 The character's initial run lasted from July 1988 to May 2, 1996; she appeared again from July 3, 1998 to February 26, 2002, and from December 23, 2005 to January 31, 2007, when the character was killed.The decision to kill the character in 2007 attracted much criticism and controversy, with "TV Guide" being dismayed by the choice and calling her the heart and soul of the show.McClain returned to the series May 2, 2008, playing the character as a ghost.