It has been almost two years since the shocking news that "Castle" was dropping its female lead. Stana Katic was not asked to return for Season 9, which ended up not airing on ABC after huge fan outcry.

Fast-forward to 2018, and Katic is starring in a new Amazon series called "Absentia," premiering this Friday. To promote the show, she talked to Entertainment Weekly about her new presumed-dead FBI agent character Emily Byrne, and compared her to Kate Beckett on "Castle." She also addressed her departure for the first time since it happened, since her previous statements had just been brief thanks to fans for their support.

Here's that part of her EW Q&A:

How do you feel about the way your abrupt exit from Castle was handled?
I'm actually still not clear on the thought process behind the way that it went down. It hurt and it was a harsh ending, but now, nearly two years later...I met so many beautiful people on that project, and we collaborated on something really unique in that it's not every day that you get a show, or a series, that has eight seasons and that it was a hit for the network. It would be a disservice to those people, to the work that we did together, and to my work, which I feel contributed, in part, to the success of the show, to be anything but grateful because, at the end of the day, that was a fantastic platform. It was a formative experience, and we told a love story that I feel moved people, touched people, and I can't be anything but glad that I was a part of something like that. I hope it remains something special in viewers' minds forever.

Right after it was announced that she'd be leaving "Castle," she shared a brief statement:

"Rather [than] distract from what was an amazing experience, I would just like to say that I'm very grateful to ABC for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a much beloved show. Thank you to the fans."

About a month later, after the show was canceled, she posted a thank-you note to fans for eight great seasons:


"Absentia" starts this Friday, Feb. 2 on Amazon Prime.

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