Actor Brian Dietzen created a buzz among NCIS fans by sharing a new promotional photo for the upcoming 21st season of the CBS drama. Taking to Instagram, he posted a picture featuring the main cast, including Gary Cole, Wilmer Valderrama, Katrina Law, Rocky Carroll, Sean Murray, and Diona Reasonover, walking together in the iconic headquarters. In the caption, Brian reminded fans of the season 21 premiere date: “Season premiere of NCIS. February 12, 9/8c on CBS! Who’s in?”
While many fans expressed their excitement in the comments, some noticed the absence of the late David McCallum, who played Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard from seasons one to 20. One fan mentioned, “So strange not seeing David in the cast photo. I’m sure going to miss him. I look forward to seeing the tribute to him.” Another follower added with a tearful emoji, “The first picture without Ducky.”
Fans are particularly looking forward to the second episode of the new season, airing on February 19, which is set to honor David McCallum, who passed away in September of the previous year. In this tribute episode, Ducky will help the team solve one last crime from beyond the grave. Co-showrunners and executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North emphasized the importance of honoring the legendary actor in the episode.
As for the upcoming season’s storyline, CBS has kept details under wraps, but it’s expected to address a major plotline left unresolved in the season 20 finale. In the final episode of the previous series, Special Agent Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) went undercover in prison to gather information about the Russian spy plot and an impending terrorist attack. The finale ended with Nick confronting an unsavory character from his past, leaving fans wondering if he killed him. The resolution to this cliffhanger will be revealed in season 21.
