"But I've always believed that Christine Cagney shouldn't be played past a certain age"

This quote by Sharon Gless is describing her character Christine Cagney from the television show Cagney & Lacey. Gless believes that her character must not be played past a certain age. This might be analyzed as Gless wishing to protect the integrity of the character and the program. She might feel that the character ought to stay at a particular age in order to maintain the initial vision of the show. It could also be translated as Gless wanting to secure her own tradition as a starlet. By not permitting her character to age, she is preserving her own youth and the younger energy she brought to the role. Gless may likewise be attempting to secure the show from ending up being outdated or irrelevant. By keeping the character at a specific age, she is guaranteeing that the program remains relevant and relatable to audiences. Eventually, Gless' quote is a testimony to her commitment to her character and her program.