David McCallum — beloved for roles in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and NCIS — passed away in 2023 at age 90. To honor his iconic character Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, NCIS dedicated the Season 21 episode “The Stories We Leave Behind” entirely to his farewell, bringing together the people closest to Ducky to celebrate his life and legacy.
But one absence stood out: Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Mark Harmon’s character, arguably Ducky’s oldest friend, didn’t appear in person during the tribute.
Co-showrunner Steven D. Binder explained that the decision was intentional. After Harmon exited the series in 2021, bringing Gibbs back for only a brief cameo wouldn’t have done the character justice. As Binder told TVLine, the door remains open for Harmon — but any return would need to be meaningful, not just a short appearance.
Instead, the episode delivered a different surprise. Michael Weatherly returned as Tony DiNozzo for the first time since Season 13, offering heartfelt words about Ducky and even adding a light, emotional moment with a gentle imitation. Binder noted that while Gibbs is deeply tied to Ducky, the story centered on Jimmy Palmer — the one who found Ducky and carried much of the episode’s emotional weight — making Tony the most natural person to reconnect with him on screen.
Even without appearing, Gibbs’ presence was still felt. Early in the episode, Timothy McGee receives a letter from him containing a touching Polaroid of Gibbs, McGee, and Ducky — a reminder that, despite his quiet retirement in Naktok Bay, Alaska, Gibbs remains closely connected to the team and to Ducky’s memory.