NCIS Season 21 Reveals The Ultimate Team Lineup (Yes, That One!)

Ducky Mallard's tribute in NCIS season 21 also serves as a subtle nod to the show's best team iteration. Throughout its over two-decade run, the police procedural has faced various cast changes, from tragic departures like Sasha Alexander's Caitlin Todd to more open-ended exits like Mark Harmon's Leroy Jethro Gibbs retiring in Alaska. When NCIS premiered in 2003, the original team consisted of Gibbs, Cait, Tony DiNozzo, Abby Sciuto, and Ducky. However, this lineup only lasted for two seasons.

Despite the frequent character changes, NCIS has continued to thrive, becoming one of CBS' longest-running scripted series and a highly popular show. In its 21st season, the absence of any original characters in the active roster, due to McCallum's passing, is reflected in Ducky's storyline. Notably, while both Tim McGee and Jimmy Palmer appeared in season 1, they were introduced later on. Each NCIS team plays a vital role, but not all iterations are equal.

Ducky’s Secret Vault Confirms NCIS’ Best Team

Sean Murray as McGee in NCIS Season 21 - Ducky’s Secret Vault Confirms NCIS’ Best Team

Despite only DiNozzo returning in the Ducky tribute episode, NCIS season 21, episode 2, "The Stories We Leave Behind," still honors the character's history. A significant aspect of this tribute is the acknowledgment of the individuals he closely collaborated with during his tenure as the team's medical examiner-turned-historian. When planning the special episode, the writers initially intended to bring back numerous old characters for Ducky's funeral. However, this idea proved to be a logistical challenge. Despite the nostalgia evoked by the flashbacks and the sorrow of losing a cherished team member, NCIS manages to showcase its strongest team lineup.

As McGee and Alden Parker endeavor to solve Ducky's final case, a crucial piece of evidence is discovered in a secret safe concealed behind one of the group photos displayed in Dr. Mallard's office. The collection of four photos chronicles various iterations of the team's active roster throughout the years. This compilation includes the original cast featuring Cait, as well as the most recent lineup led by Parker. Notably, the vault is hidden behind a photo showcasing Gibbs, DiNozzo, McGee, Palmer, Ziva David, Abby, Leon Vance, and Ducky, subtly implying that they constitute NCIS' most formidable ensemble.

Why Harmon’s Longest NCIS Team Is Its Best

Cote de Pablo as Ziva and Michael Weatherly as DiNozzo in NCIS - Why Harmon’s Longest NCIS Team Is Its Best

Cote de Pablo joined the team as Mossad agent Ziva following Cait's death. Later on, Rocky Carroll replaced Lauren Holly as the new director, Vance. This solidified the ensemble as NCIS's longest-running active roster, allowing for the development of team dynamics and individual storylines. The show's storytelling reached new heights with the incorporation of romance and personal histories into weekly cases, setting it apart from its competitors.

Catch new episodes of NCIS season 21 every Monday at 9pm ET on CBS.

Editor's P/S:

The commemorative episode in NCIS season 21 honoring the beloved Ducky Mallard was a poignant tribute to the show's history and a testament to the enduring legacy of its characters. While the absence of original cast members was bittersweet, the episode's focus on Ducky's past collaborations highlighted the importance of teamwork and the enduring bonds formed within the NCIS family.

The secret vault containing photos of the various team iterations over the years served as a subtle but powerful nod to the show's evolution. The implication that the team led by Gibbs, DiNozzo, McGee, Palmer, Ziva, Abby, Vance, and Ducky was the show's strongest ensemble is a fitting tribute to the chemistry and storytelling that made those seasons so memorable. The episode not only honored Ducky's legacy but also reminded viewers of the show's enduring appeal and the enduring spirit of its characters.