Zoe McLellan, who played Special Agent Meredith “Merri” Brody on NCIS: New Orleans, will not be returning for Season 3, Deadline has confirmed.

It was a creative decision, according to TVLine which broke the story. Her relationship with a Homeland Security agent compromised her position as a special agent. McLellan’s character’s exit clears for way for a new FBI special agent, (previously announced new series regular Vanessa Ferlito) to look into concerns about Agent Pride’s NCIS team.

NCIS: New Orleans Season 3 premieres on September 20.