NCIS: Origins Brings Back Ducky and His Mother in Episode 3
Collider offered a first look at "Return of the Mack," in which the Camp Pendleton team calls on Ducky after a young Marine is found dead on a beach.
Collider published an exclusive preview of the third episode of NCIS: Origins Season 3, titled "Return of the Mack," which brings back Donald "Ducky" Mallard and introduces his mother, Victoria. The episode airs on CBS on the night the preview was published, October 20, 2026.
In the episode, the Camp Pendleton team investigates the murder of a young Marine found on a beach with strange markings on his body. The team brings in Ducky to assist with the medical examination.
Adam Campbell returns as Ducky after playing the role in Season 2, a return billed as an homage to the late David McCallum, who played the character in the flagship NCIS series. Caroline Lagerfelt plays Victoria.
The episode also puts Victoria at the center of a night out: Vera, played by Diany Rodriguez, takes her on a bar crawl, and Victoria ends up passed out on Vera's floor. Victoria also flirts with NIS custodian Richard Kowalski, played by Michael Harney.
Gibbs arc continues
Season 3 of NCIS: Origins has featured Mark Harmon appearing in the flesh as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in a season-long arc involving ghosts from his past at Camp Pendleton, according to Collider.
Quick answers
When does NCIS: Origins Season 3 Episode 3 air?
"Return of the Mack" airs on CBS on the night of October 20, 2026, the date Collider published its preview.
Who plays Ducky in NCIS: Origins Season 3?
Adam Campbell returns as Donald "Ducky" Mallard, a role he also played in Season 2.
Who plays Ducky's mother Victoria?
Victoria is played by Caroline Lagerfelt.