In the latest season of Netflix’s political thriller, The Night Agent, fans are introduced to a significant change as Peter Sutherland, portrayed by Gabriel Basso, embarks on a new chapter without his previous partner, Rose Larkin, played by Luciane Buchanan. It was recently confirmed that Buchanan will not return for Season 3, an exit that surprised and disappointed many viewers.
In her place, Peter teams up with Isabel, a financial reporter portrayed by Genesis Rodriguez. Isabel, revealed to be the estranged daughter of the shady intelligence broker Jacob Monroe, adds a new dimension to the story as they work together to uncover deep-rooted conspiracies that extend all the way to the White House. While Rose’s absence was anticipated—Peter had requested her to distance herself for her safety at the conclusion of Season 2—her memory continues to loom over the narrative like a shadow.
Creator and showrunner Shawn Ryan articulated the creative decision to shift focus away from Rose. “We discussed a Peter-Rose-centric story but ultimately decided that exploring Season 3 without her offered fresh storytelling possibilities,” he stated. Ryan emphasized his admiration for Buchanan and expressed hopes that if there is an appropriate storyline in the future, they would be eager to work with her again.
Despite her absence, Rose’s influence permeates Season 3. The premiere, which occurs nearly a year after the end of Season 2, includes dialogue reflecting Peter’s previous connection with Rose. While her name surfaces only occasionally, her impact is felt prominently through Peter’s interactions, where he reveals he “cared about” someone he couldn’t be with, hinting at his unresolved feelings for Rose.
Basso weighed in on the evolution of Peter’s character during the season, stating, “Rose might not be present physically, but she is a presence mentally.” This acknowledgment suggests that while Peter moves forward professionally, he continues to grapple with emotional ties to Rose, impacting his choices and actions throughout the season.
Ryan hinted at the possibility of Rose’s return in future seasons, drawing comparisons to the character of Chelsea, who similarly returned after a brief absence. While there are logistics concerning Buchanan’s contract status at the moment, Ryan reassured that her story could still be explored if the right situation arises.
As for the romantic dynamics, Season 3 notably sees Peter not pursuing a new love interest, although his interactions with Isabel carry a hint of ambiguity. Ryan clarified that Peter’s focus remains on his mission, and although he does desire a relationship, the overwhelming demands of his work take precedence over personal romance.
The season has sparked discussions among fans surrounding Peter’s ongoing feelings for Rose and the potential for future story arcs involving her character. Basso also noted that he stays in contact with Buchanan, emphasizing that her presence was missed on set, further illustrating the strong bond they share as actors.
As anticipation builds for a potential fourth season, with filming possibly set in California—the very state where Rose resides—there is a glimmer of hope for fans seeking to see the beloved character return to The Night Agent.