NCIS Video: Brian Dietzen Cheers ‘Wonderful’ Weatherly Cameo, Shares Hidden David McCallum Easter Eggs
Now that NCIS‘ Ducky tribute episode has aired, the CBS procedural is pulling the behind-the-scenes curtain back on the hour’s very special guest, Michael Weatherly.
On Tuesday morning, CBS dropped on Instagram a series of BTS images from Monday’s special episode, which bid a fond farewell to Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard and, in turn, his portrayer, late cast member David McCallum.
And on Tuesday afternoon, TVLine was on-set (for the filming of the NCIS franchise’s 1,000th total episode), where we invited cast member Brian Dietzen (who co-wrote the Ducky tribute with EP Scott Williams) to break down the surprise cameo.
At episode’s end, Jess and the others gave Jimmy a moment alone in the lab. Moments later, Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, played by series vet Weatherly, came strolling in. After gifting Jimmy with a black bowtie that he had picked up en route to the States, Tony did his best Dr. Mallard voice while vividly recounting a Ducky-like anecdote. Tony then assured Jimmy that when we die, it’s not just “stories we leave behind,” as had been said earlier — but also the people whose lives we touched.
In the video above, Dietzen talks about how “wonderful” it was to hear that “familiar voice” break up Jimmy’s solitude.
“DiNozzo wasn’t there just to honor the loss of Ducky; he was also showing up for his friend,” explains Dietzen.
Dietzen then goes on to tally at least three “Easter eggs” that were scattered throughout the episode, as nod’s to McCallum’s previous roles in TV’s The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and the film The Great Escape. Did you catch ’em all?
Peruse all of the BTS images — including one featuring NCIS: LA alum Daniela Ruah, who as we speak is directing the franchise’s 1,001st episode (Episode 7 of NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3) — via the Instagram post below.
Lovely photos!
Brian did a wonderful job writing this episode. Captured the contribution David McCallum made to this franchise. Thank you for the special episode.
The episode was so touching.R.I.P
The episode was very touching and very well done.
Excellent tribute to Ducky! Well done. Wish Mark Harmon had been seen….even if just in audience attending service .
I find it appalling that Mark Harmon could not take the time to appear in this beautiful tribute to Ducky. Very disturbing. To the people who did show up,well done and thank you.
You obviously are oblivious to how television shows are filmed. According to Brian Dietzen they tried to get Harmon for the episode but they just couldn’t get the schedule to work. There was no disrespect in this, just the reality that people can’t be in two places at the same time. And if you think Harmon should have put everything else on hold to spend the hours it takes to shoot even a short scene (and we aren’t privy to what else was happening with him when this was filmed), then you really are clueless.
Thank you your observations are spot on and well thought out. Too bad all the whiners out there don’t know how to think it was a beautiful episode and very well done Ducky would have been very proud.
What if it wasn’t his choice to make? (Because it wasn’t.) The whole point of choosing Tony was, according to Dietzen, to put the focus on those who were left to carry on without their beloved colleague, Dr. Mallard, and Jimmy had been close with Tony, not as much to Gibbs. At that point in the episode, it was about his survivors; Gibbs’ appearance with his long-standing friendship with Ducky that predated the show’s timeline would have kept the focus on the past rather than gently shifting it to the present.
Loved the episode, from the theme music that was softer in the beginning and at the end as well as all the stories including the storyline. The only thing is that it was just too short….
Loved the episode and very emotional. I’m surprised Mark Harmon wasn’t there.
Lovely tribute. And, despite the sobering theme, I have to admit I pumped fists and shouted out a “yes!” when Weatherly showed up. Could we only hope he would come back as at least a recurring guest star.
Yes, it would have been nice to have a whole bunch of folks show back up, including Harmon, but there were a bunch of lovely touches, including the use of flashbacks with former members of the team. McCallum was such a fine actor and human being. He will definitely be missed by multiple generations.
I seem to have gotten something in my eyes again that makes them water when reading the paragraph about Tony talking with Jimmy
Bravo CBS! Wonderful tribute
Winder episode and a heartfelt tribute to Ducky. Glas to see Tony show up. However, I feel the Mark Harmon should have been there as well. In that respect, diappointed.
I truly enjoyed every acting movie that he was ever in and TV shows of course it was a pleasure to watch him on NCIS and of course everything he ever did.
I will miss seeing him on NCIS but I am so grateful that I will forever. Remember him he touched my heart on many things, thank you David for being there and for sharing your life with everybody
This episode was beautifully written you folks did a beautiful job there wasn’t a dry eye in my house. I love this show, Dana
That picture of Dinozzo and Jimmy above is a plaid bow tie, not a black bow tie
I have watched David Mccallum since Man from Uncle. Then when he started on NCIS, he had me hooked. When it was posted that he had passed, I was so sad as if he was a family member. REST IN PEACE, Ducky!
RIP🙏🙏🙏🙏
Very nice episode but Mark Harmon couldn’t be bothered to make an appearance?
Agreed
I loved the fact that Michael Weatherly came back and paid respect to his fellow actor. I’m both sad and very disappointed that Mark Harmon didn’t do the same. Very disappointed in him.
Hope Michael and the powers that be will bring Tony back to NCIS! It would be so amazing to see him again.
Me too, AGREE!
I wish Gibbs, Ziva and Abbie had come back for Ducky’s funeral too.
Saying goodbye to Ducky, was very hard, I cryed when I hard he pass in real life, and I cryed off and on saying goodbye all though this Monday show. crying though this episode of saying goodbye will wrote very nice.
Beautifully done well written.
captured everything brillantly.
Glad to see Michael Weatherly
again.
Loved the tribute to Ducky….Jimmie’s scenes very touching. Was so pleased to see at least Tony come back for the funeral. Very disappointed that Mark Harmon did not bring Gibbs back to say goodbye.
It was a great tribute to an excellent actor, he will be missed. But Mark Harmon should have been there, no excuses. He worked with the man for nearly 20 years he could have made the effort to at least make an appearance. Shame on him.
There was a scheduling conflict which made it impossible for Harmon to appear according Brian Dietzen in one of the many interviews he has done. They tried, but that’s how things work sometimes when it comes to TV productions. So all you folks please stop complaining about Harmon not being there. As for the others, that would have been almost impossible to arrange for everyone to be there production-wise.
Harmon could have appeared in a Zoom call from Alaska.
Gibbs doing a Zoom call from rural Alaska? Hilarious
Gibbs is a Ludite. Zoom isn’t something that character would ever do.
The tribute to David McCallum was superb. Very respectful and delivered commentary on how to approach death.
Excellent hour of TV.
This episode was beautifully and compassionately written as a memorial tribute to “Ducky.” Each scene was beautiful and I actually felt the tears that probably flowed down Brian’s cheek as he created the memorable collage of past episodes. It was pure art.❤️❤️❤️
Well done by cast and crew. Will certainly miss Dr. Mallard. What a fitting tribute with the twist of Michael Weatherly returning to honor one of the shows remarkable actors.
I am very disappointed Mark Harmon did not appear to honor his friend… What… You didn’t have time? You’re too busy? I just lost a bit of respect for you..
I was a bit disappointed. Ducky was a big part of the show. Would have been nice to see more past characters come back and more time regarding Ducky.