Adam Campbell is set to return to the NCIS franchise as a younger version of Donald “Ducky” Mallard in the upcoming episode of NCIS: Origins, which promises to pay tribute to the beloved original character and include nostalgic nods to his friendship with Leroy Jethro Gibbs. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Campbell shared insights about his role and the significance of the episode, airing on Tuesday, October 28.
Ducky, originally portrayed by the late David McCallum as NCIS’s medical examiner since its inception in 2003, is reintroduced in NCIS: Origins, which takes fans back to 1991, showcasing Gibbs’ early days as an agent. The show brings to light relationships formed long before the series took off, capturing how young Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell, interacts with characters like Ducky.
Campbell notes that this episode emphasizes the rekindling of the bond between Gibbs and Ducky, highlighting their first interaction, which planted the seeds for Ducky’s future as a medical examiner. “This episode carries a slightly different tone to the rest of the series… It’s quite profound in terms of what we learn about Franks and Gibbs and Lala,” he explained. The narrative is enriched by the fact that Ducky’s presence influences not only Gibbs, but also other characters, bringing a sense of comfort and triggering new developments in their story arcs.
During “The Edge” episode, Ducky is called upon to assess the operational needs of the Camp Pendleton office in California, where his easy rapport with the San Diego team fosters an environment conducive to new insights. Campbell elaborated that this dynamic leads to revelations likely to captivate devoted viewers of the series.
In addition to weaving Ducky’s character back into the NCIS lore, the episode also features nostalgic references that will resonate with long-time fans, including hints about why Ducky has a penchant for conversing with the deceased during autopsies. Campbell emphasizes that Ducky leaves California transformed by his experiences and realizations about his work.
The episode is underscored by an undercurrent of emotional depth as it explores Ducky’s reflections on his relationship with Gibbs, including a tinge of disappointment regarding Gibbs’ response to their reunion. Nevertheless, Campbell offers a lighthearted take, envisioning a farewell token from Ducky to Gibbs that plays into the show’s long-standing themes of camaraderie and inside jokes.
As the popularity of NCIS continues unabated 20 years post-premiere, Campbell humorously suggested, “Every show should have more Ducky in it,” affirming his affection for the character.
NCIS: Origins airs on CBS on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET, promising both nostalgia and fresh revelations that will please fans new and old alike.