Spoiler Alert for NCIS Season 22, Episode 3, “The Trouble with Hal”
Season 22 has been a standout for the Major Case Response Team (MCRT), and episode 3 brought another big development. In the season premiere, Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) held a priest hostage and rejoined the MCRT in the bullpen, while episode 2 saw Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) moving forward with his love interest after a hostage scare. There’s even speculation that a mole may be infiltrating NCIS. With the shortened season 21 due to the writers’ strike, season 22 promises to be packed.
Amidst all the drama, the team still finds time for the smaller moments that keep them grounded, such as in episode 3, when they discuss repurposing Dr. Donald Mallard’s old office. Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) initially pushes to convert the space into a gym, sparking a broader conversation about the room’s future. This discussion allows each team member to share their hopes for the season.
MCRT’s New Multipurpose Room Honors Dr. Mallard
After some debate, the team ultimately agrees to create a multipurpose room that honors Dr. Mallard, or “Ducky.” Nick hopes to add some weights, Jimmy is open to the idea, and Kasie (Diona Reasonover) wants to keep it as a tribute to Ducky. Later, Jimmy finds Kasie meditating in Ducky’s office, where she reveals she values the space for reflection. Following Kasie’s survey of the team’s wishes, Vance names the space the Doctor Donald Mallard Memorial Multi-Purpose Room. Now, the room has something for everyone: weights for Torres, a lunch table for Parker, a meditation area for Kasie, and storage for Dr. Mallard’s files. The team fondly refers to the room as “Ducky’s.”
Ducky’s Room Reflects the Evolution of MCRT
The multipurpose room reflects the MCRT’s transformation under Alden Parker’s (Gary Cole) leadership. While Leroy Jethro Gibbs ran a tight ship, Parker’s more relaxed style has brought a fresh balance to the team. Introduced in season 19 after Mark Harmon’s exit, Parker offers a warm contrast to Gibbs’ strict approach. He’s easygoing, bringing pastries for the team and valuing work-life balance in a way that Gibbs never did. The idea of having a break room wouldn’t have crossed Gibbs’ mind, but Parker knows his agents benefit from a dedicated space to recharge.
Looking Ahead: How Ducky’s Room Shapes NCIS
The new room will serve as the team’s gathering spot—a place to connect away from the bullpen. It’s a significant shift from Gibbs’ era, when interactions mainly happened in the bullpen, Abby’s lab, or autopsy. Now, Jimmy and Kasie can still access files and meditate, while Nick and Parker enjoy improved quality of life in season 22 with a focus on health and relaxation. Ultimately, Ducky’s room will serve as the team’s version of a “water cooler,” adding to the camaraderie that makes NCIS feel like home.
