Dominic Purcell's much discussed exit from Legends of Tomorrow has received a sympathetic response from one of the showrunners. The actor first debuted as Mick Rory (a.k.a. Heatwave) on The Flash season 1, episode 10, "Revenge of the Rogues. Alongside Wentworth Miller's Leonard Snart (a.k.a. Captain Cold), he served as a traditional antagonist in multiple episodes. Eventually, however, the duo were recruited to join the titular Legends by Rip Hunter (Arthur Darvill) and help thwart the machinations of Vandal Savage (Casper Crump). Though Captain Cold ultimately sacrificed his life in service of that goal, Heatwave remained aboard the Waverider to further his transistion through antihero to outright hero.
Along the way, many different facets of the character have been revealed — to hilarious and poignant effect. As well as a successful foray as an author of romantic fiction, Mick has recently embraced parenthood as the father of Lita (Mina Sundwall). As such, right through the Avengers-mocking Legends of Tomorrow season 6, Purcell has remained a popular staple of the series. Unfortunately, Purcell revealed in an Instagram post that he would depart the show by the end of its sixth season. The post has since been revised and retconned to be initially meant as something of a joke. Regardless, Purcell has remained committed to at least stepping back from a full-time role in the already-confirmed Legends of Tomorrow season 7.
Speaking with TVLine, co-showrunner, Phil Klemmer, has touched on the subject. Initially asked how things currently stood, Klemmer offered a laugh and said: "I think [Dominic] summed it up pretty well — not with his first post, but his later posts." He then went on to expand upon things, adding: "I think everybody just needs a break from the show, myself included." Klemmer ultimately concluded his thoughts by reiterating that the door would always be open for him to return throughout Legends of Tomorrow's equal parts dark and whimsical future: "Even when people leave the Waverider, there's always a seat open for people to come back. I'm looking forward to having him back on the show next season."
Legends of Tomorrow season 6 has centered on the abduction of team captain, Sara Lance (Caity Lotz). As she remained in space with Adam Tsekhman's Gary Green (now revealed to be an alien), the team struggled in her absence — despite the best efforts of fiancée and co-captain, Ava Sharpe (Jes Macallan). In the same interview, Klemmer revealed that the loss would hit Mick Rory especially hard. "He really relied on the stability that Sara provided in his life and he kind of reverts to the old Mick, who's obviously a powder keg."
Fans of Legends of Tomorrow will no doubt be able to relate. After all, Mick was one of the team's founding members. Equally, alongside Sara, he has been only of the only one's to survive the Waverider's revolving door of heroes. With many still reeling from the exit of Brandon Routh's Ray Palmer (a.k.a. The Atom), the loss of Mick Rory will no doubt be a significant blow. Still, the decision (and comments) were somewhat understandable. Six seasons is already a long time to work on a show — especially one as physically-demanding (albeit also fun) as Legends of Tomorrow and the wider Arrowverse.
It'll be interesting to see how the show handles his exit, however. Despite the promises of future appearances, death can't be ruled out. After all, though the show generally honors a character's death by leaving it intact, its timey-wimey nature often allows for brief reprisals when needed. Then again, it could just as easily be that, like Ray (and others), Mick will simply leave to focus on family life and generally explore pastures new. Whatever the case, all will be made clear as Legends of Tomorrow season 6 continues.
Source: TVLine