SPOILER ALERT:The story includes details about Season 21 Episode 8, Drop It Like Its Hot.
Her exit was one of several major storylines ina jam-packed fall finalethat left multiple lives in limbo.
It soon becomes clear that this is all too much too soon for Mika.
Midori FrancisDisney/Nino Muñoz
Chloe, she was my heart.
And now Ive lost it, she tells Simone (Alexis Floyd).
After the coding patient incident, Bailey was already going to ask Mika to take more time off.
Midori FrancisNino Muñoz/ABC via Getty Images
Instead, Mika told her that she was leaving Grey Sloan.
She also shared her vision for Mikas future and whether she would return toGreys.
DEADLINE: Being a series regularonGreys Anatomyis a dream job for so many actors.
What made you decide to walk away from such a hit show?
Obviously they were older than me, and I just thought that the characters were so cool and interesting.
I had a full-hearted, full-throated, wild, beautiful ride that I am so grateful for.
And boy, did they set that up well.
I worked pretty close with Meg Marinis, our incredible, kind showrunner.
And then, when they did what they did to Chloe.
Oh, my God.
I think they called themselves monsters in the most loving way.
And boy, they created something so incredible for me to play.
I honestly, had such a great time this season.
DEADLINE:Mika has been a largely comedic character.
Were you surprised how dramatic her final arc was?
FRANCIS: I was just so excited.
You know how I say full circle.
DEADLINE:Did you ask for a greatGreysdeath?
How was it playing her in that subdued mode until her meltdown?
FRANCIS: There are many things going on here.
I had probably the best time Ive ever had working with him as a director.
I came with what I was thinking, he came with what he was thinking.
My makeup artist, Tai Young, helped me put the bags under my eyes.
It was just about psychologically making sure that Mika was not okay.
So that was a very conscious choice.
In Episode 4, which I loved, you meet Chloe, whos played by Julia Rose.
They just set it up really well, quite frankly.
How was it working with Chandra and finding that closure for Mika in her final conversation with Dr. Bailey?
And as it’s possible for you to imagine, being somebody who watched the show in middle school.
There are lots of great moments as an actor, specifically.
DEADLINE:What was the hardest scene for you to film in the finale?
FRANCIS: Ill give you a funny one how about that, very Mika.
Its only funny to me, but Kevin had this amazing idea for the opening shot on the chair.
I dont know if he would want me to share it, but he had this very specific inspiration.
So I had to turn my head very technically during that shot.
So I was like, how slowly am I moving my head?
Am I going right first or left first?
DEADLINE:You mentioned the interns.
The five of you started on the show at the same time, youre the first one to leave.
Talk about the friendship of the characters on-screen and your relationship as a group off-screen.
How was it saying goodbye to them?
So that kind of explains it.
It was really special.
I wont imagine we wont stay close because that would be too sad.
And if you saw Mikas eyes tear up, that was just me.
I was filled with love.
DEADLINE:Mikas scene with Jules.
It was one of those things where it was great chemistry, it just happened.
And we also work really well together.
She knows when Im doing my weird thing in my corner with my AirPods.
I know when shes doing her little, very specific and unique quirks.
Thats life sometimes, isnt it?
DEADLINE:Was there a final scene with someone else onGreysyou were hoping for but didnt get to do?
Mikas storyline with Taryn was awhile back but it felt a bit rude to leave without saying goodbye.
DEADLINE:What do you think happens to Mika next, would she return to surgery in the future?
And would she and you return toGreysif theres an opportunity?
Yes, I do.
As far as returning toGreys, I would be so delighted.
I dont know if Mika would, I think for Mika it would be triggering.
