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." Share your comments below on what you make of Ducky, Jimmy and anything else on your mind as we gear up for new episodes!

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.