With the eventual return of NCIS for Season 21 and the death of David McCallum, fans of the CBS crime series have one big question: What happens to Ducky? With the safe assumption that NCIS will not return with new episodes until next year, fans have lots of time to drum up theories on how the new season will address the absence of Ducky. Per She Knows Soaps, there is only one possible way the show could write out Ducky that would sit well with fans: He would have to pass away.
NCIS: Ducky Dies Season 21 Amid David McCallum’s Death?
David McCallum was the only OG NCIS cast member left standing. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 90 last month. Unfortunately, the CBS series will have no choice but to acknowledge his death to continue moving forward. Moreover, Ducky was a fan-favorite as far as cast members go. So, the show really has no choice but to pay tribute to him and find a way for fans to say goodbye.
Now, there are really two options for the death of David McCallum’s character on NCIS. He could either be murdered and the team could have to solve a case involving his death. Or, he could pass away of natural causes while out of the picture.
She Knows Soaps argues that Ducky’s passing away of natural causes would be easier for fans at home to deal with. Likewise, it would open an opportunity for the cast to grieve Ducky’s passing. If the character is murdered, the team will be too caught up in trying to catch his murderer to really mourn his passing.
Regardless of how the writers decide to write Ducky out of the show, fans can only hope they do so in a tasteful manner. Moreover, fans agree the episode will be heartbreaking regardless of how Ducky dies.
Harder For Some Characters
There is sure to be a mix of emotions during Season 21. After all, some characters know Ducky better than others. Parker and Knight, for example, didn’t really get to know Ducky at all. Torres, however, will feel the pain of losing Ducky. It, however, will be Jimmy and McGee who get hit the hardest by the news of Ducky passing. This will be simply because their characters have known him the longest and developed a strong bond with him.
So, fans can only assume there will need to be some sort of funeral or service in the episode to provide these characters with a way to say goodbye to Ducky.
Presently, it is unclear as to whether Ducky’s death will be immediately addressed in the Season 21 Premiere. Or, if Ducky will be out of the picture for a while first before he tragically passes away.
