NCIS season 21 trailer teases David McCallum tribute episode
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A trailer for season 21 of the long-running police procedural drama NCIS has teased a tribute episode to late franchise star David McCallum.
The actor, who passed away in September 2023, had played Dr Donald Mallard (also known as Ducky) on the show since it launched in 2003.
A new teaser trailer posted on the NCIS Instagram page featured footage of Dr Jimmy Palmer (played by Brian Dietzen) looking upset at what appears to be a wake for his friend and former mentor.
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In voiceover, McCallum can be heard saying: "Yesterday is over. Change is the essence of life."
The franchise previously confirmed plans for a tribute episode after news of the actor's passing. Co-written by Dietzen, it's due to air on February 19 in the US, and will feature the team learning that Ducky has passed away.
"Everyone at NCIS felt it was important to do an episode that honours such a legendary actor, not to mention a dear friend," NCIS showrunners David North and Steven D Binder told TVLine.
"In the episode, the team will learn of Ducky's passing and reflect on their memories of him as they grieve. And true to Ducky's meticulous and compassionate nature, even after he's gone, he still manages to solve one last crime with the team."
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NCIS season 21 will also set up a particularly turbulent time for Wilmer Valderrama's character Nick Torres, as a previous teaser revealed the character being arrested on suspicion of murder, following a dramatic cliffhanger at the end of season 20.
As he is led away in handcuffs at the end of the clip, Gary Cole's Alden Parker tells his team the news.
This story arc is further teased in the most recent trailer. "To my team, if you're watching this, I've been arrested. I know you wanna help me," says Torres' voiceover. "But don't."
NCIS airs on CBS in the US, and returns for season 21 on February 12. Seasons 1-20 are streaming on Disney+ in the UK.
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