At a time when so many TV dramas depend on shocks and surprises to wow viewers with big characters change-ups like this, Perrette (and the show’s producers, by extension) weren’t trying to dupe fans in any way, and wanted to give everyone as much time and context as possible to deal with Abby’s impending departure.
Had Perrette’s reasoning for leaving been inspired by more negative issues, it probably would have been revealed to the world in quite a different way.
Speaking to Abby’s exit being Pauley Perrette’s personal choice, and not due to contentious squabbling behind the scenes, is the fact that the actress was able to make the announcement herself on social media earlier this year.