NCIS Season 21 Ducky Tribute Secretly Set Up Tony And Ziva’s SpinoffNCIS gets a new expansion show with the recently-announced Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David, which was actually set up during Ducky’s tribute episode.

Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David’s upcoming spinoff was secretly set up during NCIS season 21’s Ducky tribute episode. In celebration of David McCallum’s life and his immense contributions to NCIS as Dr. Donald Mallard, the long-running police procedural came up with a beautiful send-off to the beloved medical examiner-turned-organization historian. Special Agent Alden Parker and the rest of the active team reminisced on their personal favorite moments with Ducky all while solving his final case clearing the name of a dead marine. The episode was emotional, funny, and overall, well-executed, which was no less than what Ducky deserved.

As an original cast member of NCIS, Dr. Mallard was an institution not just for the main show but the overall franchise. Throughout his stint in the police procedural, he worked with all the team variations thus far. NCIS season 21, episode 2, “The Stories We Leave Behind” attempted to reference everyone who knew Ducky in the most time and cost-efficient way. While the initial plan was to bring as many characters together for his funeral, they resorted to flashbacks and references. Amid the busy outing, however, NCIS was still able to lay the groundwork for a new spinoff.

Amid the tribute episode to Ducky in NCIS season 21, the police procedural is still able to secretly confirm which team iteration is really its best.

Ducky Tribute Episode Teased A New NCIS Office

NCIS received flowers from an unnamed outpost.

On the heels of Jimmy Palmer discovering that Ducky had died in his sleep, word immediately spread about the good doctor’s demise. Despite primarily working from the main office, the whole agency mourned his loss, with several notable offices sending flowers. This was NCIS‘ way of referencing its growing network of shows, with magnolias from New Orleans, golden wattles from Sydney, plumerias from Hawai’i, roses from Los Angeles, and cherry blossoms from a certain “Far East office.” The last one is particularly interesting because it suggests a new unnamed office.

The “Far East office” could hint at an upcoming Japan-based NCIS show. After all, the country is popular for its sakura trees. That being said, the cherry blossoms are also a big thing in Washington DC. So, instead of being tied to a new location, it’s a tribute to the city that Ducky had called home for decades. As for the “Far East office,” it could refer to a new outpost across the Atlantic, which is also and is also in that general direction. This is where Tony and Ziva’s new spinoff will be based, appropriately nicknamed NCIS: Europe.

DiNozzo’s Brief Cameo Explains NCIS: Europe’s Premise

ZIva’s absence makes sense, considering their situation in NCIS: Europe.

Because of their decades-long friendship, there were hopes that Ducky’s funeral would be the perfect opportunity to bring Leroy Jethro Gibbs back to the DMV from Naktok Bay, Alaska. Instead of Mark Harmon, however, NCIS season 21, episode 2 recruited Michael Weatherly’s Tony instead for a brief cameo. His appearance came towards the very of the outing and functioned as the final emotional support that Palmer needed to cope with his mentor’s death. Tony’s appearance may have been brief, but it managed to drop clues about NCIS: Europe, including why Ziva didn’t join Tony for his Washington DC pitstop.

The fact that Ziva wasn’t with him was already a big clue as to their current situation. Despite being a subsequent addition to NCIS, the former Mossad agent had a special bond with Dr. Mallard that it’s difficult to imagine that she wouldn’t tag along was Tony to pay her final respects to Ducky. As confirmed by its official premise, NCIS: Europe will see Tony and Ziva “as they find themselves on the run across the continent.” Considering their predicament, it’s much safer for them and their daughter, that only Tony dropped by to see Ducky off.

Ducky’s tribute may have been over but NCIS season 21, episode 3 still unexpectedly reveals when Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs might return.

Will DiNozzo & Ziva Make A Cameo In The Main NCIS Show?

The main NCIS series can help launch its next international spinoff.

Prior to the announcement of NCIS: Europe, Weatherly teased a reunion between Tony and Ziva. Little did everyone know that a spinoff about them was already in the works. However, this also poses other questions, including whether they will be back in the main NCIS series. While the majority of their old team members are no longer on active duty, Gibbs’ absence from Ducky’s funeral paves the way for his return, while both Tim McGee and Palmer are still on the roster. This original series could stage a proper reunion for them.

NCIS crossovers are nothing new. Aside from small references and name drops, It’s one of the major appeals of having a growing universe. So, while NCIS: Europe will be on Paramount+, it’s still possible for its parent show to help launch it with a proper return for both Tony and Ziva. Perhaps, their cameos may even serve as a backdoor pilot for their series. In any case, it’s difficult to think they won’t be willing to help the couple out, especially with McGee and Palmer on Parker’s team.