By Kayla DeKraker
Can SULLIVAN’S CROSSING continue without its leading man?
Ahead of Season 4, executive producer Roma Roth announced that Scott Patterson, who played Sully in the series, had left the series, an unexpected departure.
“Season 3 of SULLIVAN’S CROSSING ended with Sully leaving for Ireland, beginning a new chapter in his life. Season 4 picks up the next day, with Sully still overseas,” she said. “While he isn’t physically present in this season, the character remains an important part of the world with the potential to be included in future seasons should that align with the ongoing creative.”
Patterson, however, wanted to share his side.
“Every actor knows what it’s like to fall in love with a character and a story. I fell in love with Sully and have nothing but fondness for him. The creative differences were becoming untenable, and I just sadly realized that the show was not something that I could agree to continue,” he said in a statement last month.
Related: 5 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets from SULLIVAN’S CROSSING
He added, “It’s unfortunate that it is now being implied that they moved on from me/Sully when the fact is the complete opposite, and those who sadly already have spoken out are also fully aware of this fact, and yet chose to say otherwise. I was not intending to make any statement, but the fans of the books and the show deserve to know the truth as I have always been respectful of those who support this industry by watching and loving these characters we are so dang lucky and blessed to portray and bring to life.”
Fans were certainly sad to see Patterson go, but the question remained: can SULLIVAN’S CROSSING keep going without Sully?
The Season 4 premiere offered a short explanation as to what happened to Sully.
The season picks up immediately after the events of the Season 3 finale, which saw Sully leave for Ireland with his girlfriend, Helen. Rather than staging a dramatic goodbye, Sully’s absence is addressed briefly.
In the episode, Maggie tells Cal, “Sully just left. We can’t let things slide around here. Sorry, I think I’m just feeling overwhelmed with him leaving like that. It just…it all took me by surprise.”
It’s unclear if the show will touch on Sully’s absence any further.
Movieguide®’s review for the Season 3, Episode 1, reads, “SULLIVAN’S CROSSING: ‘New Beginnings’ should have enough drama stemming from the main character’s loss to hold the viewer’s attention. However, it falls flat thanks to boring dialogue.”
It notes, “In addition, ‘New Beginnings’ features three scenes where the characters’ kisses escalate. In one of these scenes, a character intentionally removes her shirt (exposing her bra) to seduce her boyfriend at work. Coupled with a humanist worldview and at least one use of God’s name in vain, these scenes prompt MOVIEGUIDE® to advise caution for teenage and young adult audiences.”
New episodes of Season 4 air Mondays on The CW.
Read Next: Is a VIRGIN RIVER-SULLIVAN’S CROSSING Crossover in the Works?
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