NCIS season 18 is coming next month and fans can expect something big in the upcoming installment. The series is set to deliver its 400th episode, which is all about Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and medical examiner-turned-historian Donald "Ducky" Mallard (David McCallum).
The 400th episode is one of the most anticipated episodes in NCIS season 18. The story brings some flashbacks, particularly how Gibbs and Ducky first met and how they end up being friends. They have been through a lot already and supported each other over the past years.
In a recent interview with TV Insider, executive producer Frank Cardea noted that the flashbacks see the two at crossroads in their lives and helped each other find their life paths. Ducky, in particular, will help Gibbs learn more about his future relationship with Shannon (Darby Stanchfield) before getting married.
Cardea further said that Gibbs has troubles with relationships and he's not the most social person. His psychology will be explored and that's where Ducky comes into play. We're going to see how he helped his dear friend dealing with personal issues.
There have been questions why Gibbs acts the way he is and this might be finally answered in the 400th episode. The tragic part here, however, is knowing what really happened to Shannon and their daughter Kelly (Mary Mouser). Their deaths might be one of the major reasons why he's distant from others.
In addition, executive producer Steven D. Binder said that the fateful first encounter of Gibbs and Ducky in Washington, D.C. is like a "meet-cute from a rom-com." Despite their differences, they like and are curious about each other.
Eventually, the two started working together to catch a thief, but unsuccessful. At the time, Gibbs wasn't an agent though he's involved in the NIS. The 400th episode is different from what we're going to see in the entire NCIS season 18. It's going to feature an '80s version of familiar sets.
Some familiar faces are coming, as well. For instance, Harmon's son Sean Harmon returns as the young Gibbs while Adam Campbell as young Ducky. Binder added there will be "very in-your-face and easy to identify." They wanted to gather as much of the series history and put it in one episode to celebrate it.
Meanwhile, the premiere details of NCIS season 18 have been also released. The latest installment kicks off with Gibbs' secret and personal mission in season 17's "Musical Chair." Within this episode, we're going to see Joe Spano coming back as Tobias Fornell.
NCIS season 18 will premiere Tuesday, Nov. 17, on CBC, while the 400th episode arrives the following week, Nov. 24.
