Season 2 of NCIS: Origins is on its way, and we know yet another familiar face from the flagship show who will be joining the cast. This time, it will be in the form of a young Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, played by Adam Campbell.
Campbell is not new to the world of NCIS, having portrayed the young version of Ducky throughout the course of the series. He appeared in four episodes beginning in Season 12, with his latest being in Season 18. Now, he will yet again bring Ducky to life for a tribute episode to the late David McCallum.
In fact, as TVLine reported, showrunners Gina Lucia Montreal and David J. North also got to use music created by the late actor for the episode in question. McCallum portrayed Ducky from the pilot episode of NCIS until his passing in 2023.
He was given a special tribute episode when season 21 aired and now he will be given another honor on NCIS: Origins thanks to a younger version of his character.
In the episode, titled “The Edge,” Ducky will arrive “at Camp Pendleton to shadow the team while they work a case.” The episode title has a special meaning, as it takes the name of McCallum’s song from the 1960’s.
This episode will also reunite Ducky with Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, who had met him years prior. Campbell previously worked with Sean Harmon when he portrayed a young Agent Gibbs in flashback episodes of NCIS. This will be the first time fans see him alongside Austin Stowell in his portrayal of the character made famous by Mark Harmon.
So far, not much is known about the new season; however, we do know the season 2 premiere will answer the question of whether Agent Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez survived her car accident in the season 1 finale. Plus, the team will be working on a case involving the disappearance of a young Marine who is connected to a compound.
We’re already looking forward to seeing Campbell onscreen again as Ducky and to seeing how his friendship with Gibbs continued once they met up again. Plus, it will be special to see McCallum honored in such a way that brings him back for fans who loved and knew Ducky for decades before his death.
NCIS: Origins Season 2 premieres Tuesday, October 14 at 9/8c. You can find previous episodes on Paramount+.