How 'NCIS' Honored Ducky One Year After David McCallum's Death

This story contains light spoilers from the NCIS season 22 episode "The Trouble With Hal."

It's been over a year since NCIS actor David McCallum (who played Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard) died from natural causes at age 90 back in September 2023. While the show honored his death in a February 2024 episode, fans got another chance to remember him in a way that caused a lot of chatter on social media.

On the October 28 episode of the CBS drama (titled "The Trouble With Hal"), viewers got to watch as the NCIS team tried to figure out the best way to use Ducky's old office. The space had been unoccupied since Ducky's death, and various members had thoughts about how it could best be utilized for their benefit.

As Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) goes around the office with a petition requested by Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) to see what could be done, fans aren't too thrilled by what he had in mind.

ncis ducky david mccallum tribute twitter
CBS Photo Archive

"I want to turn Ducky’s office into a state-of-the-art gym," Torres stated, much to the chagrin of the rest of the team.

"We already have a gym," Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) replied.

"But that gym is barely a gym," Torres rebutted. "It needs an upgrade. [Ducky's office] has all those big windows and the high ceiling. I know exactly where to put the kettlebells."

When the rest of the team was hesitant about Torres bringing the idea to Ducky's former work partner Dr. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen), he decides to do so anyway. Much to his surprise, Palmer not only likes the idea, he thinks that Ducky would be happy the team is finding a way to use his office.

"Knowing [Ducky], he would want it to be whatever helps us do our jobs better," he added. "Other than that, I can’t imagine anyone minding the change at all."

Upon watching the entire episode, fans were happy to see NCIS pay tribute to Ducky — and subsequently, David — on social media.

"Ducky’s office is now a multi purpose room. I love it. 😭🥹😅," one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "We all miss Ducky, but his office shouldn't be a shrine. After all this time, I think he would want it to be put to good use," another agreed.

How do you feel about this?

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