Amy Carlson's Unhappy Blue Bloods Departure

Amy Carlson, known for her role as Linda Reagan in Blue Bloods for its initial seven seasons, confirmed her departure was a personal decision. However, she expressed surprise and regret regarding the manner of Linda's death, which occurred in an off-screen helicopter crash between seasons. Carlson felt it would have been more meaningful for viewers to witness Linda's final moments, providing a sense of closure.

Showrunner Kevin Wade later discussed Carlson's exit, stating it was not initially planned. He explained that the writers had to react to the actress's decision not to return, and Linda's death was one of the limited options for her departure. Wade indicated that the subsequent 22 episodes were dedicated to exploring the impact of this loss on Danny and his children.

The creative team aimed to address the repercussions of Linda Reagan's absence with sensitivity. Wade expressed hope that the show successfully portrayed the grief and adjustments experienced by the surviving characters, paying tribute to Carlson's contribution to the series throughout her tenure. The narrative focused on the family's journey after the unexpected loss.