As the writers strike comes to an end and SAG-AFTRA has the opportunity to re-enter negotiations with the studios, it’s time to look ahead to NCIS Season 21.

Although we won’t see the season until 2024, there’s nothing stopping fans from creating their own NCIS Season 21 hypotheses.

This season will be marked by significant changes. Unfortunately, Ducky’s actor, David McCallum, d1ed in September at the age of 90. This is something that the series will have to confront, given he is the only remaining original cast member. It’s a major blow for NCIS fans and McCallum fans in general.

The 20th season also concluded on a dramatic cliffhanger. We watched Nick Torres threaten to assassinate a man, which would jeopardize his entire career. How could he get out of it, and what might happen to the others?

Everyone is informed of Ducky’s d3ath.

Ducky can only be written out of NCIS if art imitates life. So, to begin the NCIS Season 21 rumors, we will discuss Ducky’s departure. We’ll probably see the squad discover that Ducky perished while he was away in some way.

I’m hoping that this isn’t done solely for the purpose of a large case. It would be preferable if the d3ath was handled in the same manner as McCallum’s actual d3ath: through natural causes. This would allow the team to concentrate solely on their sadness rather than developing a case to solve Ducky’s tragedy. This would also be beneficial for fans, as we would have time to mourn Ducky.

There Will Be Loss Discussions

Because the program is likely to incorporate Ducky’s d3ath, we’ll have to wait and see how that affects the team. We may expect the show to provide us a season that contains a discussion of loss. Each character must grieve in their own unique way.

The loss will be less painful for Parker and Knight. They weren’t as familiar with Ducky as the others. I don’t even recall them ever meeting in person. Torres will take it more seriously, but he is also dealing with his own personal issues. Jimmy and McGee will undoubtedly be the hardest hit by the loss. We need to see them pay their respects so that we can all grieve and move on.

Torres must make a decision.

Torres broke into a man’s house and threatened to k1ll him, leaving NCIS Season 20 on a significant cliffhanger. Will Torres follow through on his threat? That is his decision.

I believe he will decide not to murd3r the man. Instead, we’ll watch him embark on a mission to discover what this individual did to Torres’ family. He had called his sister before going to the residence, so Torres’ sister would arrive in time to assist her brother. Bishop may also find out what’s going on and go help Torres. We last saw her head off on some secret operations with Odette, but she would most certainly return if Torres was in danger or sacrificing his career for vengeance.

Knight and Palmer Have Moved In

Palmer and Knight, what about them? In NCIS Season 20, they went through some key relationship milestones, culminating in the use of the L-word. The two are mentioned in one of the NCIS Season 21 speculations. Is it possible that the two will live together?

Even if they decide not to live together, the conversation must take place. They may decide that moving in together is not best for Victoria, but they may also discover that strengthening their family unit is best for their relationship. I doubt we’ll witness a proposal, but the next step will be enough to please fans and put a stop to NCIS relationships that aren’t working out.

Former Characters Reappear to Bid Farewell

With Ducky’s d3ath, there are many figures from the past we’ll want to watch mourn. Ducky was an important member of the squad, even when he stepped back and only video was called in. This could signify that former characters return for an episode.

Mark Harmon as Gibbs would be the best choice. Even if he can’t be there in person, it would be nice to see him on a video call or hear him acknowledge Ducky’s d3ath. It would be wonderful to see Tony and Ziva again so they could say their final goodbyes.

McGee Completes a New Novel

McGee’s works haven’t been mentioned in a long time. It was briefly mentioned during NCIS Season 20, however there was no indication of his writing a new novel.

It’s natural for him to lose interest or the muse for writing. McGee is now a father of twins, and he is preoccupied with them as well as his wife. Then there are the cases in which he becomes involved. He does, however, have new agents who he can make into characters, and he may even incorporate a loss storyline as he struggles with Ducky’s d3ath.

Another NCIS: Hawaii crossover is on the way.

A watershed moment occurred in January 2023. Three NCIS series collaborated on a major narrative that hinted at more to come. While NCIS: Los Angeles has concluded, NCIS: Hawaii is still on the air, and there have been some crossovers between the flagship show and the newest spin-off.

There might be a crossover with Torres’ current plot. Could Jane Tennant learn more about what happened in his past? Could the team enlist Jane and others to assist with the situation? Alternatively, we could witness another example in which Knight travels to Hawaii to provide some closure to Ernie’s love for her.