NCIS: Origins Features Return of Ducky Mallard

The third episode of the series brings back a classic character and reunites Gibbs with Tony DiNozzo.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Remote Work

Graphic illustration of a silver scalpel, a blue latex glove, and an optical loupe, representing a forensic investigation. — Adam Campbell returns as Ducky Mallard in the third episode of NCIS: Origins, which sees the team investigate a Marine's death. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Episode 3 of NCIS: Origins, titled Return of the Mack, sees the team at Camp Pendleton investigate a Marine murder while Gibbs reunites with Tony DiNozzo. This marks the first time Gibbs and Tony DiNozzo have shared the screen together since 2016.

Why it matters

Gibbs relies on the medical expertise of Ducky Mallard to assist in a murder investigation while seeking professional help from DiNozzo to identify the person who shot him during the season premiere.

The episode premieres as the third installment of NCIS: Origins, a series expanding on the franchise now in its 24th season. The broadcast is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET/PT.

The players

Gibbs

He is a central investigator navigating the complexities of a new murder case at Camp Pendleton.

Tony DiNozzo

Portrayed by Michael Weatherly, he currently serves as the director of NCIS in the flagship series.

Donald Ducky Mallard

Played by Adam Campbell, he is an expert medical examiner assisting with the murder investigation.

The details

Adam Campbell returns to portray Ducky Mallard, who aids the investigation team as they look into the death of a Marine discovered on a beach. Additionally, Gibbs leverages his past ties to Tony DiNozzo to track down his own assailant.

2016: The year Gibbs and Tony DiNozzo last appeared on screen together.
October 20, 2026: The premiere date for Episode 3 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Market Landscape

This episode follows a pattern set by the franchise of leveraging long-standing character histories to build audience engagement for new spinoff entries. It strategically connects the latest series to the deep legacy of the NCIS flagship series' 24-season production history.

Viewers can catch the new episode at 10 p.m. ET/PT on its scheduled broadcast time. The reunion of legacy characters provides long-time fans with an opportunity to see established storylines intersect across the franchise.

The takeaway

Bringing back fan-favorite characters allows spin-off series to build immediate familiarity with established audiences. These narrative reunions serve as a bridge between foundational series history and new investigative arcs.