Paula Malcomson's character, Abby Donovan, was written out of the Showtime series Ray Donovan primarily because the show was undergoing a significant narrative shift, including a relocation to New York, for its sixth season, which necessitated a change in its core dynamics.
The decision to conclude Abby's storyline was driven by the show's strategic planning for its future:
- Strategic Relocation: As Ray Donovan prepared for its sixth season, the showrunners decided to move the series' primary setting from Los Angeles to New York City. This geographical shift was intended to infuse new energy and storytelling possibilities into the long-running drama.
- Narrative Refresh: Alongside the change in location, there was a clear intent to "change things up" for the new season. Writing out a central character like Abby served as a catalyst for this narrative evolution, allowing the series to explore new character dynamics and storylines centered around Ray in a different environment.
- Character's Departure: Abby Donovan's storyline culminated in her death from breast cancer, a narrative arc that had been developing over previous seasons. While the character's departure was instrumental in facilitating the show's creative pivot, Paula Malcomson personally felt it was "too easy" a decision to remove the show's female lead.
This creative choice fundamentally altered the show's family dynamics and overall tone, paving the way for Ray Donovan to explore new facets of its titular character's life in a new setting.
