[Spoilers] Interview with S9 writers Sam Vincent & Jonathan Brackley

[JHyde]

The thing is, I mostly agree with why they chose to do a different story for Lucas. Their motivation was pure, they didn't want to do another hero dying in a blaze of glory or under damning circumstances (like Zoe or Tom).

I just think that it didn't work with the character they chose. What they gave us is difficult to reconcile with the Lucas we had for 2 seasons prior to this turn around.