# Gibbs & Dinozzo Reunion Highlights NCIS Mistake

> NCIS: Origins season 3 episode reveals Gibbs' absence at Ducky's funeral was a critical error.
- Title: Gibbs & Dinozzo Reunion Highlights NCIS Mistake · ScreenRant
- Summary: NCIS: Origins season 3 episode reveals Gibbs' absence at Ducky's funeral was a critical error. NCIS: Origins season 3 episode 3 shows Gibbs missing Ducky's…
- Keywords: ncis, origins, gibbs, dinozzo, duke, seattle, cbs, mark harmon, michael weatherly, david mccallum, ncis origins season 3, ncis origins episode 3
- Source: ScreenRant — https://screenrant.com/ncis-origins-season-3-gibbs-dinozzo-reunion-ducky-funeral-absence-worse
- Author: Alexandria Ingham
- Published: 2026-10-21T15:15:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ncis, origins, gibbs, dinozzo, duke, seattle, cbs, mark harmon, michael weatherly, david mccallum, ncis origins season 3, ncis origins episode 3
## Gibbs & Dinozzo Reunion
NCIS: Origins season 3 episode 3 features Gibbs and DiNozzo reminiscing about Ducky after his death.

> Gibbs called Ducky his best friend
## Ducky's Funeral Mistake
Gibbs missed Ducky's funeral despite being his best friend, a mistake that hurt the friendship.

> Gibbs called Ducky his best friend
## Why Gibbs Wasn't There
The show's tribute episode had Gibbs absent from Ducky's funeral, which was a major error.

> Gibbs called Ducky his best friend
## Gibbs' Absence Explained
Showrunners decided Gibbs' return would be too brief for a meaningful storyline.

> They all believed a character like Gibbs needed a much more meaningful storyline
## Ducky's Legacy
Ducky's death left a legacy of friendship and mentorship that Gibbs missed.

> Ducky shared his knowledge and empathetic nature
## Gibbs' Past Friendship
Gibbs and Ducky had a deep bond over decades, unlike Gibbs and Vance.

> They bonded over humor, compassion, and knowledge
## The Mistake's Impact
Viewers felt cheated by Gibbs' absence at Ducky's funeral.

> It's clear that Gibbs misses his old friend
## Why Ducky Died
Ducky died suddenly at home in September 2023, leaving a case to solve.

> Ducky died suddenly at home
## Gibbs' Alaskan Cabin
Gibbs was at his Alaskan cabin when Ducky died, making his absence a mistake.

> The older Gibbs standing outside of his Alaskan cabin
## The Tribute Episode
The tribute episode had Ducky die of natural causes with a final case for the team.

> Ducky died of natural causes but left one last case for the team to close
## Key takeaway

NCIS: Origins season 3 episode 3 shows Gibbs missing Ducky's funeral as a mistake that undermines their deep friendship.