He will no longer be the lead medical examiner — but rather the new NCIS historian. As Vance described, Ducky’s new role would be to “insure that the collective knowledge of those institutions live on for future generations,” which means Ducky can come and go as he pleases. Ducky’s departure is the latest blow to NCIS fans.
Particularly, medical examiner extraordinaire Donald “Ducky” Mallard. In the most recent episode, Ducky — who is played by David McCallum — hinted at his retirement more than once, even telling Mark Harmon’s character Gibbs, “My future will no longer include NCIS.” Article continues below advertisement
In two separate scenes, medical examiner Ducky shared his intentions to depart. The first instance was an exchange between himself and Robert Wagner ‘s Anthony DiNozzo Sr., who listened as Ducky voiced his opinion about leaving the team for retirement. Plus, ‘NCIS: LA,’ ‘SEAL Team’ and more.
As Vance described, Ducky’s new role would be to “insure that the collective knowledge of those institutions live on for future generations,” which means Ducky can come and go as he pleases. Ducky’s departure is the latest blow to NCIS fans. Last May, Pauley Perrette aka Abby Scuitto left the show after 16 years.
What is Ducky’s new role on NCIS?
As Vance described, Ducky’s new role would be to “insure that the collective knowledge of those institutions live on for future generations,” which means Ducky can come and go as he pleases.
In the most recent episode, Ducky — who is played by David McCallum — hinted at his retirement more than once, even telling Mark Harmon’s character Gibbs, “My future will no longer include NCIS.”. Article continues below advertisement. Source: CBS.
Last May, Pauley Perrette aka Abby Scuitto left the show after 16 years . “It was a decision made last year. I hope everyone will love and enjoy EVERYTHING ABBY not only for the rest of this season but for everything she has given all of us for 16 years, ” she wrote at the time of her exit.
David, 85, has been on a working on a limited capacity on the series since Season 15, and even tweeted about his decision to spend less time in front of the cameras. “I am delighted to say that I have reached an agreement with CBS for Dr. Donald Mallard to stay with NCIS for Season 16,” he captioned a photo of his cat last year.
When it comes to the most popular TV shows in America, NCIS is at the top of the list. OK, technically it comes in at No. 4 but with an average of 16 million viewers per episode, which is more than This Is Us and another CBS favorite Bull — you get the gist.
So, is Ducky really leaving NCIS? On the show, Ducky pretty much confirms that his time at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (in case you were wondering what NCIS stood for) would be coming to an end, and that it was time for Jimmy (Brian Dietzen) to take over as the medical examiner.
What episode does Ducky retire from NCIS?
In NCIS ‘ March 26 episode, “Silent Service,” Ducky’s (David McCallum) continued to map out his retirement plans and it seemed the beloved character was gearing up to say goodbye for good. Luckily for the show’s many fans, this isn’t the end for the medical examiner — just a new chapter. In the episode, Ducky notices the team acting strange, …
So what did Ducky say to the job offer? He asked if he’s free to come and go as he pleases, and once that concession was made, he was all-in. Yay, Ducky will remain a part of NCIS, just in a limited capacity.
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Jimmy ( Brian Dietzen) seemed to convince the 85-year-old otherwise, telling him that he should stay on with NCIS, but that wasn’t the end of Ducky’s decision. At the episode’s end, he spoke candidly to Gibbs ( Mark Harmon) about his thoughts, as he says, “My future will no longer include NCIS.”.
Instead, it’s so much better. Vance (Rocky Carroll) proceeds to highlight the benefits of department historians, explaining that the FBI and CIA both have their own in-house historians to preserve the history of the organizations.
The character, who has been a part of the show since its beginning, essentially revealed that his future no longer includes NCIS. In two separate scenes, medical examiner Ducky shared his intentions to depart. The first instance was an exchange between himself and Robert Wagner ‘s Anthony DiNozzo Sr., who listened as Ducky voiced his opinion about leaving the team for retirement.