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 too was shocked about what happened to Linda. I loved her and we enjoy watching the series. My husband and I were searching for a missing episode so yes it was badly written.
We are all watching old Blue Blood shows to get answers concerning “Linda” death. There seems to be a big hole in the script. We went from seeing her home burned down to a mention that she was killed in a helicopter crash. Was there an episode I missed?
Don’t understand why they kept Danny the jerk and Amy go !!!
I agree Danny not that good
In my opinion she was vert. VERY important to the serious. One of my favorites.
Need to bring Linda back. The show is not the same without her. Don’t watch it faithfully anymore. The medium shouldn’t be considered as a love interest for Danny. How can you have a relationship with someone who talks to your supposedly dead wife?
Linda Reagan needs to return. Her sons need her, and Danny definitely NEEDS her. Eddie doesn’t bring the same dynamic to the family as Linda did. IF Linda DIED in a helicopter crash, maybe she really wasn’t on the helicopter, as Lou Diamond Phillips stated in 1 episode THE CRASH WASN’T AN ACCIDENT!!! Could Linda be held captive somewhere? Please find a way to return Linda to her family & the fans. Linda grounds Danny. Miss her a lot.
Linda needs to be a part of the show. It’s a shame every time a good program starts the characters leave. She was a corner stone on the program. Some how she needs to make her way back. I love all the characters. Of course no one touches Tom Selleck but this family needs to stay together. They have morals that have touched the nation. I had to make myself keep watching after Lunda left. I love this show. ALL OF THEM.
It’s a great show with Linda and Jackie. Please bring them both back.
I agree I never figured out what happened to Jackie either. I like Marissa (Baez) though
I have watched Blue Bloods since it began. The cast fits perfectly and I admire the writers and many others it takes to put on such a quality show for continuously. My complaint is the loss of Linda, Amy Carlson did a wonderful job, maybe she could come back after being lost with amnesia all these months She could have been befriended by a .family of illegal immigrants and gone with them to some remote place in Canada or the Pacific Northwest until she experiences another serious accident where some of her adoptive friends are killed. With her memory returning… Read more »
I don’t know what the purpose was to kill off Linda and leave Danny a single father with 2 kids while he is trying to fight crime. Linda was a good addition as a nurse who brought in a nice variation at the hospital from time to time and kept Danny on the straight and narrow. I think CBS made a big mistake when they did that and caused Blue Bloods to loss position in the ratings.
i am a blus bloods fan in the uk and it was a HUGE shock to say the least that linda had died i was SO annoyed at the way they handled it she was one of the best charachters on the show they need to respect the fans of the show as we made it the sucess it is
Danny is the only Reagan with a spouse. With all the flack police officers are suffering lately which also affects their spouses and children, Linda’s presence is a vital role to prick the nations conscience concerning not only the price an officer pays but also his wife and children in high levels of stress, rejection and persecution. Historically, these issues haven’t been focused on directly but by Linda’s high level of character in the way she maintains a positive, optimistic attitude in the face of extremely dangerous circumstances is inspirational for spouses across the nation whatever their circumstances. It’s a… Read more »
I think the entire show suffers with Linda’s absence. I don’t know how to bring her back. Have her in a coma somewhere and unexpectedly woke up. Frank could go after the med team who failed to tell them—–don’t like it? It’s better than the way you ended her
Husband and I both have watched Blue Bloods from the start! We hate to think of this show not coming back! Seasoned actors and younger, as well. Makes for a great and realistic family structure. Ethical and unethical behaviors and issues are addressed in scripts. I like that Jamie and his partner have a real romance that has developed! Where is that going to go? I want to see this show stay. Seriously one of the better “cop” shows on tv.
This is one of my favorite TV shows. The cast is excellent. I was disappointed that Linda died, but it did make Mr. Wahlberg’s role more challenging.