Ducky’s return to the franchise allows CBS to expertly preserve the only NCIS plot hole that is totally acceptable. The NCIS franchise is back in full force on Tuesday nights after CBS’ scheduling reshuffle. While the main show remains the primary draw for viewers, simply because of how long it has been on the air, NCIS: Origins is doing impressively well in terms of establishing itself as a must-watch procedural during the 2025-2026 network TV cycle.

CBS has established that NCIS: Origins is not just Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ story. Throughout the show’s run thus far, all members of Mike Franks’ team has given their respective time under the spotlight. Just when it feels like Gibbs has becoming a regular character in the show and not its perceived protagonist, NCIS: Origins season 2, episode 3 explores one, if not the most enduring relationship in his life.

NCIS: Origins Maintains That Ducky & Gibbs Met Before 1991

Doing so means that the prequel needs to go back to certain moments in NCIS‘ history that are iffy in terms of accuracy with regard to the timeline. The arrival of Ducky in Camp Pendleton in 1992 naturally opens up discussions about when exactly the pair met. It was first acknowledged in NCIS season 3’s two-part finale, “Hiatus,” where Gibbs lost his memory post-1991. To emphasize how dire the situation was, it was established that he didn’t recognize Ducky — his oldest friend in the show.

There was an assumption that Gibbs and Ducky first met when they started working together in the ’90s. For context, David McCallum’s beloved character was part of Gibbs’ original JAG crew. However, that was debunked in NCIS season 18, episode 2, “Everything Starts Somewhere,” which revealed that the pair actually first crossed paths in the ’80s. The CBS institution never really addressed the confusion, until NCIS: Origins season 2, episode 3.

In “The Edge,” Ducky is sent to Camp Pendleton as Navy Yard’s liaison. He is supposed to assess the office if it would benefit from having an in-house ME. Sadly for him, Franks’ and the rest of the higher-ups are suspicious about his true goal. NCIS: Origins season 2, episode 3 marks Gibbs and Ducky’s reunion years after their run-in with the Zucado family, effectively reinforcing the plot hole from “Hiatus.”

Why NCIS Retconning Ducky & Gibbs’ Friendship Timeline Is Acceptable

Just like the majority of long-running procedurals, NCIS is not without plot holes. Some of them are smaller in nature, while others can dramatically change how the show is perceived. As an example, Gibbs and Tobias Fornell were supposed first-time acquaintances in the NCIS pilot, “Yankee White.” However, that was eventually changed when it was subsequently revealed that the pair long knew each other because they married the same woman at different points — Diane.

Until now, there are still questions about the pair’s history, especially since young Tobias has been introduced in NCIS: Origins. That said, while CBS has the opportunity to get the record straight on that, at this point, it’s best for the universe’s history to stick with its fleshed out backstory for Gibbs and Ducky. By giving them a proper, not to mention quite a fateful meeting, the NCIS franchise is making their friendship so much more special, which it was.

Admittedly, the dynamic wasn’t as prominent in the latter years of the procedural because of McCallum’s reduced appearances. NCIS found a way to see the pair have a touching farewell before Gibbs retired in Alaska. But as NCIS: Origins season 2, episode 3 perfectly reminds the public, their relationship had a profound impact on each other. Considering how much more NCIS has gained by contradicting what was previously established in “Hiatus,” it’s safe to say that it wouldn’t be difficult to ignore the aforementioned plot hole.

Will Young Ducky Return In NCIS: Origins?

It seems like Ducky has found a way to be an integral member of MCRT’s medical examiner team, albeit just an assistant. He was initially mimicking the process of his boss, which Gibbs clocks when he gets to Camp Pendleton. Curiously, the future MCRT leader claims that he barely has any recollection of their meeting a decade earlier. He doesn’t even acknowledge the part he played in Ducky becoming a medical examiner. Whether or not Gibbs is just pretending is uncertain.

That said, Ducky coming back to Camp Pendleton for another visit is entirely possible. The NCIS canon doesn’t say anything about this stretch of time regarding the pair’s relationship, but as he also connects with Franks, Lala, and even Randy, it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that he finds himself back in California. Otherwise, NCIS: Origins‘ timeline could overlap with Ducky and Gibbs pre-JAG debut adventures. That includes Ducky introducing Gibbs’ final wife.

For what it’s worth, there is no major issue with seeing old Ducky again in NCIS: Origins. He was an integral part of Gibbs’ arc in NCIS — something that Harmon’s narration even emphasizes in “The Edge.” CBS will just have to find a good plot to bring him back to Camp Pendleton.