Night Court has found the perfect character to replace Olivia now that India de Beaufort has announced that she’s leaving the rebooted court comedy. The actress announced on Instagram that she would not be remaining with the Night Court season 3 cast shortly after the end of season 2. Her character was not given an exit at the end of the season, so this announcement left it open to speculation how the series would handle this cast change and if it would hurt or help the show.

India de Beaufort is the second cast member to depart the rebooted court sitcom. Night Court’s season 2 cast was short a member when Kapil Talwalkar, who played law clerk Neil, opted not to return for season 2. However, India de Beaufort’s exit from Night Court left a significantly bigger hole than Talkwakar’s, as the court obviously needs a prosecutor for any cases to go forward. Fortunately, the series has found the perfect person to take over Olivia’s role as Dan Fielding’s (John Larroquette) adversary in the court.

Why India de Beaufort Left Night Court

The Actress Did Not Provide an Explanation in Her Instagram Farewell

Neither India de Beaufort nor the producers of Night Court have provided a specific explanation for the actress’ departure. Thus, it is not clear whether she chose to leave or was written out of the series. However, de Beaufort also posted a graphic saying she was mourning the loss of a loved one shortly after making her departure announcement, although it is not clear whether that is related to her decision to leave. It is also possible the writers felt that Olivia’s storyline had come to a natural end and decided to replace her with a different prosecutor character.

Regardless of the reason, de Beaufort’s Night Court season 3 exit continues a 40-year trend of supporting characters being rotated in and out of episodes, though her role was so significant that her departure is concerning. Her character was not written out at the end of season 2, so it’s unclear how her absence will be explained. However, her Instagram post suggests that there are no hard feelings between her and the producers, so she could return as a guest star in the future.

How Wendie Malick’s Julianne Is Replacing Olivia In Night Court Season 3

Dan’s Vindictive Ex-Lover Returns As A Prosecutor

Night Court is replacing Olivia with Julianne (Wendie Malick), who has appeared twice before as a vindictive ex-convict that Dan sent to prison. Her return to the series as a prosecutor will shake things up, especially since she will often have to go up against Dan in court. Julianne was originally introduced as a potential love interest for Dan who tried to bed him as part of a revenge plot for him successfully prosecuting her 30 years earlier. She tried to burn down his house and also stole his wallet in an attempt to steal his identity.

Julianne returned almost exactly a year later, in a hilarious episode involving Comic-Con, and she and Dan seemed to have a love connection, which will surely be exploited when she returns. However, even during her second appearance, she still harbored thoughts of revenge. It’s likely she still wants to hurt Dan, and becoming a prosecutor who goes against him in the courtroom is a perfect way for her to do that.

Julianne’s character in the past has always been a criminal, not a prosecutor. The series has not yet explained how they will handle the shift in Juilanne’s role. However, their description of the character as “a sophisticated, savvy woman and accomplished attorney who also knows how to make a shank out of a spoon” (via Deadline) suggests that the series will lean into Julianne’s time in prison.

Why Julianne Is The Perfect Olivia Replacement The Show Needed

She WIll Bring New Energy And Fun To The Series

There has been widespread speculation about the meaning of Olivia’s exit from Night Court and whether it will harm the show. However, Wendie Malick’s Julianne is the perfect choice to replace her. Since Night Court is a comedy, it needs people who will play off each other well to create humor. Julianne’s transformation from criminal seeking revenge against Dan to prosecutor undermining his credibility in the courtroom is a great set-up.

Wendie Malick has already more than proven her comedic chops. She was fun as President Hagemeyer in Young Sheldon and was a hilarious, popular addition to Night Court during her two guest spots. Malick and Larroquette are two comedy giants, so pitting them against each other will lead to high-energy, entertaining scenes that could revitalize the reboot.

Source: Deadline