As Nikita fans witnessed on the winter finale of this CW hit, Alex is now a free woman.

How will the show change with her away from Division? "For the better," star Lyndsy Fonseca said at this week's TCA tour.

“The show shifts quite a bit,” the actress added. “After graduation she’s out on her own for the first time."

Viewers can expect Alex to secretly team up with Nikita on the outside. Often.

“We’ll learn more about the relationships and emotional side [to the characters], which will make them more relate-able to fans,” said CW entertainment president Dawn Ostroff.

Nikita returns with new episodes on January 27. The apt title of the first installment in 2011? "Free."

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.