NCIS’s newest theme song is a welcome update and includes a subtle and touching tribute to one of Gibbs' oldest friends. The new theme song will premiere inNCISseason 22and will still include parts of the old song, but with added elements to make it the most sentimental theme song in the series yet. The changes to the theme song were made to honor an important person in Gibbs' life, adding an emotional layer to the nostalgia.
Apart from the new theme song,NCISseason 22 will feature several other exciting new changes to the show. Season 21 left a lot of unanswered questions and withNCIScast changes, potential character exits, and new plot lines, there is a lot to look forward to. But perhapsthe most important aspect of the newest season is the meaning behind the nostalgic theme songthat honors Gibbs' longest ally.
NCIS Season 22’s Updated Theme Song References David McCallum
The New Song References McCallum’s Career Beyond NCIS
Ducky was a vitally important character inNCISand McCallum left an unforgettable impact on the series. TheNCISseason 22 theme songincludes several references to both McCallum and Ducky as a heartwarming tribute. The newest theme song “Stand Up,” which was written by Black Gryph0n,references McCallum’s jazz song “The Edge"just before the chorus plays. By including a reference to McCallum’s artistic career in the song,NCISis able to pay homage to McCallum’s dedication to his craft.
“The Edge” was part of David McCallum’s albumMcCallum, which was released through Capitol Records in 1968.
The newestNCIStheme song will also include a slowed-down version of the original theme song in combination with “Stand Up.” The slowed-down version was also included inDucky’s tribute episodein season 21. The connection the song has to both McCallum and his character, Ducky, makes the song even more heartwarming and sentimental.NCISis not the same without Ducky, butthe theme song can offer a small connection to the characterwith each new episode.
Ducky Is Gibbs' Oldest Friend In NCIS
The Two Met Years Before NCIS
Gibbs and Ducky had a strong bond throughoutNCIS. Ducky, played by David McCallum, wasNCIS’s Medical Examiner and appeared on the show from the premiere until season 20 when McCallum passed away.NCIS’s 400th episode revealed that Ducky and Gibbs met long before the show started and even before Gibbs joinedNCIS.Gibbs and Ducky met by accident sometime in 1980, after Ducky had just moved to the United States.
NCIS’s 400th episode is season 18, episode 2, “Everything Starts Somewhere,” and can be streamed on Paramount+.
NCIS’s 400th episode revealed that Gibbs and Ducky met when Ducky, who was still learning to drive on the right side, hit the car that was holding Gibbs hostage in the trunk. Their accidental meeting ended up saving Gibbs' life.The sweet episode also revealed that Ducky was the one who persuaded Gibbs to go back to Shannon after they broke up, which eventually led to the birth of Gibbs' daughter, Kelly. Their meeting changed the entire trajectory of Gibbs and Ducky’s lives, making them life-long friends.NCISwould not have existed without their fated meeting, and the updated theme song reflects its significance.
NCIS: Season 22’s Latest McCallum Homage Continues Season 21’s Tribute To Ducky
Season 21 Featured Several References to McCallum
NCIShonored McCallum long before the newest theme song was announced. Ducky’s heartfelt season 21 tribute in the episode"The Stories We Leave Behind” included several references to McCallum’s long Hollywood career. The start of the episode revealed that Ducky’s dog is named Solo, which is a reference to McCallum’s partner inThe Man From U.N.C.L.E., Napoleon Solo. The episode also featured a large sign that reads “The Great Escape,” which is a reference to McCallum’s role inThe Great Escapefrom 1963.
15 Best Ducky Quotes From NCIS
A beloved NCIS cast member for 21 years, David McCallum’s Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard character has some of the best quotes from the CBS series.
The heartwarming episode also featured references to Ducky’s history on the show. There is a framed picture from 1976 of Nina Foch, the actress who played Ducky’s mother in several episodes. The episode also showed a gothic wreath of roses that read “Love you Ducky.” The wreath likely came from Abby Sciuto,NCIS’s former Chief Forensic Scientist who loved Ducky and had a close and trusting relationship with him as a mentor and colleague.
Ducky’s heartfelt season 21 tribute was as beautiful as it was sad.
Ducky’s heartfelt season 21 tribute was as beautiful as it was sad. It was a great way to honor the actor and the character that he played for over 20 years.Ducky became an integral part ofNCIS. As the Medical Examiner, he played a major role in each episode as his help was necessary to solve most cases. Ducky also formed strong bonds with his team members over the years, making him a significant character.NCISseason 22 will not be the same without McCallum, but his legacy will live on in the theme song.
NCIS
Cast
NCIS is a television series that follows a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Premiering in 2003, the show explores various cases involving Navy and Marine Corps personnel, ranging from murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines.
