The first season of “NCIS,” in which the late David McCallum first appeared as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, was his favorite season.
On NCIS, David McCallum, the eminent performer who played Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, has long been a pillar of the program. Even though Ducky’s position changed, McCallum continued to make him a fan favorite from the show’s beginning.
Surprisingly, McCallum’s most cherished episode dates back to the show’s first season, defying expectations that one of the later episodes might have captured his favor. The episode titled “My Other Left Foot” blends the show’s signature dark humor and allows Ducky’s unique personality traits to shine.
David McCallum reveals his favorite ‘NCIS’ episode of all time
McCallum has been a stalwart on NCIS from the show’s debut, playing Dr. Donald Mallard, also known as “Ducky.” McCallum reduced his presence in the popular crime procedural in later seasons. His role in the show changed from that of chief forensic pathologist to one more centered on history. It seems sense that McCallum wanted to cut down on Ducky’s screen time given that he was getting close to being 90 years old at the time. He was, after all, among the final few original cast members to continue to appear in the show.
Even though McCallum has appeared in countless episodes throughout the show’s long run, his personal top pick hails from the show’s inaugural season.
In a candid chat with TV Insider, he shared that his favorite episode is the twelfth of the first season, titled “My Other Left Foot.”
“Ducky walks around the room with this leg, talking about his grandfather, art galleries, and My Left Foot—nothing to do with the leg itself. After this long dissertation, Gibbs (Mark Harmon) says, ‘Ducky, that’s a right foot,’” McCallum explained.
A closer look at Ducky’s best ‘NCIS’ episode
The NCIS episode titled “My Other Left Foot” delves into the peculiar case involving the dismembered leg of a Marine. Though the episode generally doesn’t top the list of the series’ finest moments, it held a special place for McCallum.
In this specific episode, McCallum’s character, Ducky, strikes up an unusual conversation with the severed leg. He veers off into diverse topics like his grandfather and the renowned memoir “My Left Foot” by Christy Brown. McCallum doesn’t go into detail, but he probably values this episode for its crucial contribution to the show’s unique mix of dark comedy. Additionally, the episode serves to strengthen Ducky’s distinct character traits.
These peculiar traits have since become a significant aspect of Ducky’s charm and have endeared him to NCIS audiences, amplifying the depth of his character.
Executive producer recalls David McCallum’s time on the hit crime procedural
McCallum died at 90 on September 25, breathing his last at New York Presbyterian Hospital while encircled by loved ones.
On the very day of McCallum’s passing, CBS released an extensive NCIS retrospective. As noted in his obituary in the Washington Post, it featured comments from the show’s co-founder, Donald P. Bellisario.
Bellisario admitted that he initially hesitated to do the show without McCallum since he was so focused on having him in it. The director, James Whitmore Jr., explained that because McCallum was, in his words, “pure gold,” there was such a deep dedication to him that the studio consented.
NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North described McCallum as the pinnacle of class and learning in a statement distributed through CBS. They praised him for his constant poise, steadfast professionalism, and ability to find humor in any situation.
