It’s time to evaluate potential events for NCIS Season 21 when the writers strike ends and SAG-AFTRA has the opportunity to resume talks with the studios. There is nothing keeping fans from developing their own NCIS Season 21 hypotheses, even though the season won’t air until 2024.
Major changes will occur this season. Sadly, Ducky’s actor, David McCallum, died in September at the age of 90. Given that he was the last OG cast member still on the show, the series will need to take note of this. It’s a terrible loss for McCallum and NCIS fans alike. The 20th season ended with a major cliffhanger, too. We saw Nick Torres threaten to kill a man, which would put his whole career on the line. How could he get out of that, and what could be in store for the others?
Ducky’s Death Is Announced to Everyone
Ducky cannot be written out of NCIS unless by life imitating art. So, to kick off the NCIS Season 21 rumors, we discuss how Ducky’s departure will take place. The squad will probably find out that Ducky passed away while he was away in some way. I would like to think that this isn’t being done in a way that is motivated by a large case. It would be preferable if the demise followed the same path as McCallum’s actual demise, namely from natural causes. This would enable the team to concentrate solely on their sadness rather than developing a case to explain Ducky’s death. The fans would also benefit from this since it would give us a chance to mourn Ducky.
There Will Be Talk of Loss
As the show is likely to include Ducky’s death, we’ll need to see how that plays out for the team. We’re sure to see the show bring us a season that includes the discussion of loss. Each character will need to grieve in their own way.
For Parker and Knight, the loss won’t be as hard. They didn’t know Ducky as well as the others. In fact, I don’t remember them even meeting in person. Torres will take it harder, but he is also dealing with his own personal situation. It’s Jimmy and McGee who are sure to deal with the loss the hardest. We need to see them make some tributes, which will help us all grieve and move on.
Torres Will Have to Make a Choice
NCIS Season 20 ended with a major cliffhanger: Torres broke into a man’s house and was threatening to kill him. Will we see Torres go through with it? That’s his choice.
I have a feeling we’ll see him decide not to kill the man. Instead, we’ll see him go on a mission, as we learn exactly what this man did to Torres’ family. He had called his sister before heading to the house, so we could see Torres’ sister show up in time to help her brother. Alternatively, Bishop could learn what’s going on and go to help Torres. We last saw her go off to work with Odette on some secret missions, but she would likely come back if Torres was in danger or risking his career for revenge.
Knight and Palmer Move In
What about Palmer and Knight? They went through some major relationship steps in NCIS Season 20, with the L-word finally uttered. One of the NCIS Season 21 theories involves the two of them. Is it possible that the two will move in with each other?
Even if they don’t go through with moving in together, the discussion would need to be had. They could decide that it’s not best for Victoria for the two to move in together, but they could also find that building on their family unit is the best for their relationship. I doubt we’ll see a proposal, but just the next step will be enough to make fans happy and finally bring an end to NCIS relationships not working out.
Former Characters Return to Say Goodbye
There are many historical figures whose deaths we will wish to see them experience sorrow about. Even when he stepped back and merely called in videos, Ducky was a vital member of the squad. This can imply that former characters return for a future episode. The most logical choice for Gibbs would be Mark Harmon. Even if he is unable to attend in person, it would be nice to see him on a video call or at the very least learn that he was informed of Ducky’s passing. It would be wonderful to meet Tony and Ziva again so they can bid us farewell as well.
McGee Writes Another Novel
It’s been a long time since we’ve had a mention of McGee’s novels. It was brought up during NCIS Season 20 briefly, but there was no mention of him starting a new novel. It’s very normal for him to lose passion or the muse for writing. McGee is now a dad to twins, and he has his hands full with them and his wife. Then there are the cases that he gets involved in. However, he has new agents who he can turn into characters, and he could even include a storyline of loss as he deals with Ducky’s death.
There’s Another NCIS: Hawaii Crossover
In January 2023, a crucial event occurred. With a major narrative that hinted at more to come, three NCIS shows crossed over. Although NCIS: Los Angeles is no longer on the air, NCIS: Hawaii is still there, and there have undoubtedly been some crossovers between the original series and the most recent spin-off.
There might be a crossover with Torres’ ongoing plot. Could Jane Tennant perhaps be a little more familiar with his past? Could the team bring in Jane and others to assist with the problem? Alternately, we might just witness a different situation in which Knight travels to Hawaii to partially satisfy Ernie’s romantic love for her.
