NCIS Origins pays tribute to David McCallum with Young Ducky in The Edge
A special tribute episode of NCIS Origins is coming this fall, honoring the late David McCallum. The episode, titled The Edge, finds Ducky sent to Camp Pendleton to shadow the NCIS team as they work a case, and it sets the stage for a reunion with Gibbs that fans have long awaited. The episode will also feature McCallum’s iconic song The Edge.
Adam Campbell returns to the series to give life to the younger version of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. This marks Campbell’s first appearance as Young Ducky on NCIS Origins, following his prior portrayals of the younger version of McCallum’s beloved character in earlier NCIS appearances.
“We wanted to do this episode to honor the memory of our dear friend David McCallum,” say co-showrunners and executive producers Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North in a joint statement. “He was a beloved member of the NCIS family for so many years and we’re incredibly lucky to have the talented Adam Campbell back to bring the younger version of this iconic character to life once again. We even got to feature David’s music in the episode. We’re all very excited and can’t wait for the fans to see it!”
David McCallum’s Ducky was a staple of NCIS for 20 seasons before his passing in 2023 at the age of 90. The tribute episode underscores the show’s enduring connection to its roots while welcoming a new generation of fans to the NCIS universe.
Season two of NCIS Origins premieres Tuesday, October 14 at 9 p.m., as part of the first-ever all-NCIS night. The drama is produced by CBS Studios, with Monreal, North, Mark Harmon, and Sean Harmon serving as executive producers.
What to watch for
– The Edge will blend an emotional remembrance of Ducky with a fresh appearance by Young Ducky, tying together past and present storylines.
– Adam Campbell’s return as the younger version of Ducky offers a nostalgic bridge for longtime fans while inviting new audiences to explore the character’s origins.
– The inclusion of David McCallum’s music adds a personal touch to the tribute, enriching the episode’s emotional resonance.
Summary
NCIS Origins honored David McCallum with a dedicated episode featuring Adam Campbell as Young Ducky in The Edge. The episode pairs a case at Camp Pendleton with a reunion between Ducky and Gibbs and uses McCallum’s music to celebrate the actor’s legacy. Season two launches October 14 during the first all-NCIS night, continuing the series’ tradition of blending homage with fresh storytelling.
Positive spin
This tribute reinforces the NCIS universe’s commitment to honoring its history while continuing to evolve with new talents and fresh storylines. It offers fans—a blend of nostalgia and new discovery—while celebrating a beloved character and the actors who kept Ducky alive in the hearts of viewers.
If you’d like, I can tailor this for a specific section of your site, adjust the tone (more formal or more conversational), or add additional context about Adam Campbell’s previous roles or McCallum’s impact on the franchise.