On the mid-season finale of Heroes, Gretchen said goodbye to Claire at the Sullivan carnival.

But did her portrayer, Madeline Zima, bid farewell to the show at the same time?

No, the actress told TV Guide this week. While not revealing too many detailed spoilers, Zima spoke on her character's future on the series.

"I think [Gretchen] knows it's a mistake," Zima said of Claire's decision to stay behind with Samuel. "She's only doing it because she knows Claire can't physically get hurt. That's the way she rationalizes it. The best and most pure act of love is just letting someone go and letting them do what they feel they must."

Meanwhile, Heroes is off the air until January. Chime in now with your take on how to fix the show!

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.