“They’ll Justify This Journey”: ’Fire Country’s Stephanie Arcila Is Ready To Be Surprised by Gabriela’s Exit Storyline

When Fire Country wrapped up its Season 3 finale, fans were left reeling — but not because of Gabriela’s fate. Despite heavy hints early in the two-hour episode that Gabriela (played by Stephanie Arcila) might have shot stalker Finn in self-defense, it was later revealed that ex-con Audrey (Leven Rambin) actually pulled the trigger to protect her friend. Crisis seemingly averted... until the real twist came after the credits rolled. In a total shocker, it was announced that Arcila, who had been with Fire Country since the beginning, wouldn't be back for Season 4. And there was no setup for an exit storyline. What's going on?

Speaking to TVLine, Arcila reflected on the sudden departure, admitting that she learned the news the same day Season 4 was officially ordered. As for why Gabriela won’t be around when the new season picks up, Arcila kept it diplomatic:

"I think that’s a question for [showrunner] Tia [Napolitano] and the executive producers. They’ve said that it’s a creative decision on their end, so I don’t know, but this is the business that we’re in."

With no on-screen sendoff for Gabriela, the question now becomes how the show will explain her absence. Arcila is just as curious as fans about how the writers will handle it:

"[Laughs] Maybe! I’ve said it before, the writers always surprise me, and I’m looking forward to what they’ll write and how they’ll justify this journey. Every show needs some type of shocking aspect, and I guess this is it, right?"

Stephanie Arcila Has Nothing But Gratitude For 'Fire Country'

Despite the abrupt ending, Arcila is nothing but grateful for her time on the series — especially since Fire Country was the job that changed her life, taking her from behind a bar to standing in front of a camera and making her into a household name.

"I was bartending right before Fire Country," she revealed. "I was between jobs and this was the job that ended that journey for me. It’s opened more doors up for me, and it’s made it easier to be seen and have other jobs. I’m just eternally grateful and honored to be a part of — unfortunately and fortunately — the 3% that Latinas represent in Hollywood. We gotta get those numbers up, but I wear it with so much honor."

Stay tuned to Collider for more Fire Country updates.