While it is good news for those 24 fans who also are fans of Michelle, it is bad news for 24 fans who had hoped that maybe, just maybe, Michelle hadn’t been blown up after all and might show up at Tony’s side this season.

Here’s the description of her character:

Rumor has it that she’ll play an outdoorsy, professional thirtysomething—who’s a possible love interest for one of our main castaways.

Sorry, boys, but at least you’ll be able to see her on the small screen, still.

Yeah, that’s pretty all that I have right now.  Oh, and I have this, too . .

Yeah, I definitely miss her.

Basically, Howard Gordon admits that with no ticking clock to announce Tony’s demise, the door was always open for his return.

Season 7 is not going to be a repeat of the Crapapalooza. We who kept the faith are about to be rewarded. Thoughts, comments?

By the way, has anyone told Tony that Michelle is now a chaplain on ER?

And I’m sorry, I don’t usually squeal like a little girl, but THIS IS FREAKIN’ AWESOME.

NOTE: If you want to see the whole press release, check it out here.

TV Guide is now reporting that Reiko Aylesworth, who portrayed the lovely Michelle, has been cast as the new chaplain at County General on ER. She “starts a very intimate, ahem, prayer group with John Stamos’ Gates.”

Losing Michelle is bad; no chance of her coming back from the dead now. But as long as Carlos Bernard remains available, Tony Almeida could still make his triumphant return.

You know it’s true.