The writers found themselves more occupied with writing the budding romance of character's Sylvia Costas and Andy Sipowicz and the character of Laura Kelly was put on the back burner. The writers simply couldn't find anything for her to do. Sherry Stringfield voiced displeasure with the direction her character was heading and suggested to everyone involved it might be best to leave her contract.
This marks Sherry Stringfield's final appearance as Laura Michaels despite that she remains in the opening credits until the season final.