Beloved Orange is the New Black cast member Laura Prepon will only appear in one episode of season 2.

Several weeks ago word broke that Prepon would have a reduced role in Orange is the New Black season 2, but until now we didn’t know she would appear in just one episode.

The actress will be in the show just long enough to send her character out. At this time it’s not clear how they’ll be able to send Alex away from the prison in just one hour-long story line in a way that would be satisfying to the audience. It’s worth noting that her episode has not been shot yet despite the fact that the rest of the cast has been filming since July, so perhaps they’re spending a good amount of time figuring out her removal.

The reason Prepon is leaving? That’s not clear, but we do know that she had initially signed on for a one-year contract and then decided to not re-up for season 2.

News of Prepon’s departure was first reported by Buzzfeed, who also broke today’s story.

A release date for Orange is the New Black season 2 has not been announced, but the show debuted in July 2013 so we can expect the second run to air in spring/summer 2014.

Although Alex and Piper had separated romantically by the end of season 1, do you think Prepon should’ve stayed to play out their storyline further? Or, does this feel like an appropriate time for her to leave?