NCIS season 21 includes a whole episode dedicated to the late David McCallum.
Beloved for his role as Dr. Donald 'Ducky' Mallard in the police procedural, the Scottish actor sadly passed away at the age of 90 back in September.
Ahead of the new season, which premieres in February, co-showrunners David North and Steven D. Binder said in a joint statement obtained by TVLine: "Everyone at NCIS felt it was important to do an episode that honours such a legendary actor, not to mention a dear friend.
"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."
Related: Mark Harmon addresses NCIS return rumours
The episode is rather fittingly co-written by Brian Dietzen, who's portrayed Ducky's protege Dr. Jimmy Palmer on screen since the very first season.
What to Read Next
It'll air on February 19 in the US.
Meanwhile, without giving anything away, North and Binder further teased of the tribute: "There will also be a very touching and special moment you won't want to miss".
Related: NCIS and FBI shows land premiere dates on CBS
At the time of McCallum's death, the NCIS bosses shared: "For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald 'Ducky' Mallard.
"But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more ... From Day 1, it was an honour to work with him and he never let us down. He was, quite simply, a legend."
NCIS airs on CBS in the US. Seasons 1-20 are streaming on Disney+ in the UK.
You Might Like...
Reporter, Digital Spy
Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment.
In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.
