What happened with Linda? Recently, Amy Carlson spoke with Deadline about her shocking exit from CBS’ Blue Bloods.
Carlson played Linda Reagan, the wife of Donnie Wahlberg’s Danny, on the cop drama. The cast also includes Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan, Will Estes, Len Cariou, Marisa Ramirez, Sami Gayle, and Vanessa Ray.
WARNING: BLUE BLOODS SPOILERS AHEAD!
When Blue Bloods premiered its eighth season in September, it was revealed that Linda (Carlson) had died in a helicopter crash. The character death prompted a vocal reaction from fans, who were shocked by the clumsy way the writers handled Carlson’s exit from the show.
Now, Carlson has spoken out about the decision to leave and how it was handled. In the interview, she revealed she was touched by the outpouring of fan support after her character was killed off:
I was surprised, but I’m also just so honored that all these fans connected so much with that character. It surprised me, but it really touches my heart that they cared so much about Linda and that she meant so much to so many people, I had no idea, I can’t even tell you how many messages a day I get about her and the character. They’re so sweet, they all wish me well in my future projects, they’re all just super supportive fans of mine, and it’s just so lovely.”
And how did Carlson feel about the way Linda’s death was handled?:
I feel badly that she dies the way she dies. I did not know they would do that, I was surprised. I wouldn’t have done that.”
Later, Carlson revealed she would return to the CBS series, if only for some closure:
Yeah, I think it’s been hard on the fans. I never wanted it to end that way, so I feel sad for the fans because everyone wants closure, and I hear that a lot from the fans. So of course I’d be open to that. Sure.”
What do you think? Do you watch Blue Bloods? How do you feel about Linda’s death?
I was disappointed in the way Linda suddenly disappeared without
warning. It was a strange way to have a character of such a successful
show leave abruptly as if no one would care. Linda connected with
her audience and her departure was out of character for the carefully
orchestrated Blue Bloods episodes.
It is so sad Linda is gone… she was so perfect as Wife and Mother- a stabilizing, common sense in the family – a lot of wisdom and so sweet
I miss her! My husband and I have watched every season and episodes – please renew!
SHE SHOULD BE BROUGHT BACK AS SHE IS FAMILY.THE SHOW JUST DOESN’T HAVE THE SAME RING TO IT. ALSO WHY DID THEY TAKE OUT THE PRAYER BEFORE THE MEAL??????????? THIS ALSO CHANGED MY VIEWS
Wow i just realized that. Your right that was wrong
They didnt take out the Prayer.
Chill out dude. They didn’t take out the prayer.
I was so sad at the way they handled it. Because she didn’t want to return they should have thought about another way to write her out of the show!!
Bring her character back! She added so much to the show and it is not the same without her. Danny and his sons are just struggling so much.
The snow is a wonderful show and we watch them all, several times. But we were very sad when we did not see Linda on the sow this season. It is NOT the same show as before, and has gone down hill since they killed off her part. There must be something they can do to bring her back.
I loved her character. She was the calm in the storm of Danny. One of my favorite shows and will really miss her. I wish you well Amy.
Just way TOO CRAZY how they ended Linda’s character. They did a terrible job, and I am really having a hard time watching the new episodes without her being there… Loved her character , not sure how I feel about Blue Bloods any more, and it was one of my FAVORITE shows, have seen EVERY episode. I wish Amy Carlson well in her career! Not sure how the ratings are now…
I really liked that character. I thought she tempered danny’s hot headedness with calm and reason.
they could do it like dallas and say that someone dreamt she was killed like on dallas when they killed off bobby ewing and the whole thing was a dream he was still alive
Thats good!,
WE would LOVE to see Linda return to Blue Bloods but CBS OR the writers already blew that idea! CBS must be having real problems keeping their beloved characters because they sure are DUMPING alot of them!
I really miss Linda’s influence on the Reagan family, she calmed Danny down, and as she once said, she was the only one at the table that didn’t bleed NYPD blue. She could be the voice of reason. While I can understand Amy’s desire to move on, the show did a poor job of writing her character off. I miss her, weird that Danny seems to be the only one grieving.
The kids are grieving too. Last weeks show showed the one son and how he felt. Just angry and the he calmed down. Important for parents or grandparents to know their children are grieving.
Not only did I love Linda, but also Amy and how well she protraed the part. I loveed that entire cast and the unity they had. Already missing her badly. Love you Amy Carlson.
Did they actually show the helicopter crash? I don’t think I’ve missed an episode, but I didn’t see a helicopter crash in any of them. I do miss Linda in the show. It is awkward without her.
No, it was not shown. Only talked about.
I just couldn’t figure out exactly what had happened to Linda, or what was happening at that time. So,it is so disappointing not to have her in the series any more. It would be nice if someone could write a ‘miracle’ script.Where,although the copter crashed,somehow Linda survived…It could happen, after all it is just a story!! Linda is very much missed in the dynamics of the Reagan family.
One of the best aspects of Blue Bloods is its depiction of real life. The loss we feel with death is part of that genuine feel. We empathize with Danny, as he learns to cope without his wife. There is a poignant absence at the dinner table. That also is real life. Perhaps the scriptwriters will have flasbacks as Danny or the sons tell of the helicopter crash, but what makes the show so good would be compromised with a miraculous return of Linda.
As badly as the writers fumbled her death, I hate to think of what they would do to bring her back to the show!