Fans knew a death was most likely on the horizon on Season 4's Episode 13, after New Amsterdam previews revealed a harrowing phone call to Helen followed by the words "a powerful moment, one unforgettable goodbye" on screen.

Most viewers speculated that the character who would meet his end would be Dr. Vijay Kapoor (Anupam Kher), as he had last been seen in Season 3 resigning his position.

On the series, the Head of Neurology contracted COVID-19, then had to undergo open-heart surgery for some complications he was dealing with as a result of the virus. The subsequent rehab process left him unable to resume his position at the hospital.

In Episode 13's "Family," Helen received a phone call during an argument with Max, and it soon became apparent that something terrible had happened offscreen. Separately, Ella tearfully announced to Iggy, "It's Vijay. He..." Iggy embraced her, replying, "No, no, no."

By the end of the episode, Iggy and Ella were joined at the hospital by Max and Helen. "We're family," Helen said — after her heartbroken coworkers told them they didn't have any obligation to show up at the hospital — calling back to the episode's title.