After the episodes where Ellen was at the cabin with Lucy, the focus of the writers shifted to the General Homicide murder mystery, and very little was seen of Matt and Ellen, beyond their occasional presence at the trial of Julie Devlin. Matt and Ellen still blamed Chris Ramsey for the trouble that he had caused them, and for the attempt on Matt's life. Ellen assisted Lucy in a few antics designed to get Lucy and Kevin back together.

Possibly the only highlight during this period was when Lucy had lunch with Ellen and Matt, and Ellen mentioned an old boyfriend, Jamal, in passing. We found out that Matt has a jealous streak, when we witnessed a delightful and amusing scene in which Matt questioned Ellen about Jamal.

In early November, it was announced that Debbi Morgan, the actress who plays Ellen, was leaving the show to pursue a blossoming movie career. That news brought much sadness and concern to Matt & Ellen fans, because of the possibility that Ellen's departure from the show might be a reason for the writers to make her either a victim of the General Homicide killer, or the General Homicide killer. This, added to the lack of screen time for Matt and Ellen, seemed to confirm that they, as a couple, might be finished.

Later in the month, however, it was announced that the producers had decided to recast the part of Ellen. Marie Alise Recasner, formerly of Days of Our Lives, had been chosen to play the role. Her first air date is December 8, 1998.

The last scene with Matt and Ellen, played by Debbi Morgan, occurred on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1998. They were guests at the Scanlon Thanksgiving dinner. While recounting the things that they were thankful for, Matt declared, "I am thankful to be here this year with the woman I love." Ellen smiled at Matt and replied, "And, I am grateful for second chances."

The fans of Matt and Ellen are thankful that their beautiful love story will continue.

We wish Debbi Morgan the best on her journey toward new horizons.

To Marie Alise Recasner, we send our love, our hopes, and our best wishes for a long and happy
- and eventful - sojourn at the side of our favorite doctor, Matthew Harmon.

Debbi Morgan - Mitch Longley - Marie Alise Recasner