Laura Prepon leaving Orange is the New Black during the second season

Laura Prepon won’t continue her regular role as Alex Vause on Netlix’s Orange is the New Black beyond early episodes in the second season.

Technically speaking, this is the way it should have been all along if Orange is the New Black was sticking to reality: The actual Piper was never jailed alongside her former lover.

However, Alex’s presence in the women’s prison did make for exceptionally good television as there was a naturally dramatic storyline between her and Piper. The hit show was quickly renewed for a second season, which began filming in July and is set to premiere on Netflix in 2014. At this point, it’s unclear whether Laura elected to leave the show or if her exit was creatively orchestrated by executive producer Jenji Kohan.

Either way, sources confirm the door will be open for Laura to return to later seasons. And, considering her character is a career criminal, it wouldn’t be that outlandish to see her wind up back in the slammer.

Laura doesn’t currently seem to have any other projects in the works. Before starring on Orange is the New Black, her most successful role was as Donna on the long-running That 70s Show. She recently starred in Are You There, Chelsea? and October Road, which were both short-lived television series.

Will you be sad to see Laura’s character go?