The Sharpwin fans were left crestfallen with the cliffhanger of Season 4 of New Amsterdam. Everyone was left pondering over why Helen Sharpe (Freema Agyeman) left Max Goodwin (Ryan Eggold) at the altar of their romantic rooftop wedding. But, we’ve got all the answers, it seems.
Is it truly the end of a beautifully knit relationship that kept us hooked throughout the show? The Season 5 premiere of the NBC drama hints at that, although with intricacies.
Why did Helen break Max’s heart?
A letter from Helen (probably, one of closure) was shown at the beginning of the premiere for season 5, which sent Max down a spiral of reflection, as we could see further down the episode. The letter portrayed Helen’s perspective of the entire event, mirroring the regret and sadness she felt at her own doing. She emphasizes that she never intended to hurt Max and Luna since everything they had was real. But, she also confronts that the reality of their relationship made her stay in London and not take that leap with Max.
She writes: “I wish I could rip it out of me, obliterate it, so I could be with you because you deserve all the happiness in the world. All I have is the time that’s passed and the desperate hope that it heals us both.”
With Iggy’s help, Max later contemplates their relationship, remembering all the times she felt aloof to Max when Max was anything but. Clarity finally dawns on Max when he remembers the moments Helen expressed her discontent about their relationship, and he had turned a deaf ear to it. He says to Iggy, “She did, I know she did because she told me. But I just tried to fix it”.
Ryan Eggold further explained that all of this stems from Max’s desire to fix people, but this phase in his life shows how “sometimes loving someone is letting them go”. Iggy also mentions in the episode that Helen needed this time to heal alone, which goes on to show how Max’s fixing cannot save this relationship.
Why did Freema Agyeman Bid Goodbye To New Amsterdam?
We suspect that a sudden, unanticipated twist to Sharpwin might have something to do with Freema deciding to leave the show. In an official statement, she mentions that she won’t be returning to the show for its fifth and final run, which had left many fans disappointed. She has now switched to a role in the comedy series called “Dreamland”, which airs on the UK network Sky.
In an interview with NBC, Freema’s Eggold finally let in on his thoughts about the exit of his co-star. “Working with Freema was the best. Some of my favorite scenes”, he said. He also appreciated her acting abilities and the little moments of connection they shared while shooting a lot of their scenes.
Even series creator David Schulner reflected the sentiment and stated that Freema’s decision was already made from Season 3 itself. “We didn’t even know if we’d get her for Season 4”, he said. However, her decision to stay for one last season gave him the leeway to prepare for Helen’s exit from the show, should they need one.
“We adore her, she adores us, she misses us, we miss her,” – Executive producer Peter Horton stated, showing that the breaking up was cordial and harmonious on both sides.
Are there any hopes for Freema’s return?
The Sharpwin shippers drain off their hopes for possibly better closure, though. And this isn’t based on any wild conjecture but rather cemented by the show creator himself. Schulner opened up to TV Line earlier about the possibility of Freema’s return. “[Fans] may not have seen the last of Helen Sharpe is all I will tease”, he remarked slyly. That “the doors of New Amsterdam will always be open if she wishes to return!”, Schulner emphasized.
So, Sharpwin shippers. Rejoice! For all hope is not lost! The pestering question of “Why did Helen leave Max at the altar?” shouldn’t make us wrack our brains anymore. The big question is if they will end up together, and an even bigger question is if keeping our expectations afloat will see us crashing and crying after the show ends. We’ll just have to keep our fingers crossed for now!
