In the previously-cited Deadline article, series creator Tia Napolitano explains that the decision to have Gabriela leave came from a storytelling perspective, to switch things up on the show and to be realistic. She also adds that Arcila will likely be back as Gabriela in a recurring capacity down the line, and that Fire Country is not done with Bode (Max Thieriot) and Gabriela’s romance. The details have not been specified, and if Arcila wanted to leave the show, it’s certainly better to have Gabriela leave than to kill her off. That being said, this whole exit feels very disappointing, both in its timing and its execution. After Fire Country made Gabriela suffer so much in Season 3, she shouldn’t leave the show yet, especially on this note.

Season 3 of ‘Fire Country’ Put Gabriela Through the Ringer

Fire Country could have explored Gabriela’s depression more deeply, both in relation to her career as a paramedic and to Manny being back in Three Rock (childhood flashbacks would have been especially powerful). Instead, though, her depression was mostly treated as a personal failing and used in order to break her and Bode up. The second half of the season was much kinder to her, patching things up between her and Manny, and letting her be happy again. That was very short-lived, though, before she entered into a romance with the creepy and controlling Finn.

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‘Fire Country’ Needs a Better Ending for Gabriela Than the Finn Storyline

If Fire Country knew going into the end of Season 3 that this would be Gabriela’s last storyline, then this was a really disappointing way to write her off. She should stick around for the duration of the show, as she is an integral character to the series and the existing dynamics within Fire Country. That being said, if Gabriela has to go, then she should leave on a high note for a better opportunity. Having her leave right after a deeply traumatic experience is really frustrating, and frankly, a little harmful. Gabriela has just gone through something really upsetting and scary, and fans of the show won’t even be able to see how she heals from it.

Gabriela Had So Much More Potential on ‘Fire Country’

Gabriela Perez has been one of Fire Country‘s central characters since the pilot episode, and she deserves more than just a sudden and traumatic exit. She has come a long way, and has had an amazing character arc. She started as a former Olympic diver, staying in Edgewater to be near Manny, while in a new relationship with Jake (Jordan Calloway). Gabriela soon realized that she wanted to be a first responder, and through this, she found a new purpose. She became a phenomenal paramedic, while building close relationships with the rest of the 42, and developing a romance with Bode.

Fire Country will return to CBS in the fall. It is available to stream on Paramount+ in the meantime.