'Code Black' Season 2: Major Cast Shake-Up Causes Big Storyline Shifts; Slew of New Characters to Replace Characters of Axed Actors
No explanation is still being given regarding Bonnie Somerville and Raza Jaffrey's departures.
Although Christa Lorenson (Bonnie Somerville) and Neal Hudson's (Raza Jaffrey) departures from "Code Black" Season 2 will not be explained and addressed in the coming episodes, they have certainly caused a major shift in the storylines. This is also because of the slew of characters that will be introduced to replace Christa and Neal.
Not an easy decision to make
Executive Producer Michael Seitzman admitted that the decision was certainly not an easy thing to do. The ideas that came up in deciding how to best address the issue in "Code Black" Season 2 simply did not do justice to the two characters. He revealed that not addressing it at all is the least offensive way of having it done since there will never be a good way to address it.
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Seitzman added that if there is one good thing about the decision not to explain what happened to Christa and Neal in "Code Black" Season 2 is that both characters can return whenever since they were not killed off. He further revealed that being good friends with Somerville and more so Jaffrey, made it tougher to make the call.
Seitzman had a tough time himself when he was blasted by "Code Black" fans after he made the two actors' departure from the series in June during a Q&A. He also did not provide the reason why Somerville and Jaffrey were axed from the show. Seitzman feels that there is no answer he could give that will satisfy the fans. He reminded everyone that decisions like that are never easy to make.
A slew of new characters
As previously mentioned, a slew of new characters will be introduced in "Code Black" Season 2 in spite of speculations that the reason Somerville and Jaffrey were axed was due to budget considerations and retooling. Noah Gray-Cabey, formerly of "Heroes", will portray Elliott Han. He is a smart but sweet doctor from Angels Memorial Hospital. "Flesh and Bone" alum Emily Tyra was signed to play Dr. Noa Kean and "One Life to Live's" Nafessa Williams as Charlotte Piel.
Full-fledged series regulars
Meanwhile, recurring characters Will (Boris Kodjoe) and Heather (Jillian Murray (Heather) were promoted as full-fledged series regulars in "Code Black" Season 2. Seitzman defended this decision when the two characters were seen as not being able to gel with the others in the team as well as Christa and Neal did. Seitzman reasoned that they did not appear until very late last season and the characters are from the OR and not ER.
"Code Black" Season 2 snagged a renewal at the 11th hour, but the medical drama will be slotted for 22 episodes. It will have its premiere on September 28 on CBS.
