When a popular show’s beloved character unexpectedly passes away, viewers may be shocked and start to doubt the creators’ choices. This absolutely applies to Sharon Raydor’s death in Major Crimes, which occurred prior to the series finale.
This article looks at the specifics of Sharon Raydor’s passing and the effects it had on the program and its audience.
The Unexpected Absence of a Character
A key character in Major Crimes, Mary McDonnell’s portrayal of Sharon Raydor captivated viewers with her cool-headed and methodical approach to cracking big crimes.
Throughout her roles in Major Crimes and The Closer, her character gained a devoted following. Her abrupt departure therefore caught everyone off guard.
In Season 6, there were clues and foreshadowing that pointed to Sharon’s impending death. There was a sense of dread when it was discovered this season that she was having cardiac problems.
The pivotal moment occurred during the “Sanctuary City: Part 4” episode when she received a cardiac problem diagnosis.
Fans started to worry about the future of her character after learning of her shocking diagnosis.
Sharon’s Health Struggle
In addition to being a plot device, Sharon’s health problems gave her more nuance. Following her illness, viewers witnessed her considering calling off her nuptials with Detective Andy Flynn because of her failing health.
She made the decision to proceed with the ceremony in spite of her reservations, which prepared the audience for the emotional trip that was to come.
How did Sharon Raydor die on Major Crimes? The Tragic and Unexpected Moment
The crowd was shocked when Sharon passed out while questioning a suspect. The devastating scene appeared in “Conspiracy Theory: Part 4,” Season 6, Episode 9. Fans were taken aback by this sudden and devastating event, and as she was hurried to the hospital, the tension grew.
A doctor broke the heartbreaking news of Sharon’s passing, adding to the fans’ already intense emotional suffering.
Many thought this was a clever plot device to trick the series’ main antagonist, Phillip Stroh, but in reality, it was the character’s final farewell.
Fans were devastated by Sharon’s passing and the series’ conclusion when she was laid to rest in the ensuing episode.
Later, Sharon’s creator James Duff explained why he believed Sharon died young. In the latter episodes, he intended to throw a shadow over the crew and give the show a feeling of closure.
Duff thought that the series’ ending would have been clouded in darkness and weight if Sharon had died in the last episode.
Rather, her death gave the characters and the audience a chance to grieve her loss and bid adieu to the program.
Reactions and Extraction from Credits
Supporters disagreed with Sharon Raydor’s early passing. But the dispute didn’t stop there. Fans felt insulted when the show’s creators decided to take Mary McDonnell’s name out of the opening credits.
Although TV shows sometimes update their credits, the choice to take McDonnell’s name out of the opening credits seemed out of place and angered many of the show’s devoted viewers.
The debate was heightened by Mary McDonnell’s response to Sharon’s fate and her name being removed from the credits.
McDonnell changed her social media profile photo to an image of herself as Sharon from the prior credits, expressing her amazement at the choice and joining fans in their change.
She also talked about how the fan response made her feel, saying it was something she had never encountered in her career.
The Continued Career of Mary McDonnell
Mary McDonnell’s tenure on the Major Crimes series may be over, but her career is far from over. McDonnell has a vast and varied résumé.
She is well-known for her outstanding performances in the movies Dances with Wolves and Independence Day, as well as for her role as President Laura Roslin in Battlestar Galactica.
Her most recent projects include being a voice actor in the animated film The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf and being a cast member of the upcoming Netflix horror series The Fall of the House of Usher, directed by Mike Flanagan.
In summary
The sudden passing of Major Crimes star Sharon Raydor had a profound effect on the audience. Considering the character’s fame and the indications of her impending health problems, her departure was unexpected.
Her death early in the series was intentional on the part of creator James Duff, who wanted to give fans closure and give them time to grieve.
Even yet, the controversy and criticism it caused persisted, becoming more intense when Mary McDonnell’s name was eliminated from the opening credits. McDonnell’s response and continued career show her tenacity and enduring influence in the entertainment sector.
