Nia Peeples wanted to leave the show, and was allowed to do so according to her contract. At the same time, the writers were planning to devote a story to the danger of drunk driving, and it was decided to combine this message with Nia's departure. Peeples agreed to have her character killed off in an accident, feeling that the message of the show might save some young lives. The organization "Mothers Against Drunk Driving" loved the show, according to Harry Longstreet. However, writer Michael McGreevey soon regretted the decision when he realized Nia Peeples could not be brought back for the reunion in the final episode of the series.