Becoming a fan-favorite on the CW network, enough to escape the chopping block that saw many of the series on the show get canceled,Walkerhas remained a beloved staple on the network. Now in its fourth season, many fans have had a chance to look back at the previous three seasons, and even at this point, some have felt that something has been missing since Season 2.
Originally playing a key role in bringing Walker back to TV, the character Micki Ramirez departed the series mid-way through season 2. Played by Lindsay Morga, who had just come off of another CW hit inThe 100, Micki was one of the characters fans hated seeing go. We will look at why Lindsey Morgan leftWalkerand what her plans are for the future.
Lindsey Morgan’s Career Leading up To Her Departure From Walker
Lindsey Morgan began acting while attending the University of Texas at Austin, starring in small roles and commercials before deciding to head to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time. Her first major break came from the daytime soap operaGeneral Hospitalin 2012, where she received a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Younger Actress, appearing in 66 episodes. From there, she would have several smaller roles in indie films before landing a major part in thefan-favorite TV SeriesThe 100, where she playedRaven Reyes.
2021 marked another career highlight when she was announced as part of the cast ofWalker, a remake of theWalker Texas Ranger,originally starring Chuck Norris. Jared Padalecki ofSupernaturalfame took on the lead role. Lindsey Morgan played Micki Ramirez, a strong and principled Texas Ranger with a troubled past who acts as Walker’s partner. Lindsey Morgan played Micki Ramirez inWalkerfor 2 seasons before her departure. Her leave from the show was announced at the start of the season, and her last appearance was in the mid-season finale (Season 2, Episode 6).
The episode, which was not originally planned in the script,marked an emotional departurefor the character; arguably, the advance warning helped the writing team properly let her exit the show in a way that had meaning and worked. The episode saw Micki turn in her badge and gun to her partner Cordell Walker (Jared Padalecki) and move back home to San Antonio to restart her life.
Micki’s exit was a heartfelt one that mimicked, in many ways, Morgan’s actual departure from the show, with her character realizing the extent she pushed herself and her need to reconnect with who she is to find peace. A sentiment that she herself expressed in an interview:
“Me leaving was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make in my life and it’s really interesting because my life can parallel Micki’s a lot, and this was kind of a similar instance. I really need to take the time to take care of myself and my well-being physically and emotionally and mentally, and reevaluate how I got to where I am and make some changes.” (via Entertainment Weekly)
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Why Lindsey Morgan Left Walker
Lindsey Morgan left Walker for personal reasons, more specifically concerning mental health issues. This was confirmed with Morgan in aninterview with Entertainment Weekly, where she commented “I really need to take the time to take care of myself and my well-being physically and emotionally and mentally, and reevaluate how I got to where I am and make some changes.” The revelation came after the COVID-19 pandemic and her realizing that she needs to prioritize her health. It can also be speculated that her recent marriage to fellow actor Shaun Sipos in September 2023 played a role in her deciding to take a step back from her career, as in the interview she also mentioned wanting to start a family soon.
When asked whether she would return to the role, Morgan commented, “One hundred percent. No questions asked.” While the series is not far removed from her departure, currently in its fourth season, the need for her return may not take priority or be necessary. However, asthe CW loves cameosand re-introduces old characters to help build a show’s lore, there is still a chance we will see Lindsey Morgan return as Micki in a future episode.
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Lindsey Morgan had a supporting role in the Leah McKendrick comedyScrambled.She is currently listed as an actor in the movieAnd on the Eighth Day,a crime drama currently listed as in post-production. It would appear that Lindsey Morgan has stepped away from the spotlight for now, but has not entirely put her career aside since her departure from Walker.
Where to Watch Walker
Walker is The CW’s 2021 reboot of the ‘90s popular western Walker, Texas Ranger. The drama series was developed by Anna Fricke and stars Jared Padalecki as Cordell Walker, the titular Texas Ranger. Alongside Padalecki stars Molly Hagan, Keegan Allen, Violet Brinson, and Kale Kulley. Jared Padalecki’s wife, Genevieve, also appears in the series as Walker’s wife, Emily.
While Lindsey Morgan’s departure from the show was certainly felt by both the cast andWalkerfans, the program’s popularity does not indicate that it will slow down anytime soon. Thankfully, you canstream all seasons ofWalkeron Max.Walkeris currently in its fourth season, the show was lucky enough to be one of the four that escaped the chopping block with CW’s change in ownership, along withSuperman & Lois(which will conclude after its fourth season),All American,andAll American: Homecoming. Sadly, the prequel series toWalker,Walker Independenceonly lasted one season.
