‘NCIS’: Adam Campbell Talks Getting ‘Emotional’ Filming Vance’s Death Scenes
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What To Know
- Adam Campbell reprised his role as young Ducky in NCIS‘s 500th episode, guiding Vance (Rocky Carroll) in accepting his death.
- Campbell talks to TV Insider about filming the milestone and working with Carroll.
When NCIS fans tuned into the show’s milestone 500th episode, they were treated to not only an outstanding hour, but one that featured a shocking exit (Rocky Carroll‘s Vance was killed) and return (Adam Campbell reprised his role as young Ducky to guide him).
“It was amazing,” Campbell, who also returns as the character in the March 30 episode of NCIS: Origins, tells TV Insider of returning and working with Carroll on those scenes. “It was quite heavy, I’ll say, because not only was it the last scene in the episode, it was also the last scene he shot. And so it was quite a privilege to be there while he was saying goodbye as it were to everybody on set. It was quite emotional for the camera guys and just everyone there who’ve been working with Rocky for so many years. So, it felt really heavy. I felt very privileged to be there.”
CBS
Campbell also liked the circumstances surrounding his return. The episode is framed as if Vance is being questioned for his team’s actions regarding an Army CID agent’s murder, by a mystery man played by Adhir Kalyan. At first, Vance thinks he’s Army CID, then that he’s working for the smugglers they’re after. But once Vance realizes what’s really going on, that he wasn’t wearing a vest like he thought when he was shot, he picks up on the fact that he does actually know the man in front of him, his “old friend.” That’s when the man changes his appearance to that of Adam Campbell’s Ducky, there to make the transition a bit easier between acceptance and walking towards the bright light as his late wife’s voice greets him.
“The theme is really moving. He’s entering the afterlife and seeing his wife again, and it’s heavy. It’s a really emotional episode. But yeah, it was wonderful to do it. I thought it was really clever that Ducky got to welcome him there. I thought it was a really nice touch,” says Campbell, adding, “Obviously, it would’ve been better if it was David [McCallum], but I was very happy to fill in for him.”
If you ask us, Ducky’s the perfect face for such circumstances, and Campbell agrees.
“It’s nice that they gave him some lighthearted moments as well to show that it’s the same Ducky,” he shares. (Ducky does remark that he dabbled in community theater while at university.)
And while he knows this won’t be it for Rocky Carroll on NCIS — Carroll told us as much himself, and that includes directing — “It must be crazy for him to end this thing that he’s been on for so long,” Campbell points out.
What did you think of Adam Campbell’s return for NCIS 500? Let us know in the comments section below.
NCIS, Tuesdays, 8/7c, CBS
NCIS: Origins, Tuesdays, 9/8c, CBS
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Conversation13 Comments
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S
It’s been a long time since a TV show or a movie for that matter has moved me to tears.It was such a shock to realize that Vance was dead and then for Ducky to appear just sent me right over the edge. One of the best episodes of NCIS that I have ever seen.
31
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G
"All Good Things" was a fantastic episode, and yes, it was very, very emotional. When Ducky was revealed (Adam Campbell), I started tearing up. Well done, NCIS, well done. This is why we're getting a 24th season next year. Family. Matters.
27
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J
Bringing back Ducky like that was inspired. This was the best episode in some years.
19
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P
It was the perfect way for Vance to enter the after life.
18
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A
After he called Director Vance "old friend", I thought he was Eli David. Seeing Ducky gave me a lump in my throat.
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Z
I screamed, Ducky!! Made me cry. Was sad to see vance gone. Loved that it did up being Ducky.
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C
I'm going to miss Vance so much. Rocky Carroll was great in NCIS. I didn't realize he had been on for so many seasons. He just was a part of the show and I figured he would be there so long as there is an NCIS. Great job, Mr. Carroll!!
10
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J
Absolutely love Adam campbell as the young ducky! It was very fitting he was on this episode. I sooo hope he's on future episodes too...he's very good and so charming....just as the older ducky was!
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C
It was a great episode and done very well. I’d like to see Scott Bakula as the Director.
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J
I didn't want to see 'young Ducky.' I thought Vance should have 'seen' someone else.
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G
The show was great. I hate Carroll is, basically, leaving the show, but another director will be great too. Looking forward to everything NCIS brings to us each week. I have always loved the show and watch reruns all the time. Have loved all the characters on each season!!
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E
I also recorder it so I could see it, again. I was too surprised to fully comprehend the ending.
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G
I thought it added a nice touch as Vance's transcends to the afterlife. I miss the actor who played two of my favorite characters, "Ducky" on N.C.I.S and "Illya Kuryakin" on The Man from Uncle in the middle 60's.
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