"I Believe In Fate": Gabriela's Fire Country Exit & Return Hopes Addressed By Star

While Stephanie Arcila (Gabriela) is not returning as a regular cast member for Fire Country season 4, she hopes for a return someday. Arcila has been a part of the show since season 1, having joined a cast that includes Max Thieriot (Bode), Billy Burke (Vince), Kevin Alejandro (Manny), and Jordan Calloway (Jake). Ahead of Fire Country season 4, the executive producers confirmed that Arcila will not be reprising her starring role in season 4 following her exit in the season 3 finale.

In an interview with Deadline, Arcila walked through her reaction to her show exit. While it was not her decision, she emphasized that she does "believe in fate." She learned about the decision when season 4 was renewed and acknowledged that this is what she signed up for as an actor. In addition, the producers also informed her what this would mean for Bode and Gabriela, which meant a break.

ARCILA: Yeah, we were filming. I actually got the news the day that we got renewed, so it was kind of serendipitous because I love the aspect of death and rebirth. Not that I’m dying but you know what I mean, synonymously. I believe in fate and that we’re put where we’re supposed to be. And this is the nature of our business, right? This is what we all sign up for.

They did tell me that this is kind of a break for Bode and Gabriela. He’s seeing someone else right now, so it makes sense that we would take a breather.

On the other hand, she would "never say never" about a potential return. According to Arcila, the producers even expressed that they would like to see her return in the future, but that this would be a "breather" for Arcila and the rest of the cast. Check out her quote below:

I never say never. Life takes us through so many avenues, and Gabriela is such a gift to me in my career, personally and professionally. I’m so grateful to have played a Latina on a show and a Latina where they were able to include part of my culture as well, part of my Colombian background. It was really exciting.

Arcila also recounted when she shared her goodbyes to the cast. The actor shared with them about the big shocker, with many of them gasping. However, she wanted to make sure that she didn't "want this to be a sad moment," and was excited for them even as she would no longer be around.

I did at one point, but not everybody was there. It was practically Max and I and some of the firefighters. We have a lot of firefighters there, either retired firefighters or current firefighters, that are playing background. Some of them have been there with us since Season 1, and they are the kindest humans on top of just, if we had any questions on set immediately, aside from our incredible fire techs Jeff [Snider] and Simon [Gould], who I adore and have even offered classes outside of Fire Country to us, because we’re so eager to learn. Some of us want to know more about it, we want to do our jobs correctly.

So they were there as well, all of those firefighters that have been there since Day One. I remember telling everyone and just hearing an enormous gasp. I told them, I don’t want this to be a sad moment. I want everybody to be excited. I’m sure we’ll see everyone again at one point, but I will not be here for now, moving forward. And you just hear an enormous gasp and feel all of their love.

I knew we had a really beautiful relationship, but I didn’t realize how deepening it was and how emotional that night was going to be for me and everyone. So it was really special to have known before I ended.

What Gabriela's Exit Means For Fire Country

It Could Be A Much-Needed Reset

Gabriela has been an important part of the show since Fire Country season 1, so her exit will represent a significant shift. She has been Bode's primary love interest, which has led to a complex love triangle between the pair and Diego (Rafael de la Fuente). While she has been an essential Cal Fire worker, having served as a firefighter and paramedic, her exit will likely leave Bode with a chance to explore different romances, storylines, and opportunities. After having been tied to Gabriela for so long, this could mean a new narrative for Bode.

It is not necessarily a definitive conclusion, as Gabriela can easily return in future seasons. Considering that her character was recently harassed by a stalker in the final episodes of season 3, the break from the show could be a natural decision for a character who has experienced extreme trauma. It will also provide Arcila with an opportunity to explore roles in other shows and movies before making her return as either a guest or in a main role in future seasons. She could even appear in the spin-off, Sheriff Country, which has already begun filming.

Our Take On Gabriela's Fire Country Exit

It Is Always Difficult To See Original Stars Go

Just as this news came as a surprise to Arcila, it came as a major shock after Gabriela's prominent subplot in the final episodes of season 3. She has been a main character since the show began, so saying goodbye is not going to be easy. It remains to be seen how the show will handle her exit, especially as audiences will also be forced to say goodbye to Vince. Next season could see a very different cast for Fire Country, as there could easily be more turnover that has yet to be announced.