‘NCIS’ season 11, episode 3 review: Was ‘So It Goes’ a Ducky classic?

Tonight, “NCIS” aired an episode entitled “So It Goes,” and we feel ultimately like it is one of the better Ducky episodes to date. With that being said, there have not been a whole lot of episodes that have featured David McCallum front and center.

What we enjoyed about this hour largely was that it was something so different for the series. We have grown rather accustomed over a decade now to seeing cases blending together: A sailor dies, and then Gibbs and company interrogate and use their brain-power before ultimately putting away the bad guys. Sometimes, there are villains who last a little while longer, but they are fleeting in their own way.

Ducky’s story brought us a greater sense of his past, and that included a complicated romance, the reason he wears bow ties now, and how so many of his old friends eventually drifted from him. It was actually pretty emotional, and that was something we were not expecting going into this. Also, we did not quite expect Ducky to be the hero on the same level that he does. Hats off to Adam Campbell, who did a nice time as the younger version of the character.

The only real criticism we have is that we would have rather seen either McGee or Abby accompany Ducky on the trip, mostly because Bishop didn’t make a whole lot of sense, and some of her dialogue with him felt forced.

Still, this was a strong episode of “NCIS,” and at least one that we will remember for its backstory and intensity in the latter part of it. Also, we feel like Ducky finally got a little bit of healing. Grade: B.

What did you think about “So It Goes,” and the story that it told when it comes to the Ducky character? Let us know right now, and click here to further preview next week’s “Choke Hold,” which features a big story for Tony. You can also sign up to get some more updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: CBS