Origins would deliver its own tribute to fan-favorite Donald “Ducky” Mallard, it was hard to know what to expect from this venture or whether Adam Campbell could reprise the role in a way that aligned with this spinoff.

NCIS: Origins” paid tribute to the beloved Donald “Ducky” Mallard in its latest episode, bringing back actor Adam Campbell to the franchise

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.

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.

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.

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