Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for the finale of Season 3 in <em>Fire Country</em>. As Fire Country Season 3 reached its dramatic finale with Vince (Billy Burke), Sharon (Diane Farr), and Walter Leone (Jeff Fahey) trapped in a burning care facility, fans were left speculating about the fate of these characters in the upcoming Season 4. Among these questions, the return of Gabriela (Stephanie Arcila) seemed assured, particularly with Finn’s (Blake Lee) storyline leaning towards either a tragic end or potential arrest. However, shortly after the episode aired, Deadline revealed that Stephanie Arcila would be departing Fire Country at the conclusion of Season 3, with rumors swirling about another cast member, possibly Billy Burke, also exiting the series.

In the aforementioned Deadline article, series creator Tia Napolitano explained that Gabriela’s departure was driven by a creative decision aimed at refreshing the storytelling and ensuring realism within the plot. Napolitano also mentioned that Arcila might reprise her role as Gabriela in a recurring capacity in the future, suggesting that the romance between Bode (Max Thieriot) and Gabriela is not permanently extinguished. While the specific details surrounding her exit remain unclear, it appears that if Arcila chose to leave, it would be more impactful for her character to exit rather than face a fatal end. Nevertheless, this decision feels deeply disappointing, particularly given the tumultuous journey Gabriela underwent throughout Season 3, making her departure seem premature and unresolved.

Season 3 of ‘Fire Country’ Gave Gabriela a Challenging Journey

At the beginning of Season 3 of Fire Country, Gabriela’s storyline showed immense potential, as she grappled with feelings of guilt and anger regarding Manny’s (Kevin Alejandro) return to Three Rock. Simultaneously, she was processing her difficult decision to leave Diego (Rafael de la Fuente) at the altar for Bode. However, the narrative soon took a turn, presenting questionable choices for her character, such as her sudden inability to commit to Bode and her struggle to find stable housing, forcing her to live in a camper at Station 42. Throughout the first half of the season, Gabriela battled severe depression, which could have offered significant representation, largely thanks to Arcila’s compelling performance. Unfortunately, rather than addressing these mental health issues thoughtfully, the show sidelined her character, particularly in her evolving relationship with Bode, seemingly punishing her for her choice to leave Diego.

The series could have delved deeper into Gabriela’s experience of depression, connecting it to her role as a paramedic and the emotional impact of Manny’s presence in Three Rock; childhood flashbacks could have provided powerful context. Instead, her mental health struggles were treated more as a personal failing, leading to her breakup with Bode. Fortunately, the latter half of the season offered a more positive direction, repairing her relationship with Manny and allowing her to experience happiness once more. However, this reprieve was short-lived, as she soon found herself in a troubling romance with the controlling Finn.

‘Fire Country’ Must Provide Gabriela with a More Fulfilling Exit Than Her Relationship with Finn

From the onset, Gabriela’s relationship with Finn was riddled with red flags, making it unsurprising when he revealed himself to be a dangerous stalker. Initially, this storyline was handled with a degree of finesse, but it would have resonated more powerfully had it occurred later in Gabriela’s journey of recovery from depression. It felt as though the series continuously compounded her struggles, making it difficult for her to catch a break. While Fire Country is inherently a drama that tackles serious themes, Gabriela’s character seemed to endure relentless hardships, rarely enjoying any semblance of peace throughout the season. Unfortunately, the climax of this storyline did not culminate in an empowered Gabriela rescuing herself and Audrey (Leven Rambin), as Arcila expressed a desire to see in interviews with Deadline. Instead, it was Audrey who emerged as the hero, while Gabriela was once again marginalized.

If Fire Country was aware that Season 3 would mark Gabriela’s final storyline, then the manner of her exit was particularly disappointing. She is a key character within the series, integral to its dynamics, and deserves a more meaningful exit. Given the circumstances, it would have been preferable for her to leave after a significant personal triumph rather than immediately following a traumatic event. The abrupt end to her arc is frustrating and, to some extent, harmful, especially since Gabriela has just experienced a distressing ordeal with Finn, leaving fans without the chance to witness her healing journey.

Gabriela’s Character in ‘Fire Country’ Had Vast Unexplored Potential

Gabriela Perez has been a pivotal character in Fire Country since its premiere, and her departure should not be a sudden and traumatic event. Over the course of the series, Gabriela has undergone significant growth, evolving from a former Olympic diver who remained in Edgewater to be close to Manny, to a determined first responder with a newfound purpose. She blossomed into an exceptional paramedic while forging deep connections with her colleagues at Station 42 and nurturing a meaningful relationship with Bode.

While Gabriela faced her share of struggles before Season 3, they felt earned and reflective of her character’s journey, especially her emotional turmoil following Bode’s return to prison. The show appeared to have outlined three key arcs for her: healing from a traumatic childhood, establishing her identity as a paramedic with the 42, and ultimately rekindling her romance with Bode. Even with her relationship with Bode currently on hold, Fire Country did not need to thrust Gabriela into a perilous romance with Finn, particularly as her final storyline. Instead, the narrative could have shifted back towards her professional aspirations, allowing Gabriela to develop further as a paramedic before departing for a more promising opportunity.

Fire Country is set to return to CBS this fall and is currently available for streaming on Paramount+.