With a 22-season series likeNCIS, it would usually be difficult to pinpoint the best episode of them all. However, when it comes toNCIS,which is going into season 23, there is one clear favorite, and this is never going to change. It’s rare that I use the words “never” and “always” when talking about TV, because there can be exceptions, but in this case, I highly doubt it.
The highest-rated episode of all22 seasons ofNCISis one of the most beautifully written. It’s more than an episode of a TV show, and more of a goodbye to a dear character and actor. The fact that it was also co-written by one of theNCIScast membersmakes it clear whythese 43 minutes of TV are worth watching over and over again.
“The Stories We Leave Behind” Was Dedicated To The Late Ducky Actor David McCallum
NCISseason 21, episode 2 is the highest-rated episode of the series, holding a 9.6/10 ratingonIMDb, with the next highest-rated episode seeing a significant drop, with a 9.2/10 score. The episode was written as a tribute to the late David McCallum, who was thelast remaining originalNCIScast member. McCallum died ahead of filmingNCISseason 21, and his loss affected everyone on the set.
There was only one way to manage McCallum’s death in-story, and that was to have Ducky die, fortunately of natural causes. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) is the one to find him, and knowing how the scene plays out as Palmer says hello to Ducky’s dog and then chats away in the room makes this moment all the more poignant.
The NCIS Episode Did An Excellent Job Of Balancing The Nostalgic Tribute With A Great Current Story
Ducky Helped The Team With One Final Case
NCISseason 21, episode 2 offered everyone a chance to say goodbye to both Ducky and McCallum, something we all needed. There is a beautiful balance of tributes to Ducky’s legacy within the team, McCallum’s legacy with the series, and a meaningful case of the week.One of the best elements is allowing Ducky to still help the teamfrom beyond the grave.
It turns out that he had been trying to help a young woman, and the team knows that they need to continue that work to see Ducky’s final case wrapped up. Despite McCallum shifting to a recurring role towards the end of hisNCIStenure, Ducky was still an important character in the show. We would always be happy to see him appear, whether on the screen or via a video call.
This episode ofNCISwas about saying goodbye and supporting Palmer, and bringing in DiNozzo was the best way to do that.
Having Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) come back in, considering his connection to both Ducky and Palmer, is the perfect final touch. While it would have been great to seeMark Harmon’s Gibbs, this episode ofNCISwas about saying goodbye and supporting Palmer, and bringing in DiNozzo was the best way to do that, and now nothing can beat it.
