NCIS Season 22 Honors Ducky’s Memory In An Unexpected Way

As a dedicated NCIS fan with over two decades of watching under my belt, I can confidently say that “The Trouble with Hal” was a poignant and heartfelt episode that truly encapsulated the spirit of the show. The tribute to Ducky Mallard, our beloved medical examiner, was nothing short of remarkable.


Contains spoilers for “NCIS” Season 22, Episode 3 — “The Trouble With Hal”

Title “The Trouble with Hal” explores the unpredictable. It could involve a seemingly simple squatting case spiraling into a complex murder mystery involving an intelligent antiques dealer, or Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) and Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) navigating the remnants of their romantic past while strengthening their friendship, as life continues to surprise them with new challenges.

The death of Donald “Ducky” Mallard (David McCallum) has been the biggest curveball the team at large has ever had to deal with. Ducky left behind an enormous legacy — and his office at MCRT, which the team has frozen in stasis since his passing. It’s been months, and it’s time for them to repurpose the space into something new. Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) wants to turn it into a gym; Palmer thinks it ought to be turned into a work-related common space and doesn’t want Ducky’s old files to be thrown away; Kasie Hines (Diona Reasonover) wants a meditation room, and Alden Parker (Gary Cole) just wants someplace to eat in peace that’s not his cubicle. The end result is a compromise that’s a touching tribute to Ducky that fits all of their needs; The Dr. Donald Mallard Memorial Multi-Purpose Room.

The show’s tribute to Ducky brings the gang together

In the end, the area is transformed into a versatile room that satisfies everyone on the team and takes their ideas into account. Named The Dr. Donald Mallard Memorial Multi-Purpose Room, or “Ducky’s” for short, it accommodates Kasie’s meditation space, Parker’s dining area, Jimmy’s workspace, and Nick’s fitness corner – a thoughtful touch symbolizing unity, much like something Ducky himself would have endorsed, making it an apt tribute to his memory.

This lasting memorial arose following “The Stories We Leave Behind,” which aired in February, where Ducky, played by David McCallum, passed away off-screen at the age of 90. In this episode, the team solved Ducky’s final case while holding a memorial service for him. Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) made an appearance at the service, hinting at his character’s upcoming spin-off and underscoring the deep affection and enduring remembrance his colleagues held for Ducky, as his memorial has now been permanently established.

Read More

2024-10-29 23:59