With Ducky temporarily on the shelf following his heart attack, and Brian Dietzen promoted to series regular, things will take a very interesting turn for Palmer when NCIS returns September 25.

Look for Jimmy to step in as acting medical examiner … for better or worse.

“He really has to take over the reins, [and] it points out both Palmer’s strengths and weaknesses,” executive producer Gary Glasberg tells TV Guide, hinting that this storyline may span several episodes.

“They work so brilliantly together as a team … [But] Palmer is assuming a certain role. Inherently, there are moments [of conflict]. There’s a great episode down the road when Ducky has to rediscover his mojo.”NCIS Season 10 kicks off in just under a month with “Extreme Prejudice.”

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