iterations of the NCIS team. The tribute extends beyond the present team to include cherished memories with characters from earlier seasons.
Save the Date: Mark your calendars for this emotionally charged episode, ‘The Stories We Leave Behind,’ airing Monday, February 19, as NCIS pays homage to a character who left an indelible mark on the series.
