The Pittproducer John Wells has explained season 2’s saddest character exit, revealing what their fate means for the future of the medical drama.The Pittseason 2will see multiple changes for the show, with the upcoming episodes being set during Fourth of July weekend. One of these changes includes Tracy Ifeachor’s exit as Dr. Heather Collins.
Speaking withThe Hollywood Reporter,Wells opened up about Ifeachor not returning as Dr. Collins forThe Pittseason 2. The producer explained how, as a senior resident, her leaving the hospital eventually makes sense. He explains how keeping the whole cast for the entire show wouldn’t be a realistic portrayal of teaching hospitals. Check out what he said below:
Look, the show is set at a teaching hospital. And if you’re a fourth-year resident in a teaching hospital, your time there is done at the end of that year. Not to scare any of the other castmembers, but people don’t stay at these hospitals forever. They’re going to roll off, and that will be part of the evolution of the show. We’re not committed to doing a year every season as we go on, but we can’t say that we’re going to be true to the medicine and teaching hospitals and maintain the same cast for the entire time.
She’s Only The First Character To Exit The Show
Image via Max
The maincast ofThe Pittwill be staying the same outside of Ifeachor’s Collins no longer being in the show. Her absence will be missed, considering the relationship she had with Robby seemed to be on the brink of rekindling in her final season 1 episode. This element sounds like it won’t return, given her absence in season 2.
Given the explanation from Wells, it seems like the show’s biggest focus is on ensuring a realistic approach to how residents cycle in and out of the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. This meansCollins is just the first to leave, since she was a fourth-year resident who was going to be exiting the hospital regardless of personal events.
Wells was also a producer onER, which also starred Noah Wyle in a leading role.
Because ofThe Pitt’s medical realism, the show has earned significant critical praise, becoming a huge success thanks to its dedicated focus. Unfortunately, this does mean residents and med students will eventually cycle out of the hospital, since it wouldn’t make sense for everyone learning there to stay once their education is over. Collins is only the first to leave.
Our Take On Why Collins Won’t Be Returning In The Pitt
Season 2 Will Emphasize The Series' Realism
Wells' explanation is a good reminder of how muchThe Pittis focused on portraying a truly realistic hospital experience, even if it means cycling through some of its most compelling characters. It doesn’t make the sting of Collins' absence any easier to deal with, though, especially given how her story with Robby felt like it was just beginning.
Still, prioritizing a realistic hospital setting is what madeThe Pittseason 1 successful; if the series doesn’t stay true to that element of itself, then it could become less engaging in the future. Collins' absence makes season 2 sadder, but it also holds tight to the ideas that make the series stand out from other medical dramas.
According to Wells,The Pittseason 2 will premiere Thursday, January 8 on HBO Max.
