Blue Bloods Cast on Amy Carlson's Exit: It Was a Shock!

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Amy Carlson shocked the Blue Bloods world when it was confirmed on Blue Bloods Season 8 Episode 1 that Linda Reagan had died in a helicopter crash while working. 

Being on the show since Blue Bloods Season 1 Episode 1, Linda had a loyal following, so fans were not impressed with the way she was written out of the series. 

There was no indication that anyone was leaving the show before Blue Bloods Season 8, so it did come as a huge surprise. 

The main actors of the series assembled at New York's Paley Fest for a discussion about the series on Monday night, and they did open up about Amy's decision to say goodbye after Blue Bloods Season 7

Donnie Wahlberg who plays Linda's on-screen husband, Danny, revealed that he's had a tough time trying to move on from the loss. 

Danny Feels Guilty - Blue Bloods Season 7 Episode 22

“Rather than try to act or find something to do, I just thought about my friend Amy Carlson,” he said of how he adapted to his first scenes playing a widow.

“I thought about all the years together and all the highs and lows and the ups and downs and the journey. Any tears I shed in that scene was really Donnie shedding them for Amy… She’s a dear friend. I cherish our friendship.”

Wahlberg also touched on the reaction from the fans about the exit and stressed that he knew what the audience was going through. 

"I know the audience is grieving her loss too, a lot, and I think if everyone rides the season out and takes that journey with the family as well, they will go through those stages of grief together and do what Blue Bloods typically does: make us all one family,” he said.

“Hopefully this family of our cast, the show, and the viewers will all mourn the loss together and move forward after this season.”

Co-star, Bridget Moynahan spoke exclusively to Entertainment Weekly before the discussion, and she revealed her views on the twist. 

“We were all disappointed to see that she was going,” Moynahan said.

“It was unfortunate that she made that decision at the end of season 7, so we were stuck with the story line as we could get it… But I’m really thrilled for her to go off and pursue other things and follow what she felt was best for her.”

Amy took to social media shortly after her farewell episode aired, and spoke openly about her decision. 

“My heart is full of gratitude to each of you for your generous support of me and my character for the last seven years of Blue Bloods – Linda Reagan,” she said at the time. 

Okay, Blue Bloods Fanatics! 

Are you still cut up about the loss of Linda? Do you think there should have been a longer arc to say goodbye to the character?

Hit the comments!

Remember you can watch Blue Bloods online right here via TV Fanatic. Get caught up now!

Blue Bloods continues Fridays on CBS!

Paul Dailly was an Associate Editor for TV Fanatic.Follow him on X.

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