'NCIS' Season 14 episode 10 spoilers: A beloved character does a throwback to help solve a murder case in ‘The Tie That Binds’

Christmas comes early on “NCIS” with a holiday special treat for its fans – a new and interesting mystery. For the third time in a row, Season 14 puts a supporting character into the spotlight. Episode 10, titled “The Tie That Binds” centres on Dr Donald “Ducky” Mallard (David McCallum), as he takes a trip down memory lane.

Followers of “NCIS” would get a glimpse of Ducky’s past life, as he flashes back to a life-changing decision he made almost four decades ago. Actor Joe Spano and Adam Campbell return to reprise their roles, Senior FBI Agent TC Fornell and young Ducky, respectively.

They join other “NCIS” characters who will also be featured on the Dec. 13 episode, including Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), Alexandra “Alex” Quinn’s (Jennifer Esposito), Timothy McGee (Sean Murray), Eleanor Bishop (Emily Wickersham), Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen), Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette), Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll), Nicholas “Nick” Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) and MI6 Officer Clayton Reeves (Duane Henry).

Spoiler alert! This update contains more "NCIS” Season 14 spoilers. Read on at your own risk if you have not watched the latest episode.

TV Guide reports that Tuesday’s installment centres on Ducky, as he seems to have a connection with the murder of a Navy captain. The NCIS team uncovers evidence that suggests the victim is related to his deceased mother. As the investigation is being carried out, he finds himself questioning a pivotal life choice he made 37 years ago.

Meanwhile, the “NCIS” team gives into the holiday spirit and exchanges gifts. Gibbs also finds himself sharing Christmas dinner with Fornell.

CBS posted a sneak peek of “NCIS” Season 14 Episode 10. In the trailer, the team wonders why a dead man has a paper with Ducky’s address. Ducky looks at a photo of himself with his mum, ushering in a tale from the past. He remembers that when he was young, he caught his mother hiding a naked man in her closet. Later, the team brings in food and presents at the office and they all toast to Ducky.

“The Tie That Binds” is directed by Arvin Brown and written by Steven D Binder. SpoilerTV reports that “NCIS” Season 14 Episode 10 also features guest stars Juliette Angelo (Emily Fornell), Adam Croasdell (Young Angus Clarke), Caroline Lagerfelt (Mrs Victoria Mallard), Charles Shaughnessy (Balthazar Kilmeany), Clyde Kusatsu (Mister Takumi Rin), T.J. Linnard (Logan Chase), Hannah Barefoot (Haley Chase), Brent Anderson (Navy Captain Mason Green), Scott Subiono (Louis Lancaster) and Mikie Beatty (Anton Vlastefin).

Find out what happens next on “NCIS” Season 14, which airs in the US on CBS every Tuesday, 8/7c. It also airs on Channel Ten in Australia.