But arguably the biggest reveal came with learning why Ducky talks to bodies, which we saw the late David McCallum did when he was playing him for so many years on NCIS. Origins co-showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal and Campbell opened up to CinemaBlend about telling this “difficult” story and more.

NCIS: Origins revealed more of the backstory of Special Agent Leroy Gibbs ( Austin Stowell) and NIS medical examiner Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard ( Adam Campbell) on tonight’s episode, and it was a surprise how much Gibbs’ friendship meant to Ducky and how little of it Gibbs remembered.

As NCIS: Origins moves forward, fans can expect emotional complexity, professional stakes, and romance that’s both teased and restrained. Gibbs’ journey isn’t just about love — it’s about the making of a leader, a partner, and an agent whose choices reverberate across the franchise.

Origins season 2 depicted how the characters are suffering in their own way in their personal lives. There is a distinct level of authenticity to their storylines.

Adam Campbell's "NCIS" character, who has appeared on the mothership in flashbacks as the young version of David McCallum's Ducky, is sent to work with our "Origins" team to see if they need an in-house medical examiner. But the crew at Pendleton is skeptical of his true motives.

"NCIS: Origins" honors David McCallum in a tribute episode Oct. 28 featuring young "Ducky" Mallard's return. USA TODAY gets an exclusive sneak peek.