What Happened to Sharon on Major Crimes? How Did Sharon Die on Major Crimes?
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Updated Jul 02, 2024
What Happened to Sharon on Major Crimes?
Sharon's death in Major Crimes stunned fans, as she was beloved by both The Closer and its spin-off. In Season 6, it was clear she had heart problems, and in Sanctuary City: Part 4, she was diagnosed with a heart condition. She almost canceled her wedding to Andy Flynn because of it, but they married in the end.
Fans hoped her death might be a trick to fool the villain Phillip Stroh, but it wasn't. In Conspiracy Theory: Part 4, she collapsed during an interrogation and died in the hospital. Her early death before the finale was controversial. Creator James Duff said he did it to add closure and let characters mourn, rather than end the show on a dark note.
Why Did Sharon Leave Major Crimes?
The reason for Sharon's character leaving the Major Crime series is not known yet. Sharon Raydor led the Major Crimes Division. She started as an internal affairs officer, which made some other officers not trust her when she became the division's head.
She adopted Rusty Beck, a witness in a murder case, and later married Lt. Andy Flynn, her subordinate. She faced significant stress in the show's final season, leading to heart issues and a heart attack that claimed her life. Her character's storyline was deeply emotional and resonated with the audience.
Who was Sharon?
Commander Sharon Raydor headed LAPD's Major Crimes Division in Major Crimes until Season 6, Episode 4, Conspiracy Theory, Part 4. Previously, in The Closer, she headed FID. Leo Mason promoted her from Captain to Commander in Shockwave, Part 2.
Initially named Sharon O'Dwyer, she was a devout Catholic aspiring to be a lawyer. However, she became a police officer to support her husband through law school. When he left her after they had two children, her dream of becoming a lawyer faded. She found she preferred law enforcement and helping people over practicing law.
Why Did They Kill Sharon in Major Crimes?
There were many reasons. First, creatively, I wanted to give an incredible role to an actor who had been nominated for two Academy Awards. She did great. We expected cancellation due to network issues, and it shocked us when they axed us before the show even premiered.
We thought they'd order more, but we didn't want the uncertainty. We decided to end the show, even though it hadn't been announced officially. It was important for the main actor, Mary, who is experienced, not to be stuck without work. We accepted what was happening and moved on.
What Will Happen After Sharon's Death in Major Crimes?
We planned to finish Phillip Stroh's story this year from the beginning. TNT wanted longer stories, so we made five-part and four-part episodes. We had to figure out why Stroh would come back and who would help him. It wouldn't work with Sharon still here. We challenged ourselves to tell a story that didn't involve Sharon.
It's hard to imagine Sharon saying "by any means," even though it's a legal term. Some things that happened under her leadership couldn't have happened if she had been there. The story's end was impossible with Sharon still around. We wanted a story where everyone took responsibility without her. They learned what they could do without her.
How Did Sharon Die on Major Crimes?
Sharon had heart problems in Season 6 and was diagnosed with a heart condition in "Sanctuary City: Part 4." She almost called off her wedding because of it but decided to go ahead. Fans hoped her death in "Conspiracy Theory: Part 4" was a trick, but it wasn't. She collapsed during an interrogation and died in the hospital.
Major Crimes Wiki
*Major Crimes* is a TV show about police work in America. It stars Mary McDonnell and started in August 2012. It's a follow-up to *The Closer*, with McDonnell playing Sharon Raydor in the same police unit. The show ended after six seasons in January 2018, with McDonnell saying it wasn't a surprise.
