Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 Botches Scott Patterson’s Exit

Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 Botches Scott Patterson’s Exit

When I sat down to watch Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 Episode 1, I knew this was going to be a problem.

Scott Patterson’s absence isn’t a small loss — it’s the loss. Sully is the show.

So I went into the premiere wondering how they were even going to handle that.

(The CW/Screenshot)

Turns out… not well.

When Maggie tells Cal her dad has “just left” for Ireland, I genuinely didn’t buy it for a second. Not even a little bit.

This is Sully. He doesn’t just disappear on a random holiday with no real goodbye. That’s not who this character is, and the show knows that.

And that’s what makes it worse.

(The CW/Screenshot)

It feels like the writers needed something to explain his absence and just went with the easiest option, hoping no one would question it too much.

I did.

Sullivan’s Crossing Fans Deserve Better

Because the episode doesn’t even try to sell it. There’s no real emotional fallout, no sense that this is a huge deal — and it should be.

I kept waiting for it to hit. It never did.

(Fremantle/ The CW)

Knowing everything that’s been said behind the scenes about Scott Patterson’s exit doesn’t help either. It’s hard not to look at this and think there’s more going on here than what’s making it onto the screen.

And honestly, The CW doesn’t exactly have the best track record when it comes to messy exits. We’ve seen it before with Katie Cassidy on Arrow and Ruby Rose on Batwoman.

So this whole thing feels… familiar. And not in a good way.

Maybe a bigger twist is coming. Maybe this “vacation” story is setting up something more meaningful down the line.

(The CW/Screenshot)

But right now, it just feels like a weak way to write out the most important character on the show.

And that’s frustrating, because they had options. They could have made this emotional. They could have made it matter.

Instead, it feels like the show is trying to move on as quickly as possible, hoping the audience goes along.

I’m not there yet.

(The CW/Screenshot)

A recast was never going to work, and honestly, I don’t think anyone really wanted one anyway. A lot of people showed up for Scott Patterson, especially after Gilmore Girls.

The show might still be doing well, especially with the Netflix bump, but losing Sully like this? That’s not nothing.

There’s always been a lot to unpack with Maggie and Sully, and I do like that the show at least acknowledges their complicated relationship.

But after all of this, I’m still stuck on the same thing:

We waited all that time, and the explanation is… he’s on holiday?

(The CW/Screenshot)

Sure, that was already revealed beforehand, perhaps to soften the blow of the stupidity of it all.

But it’s a real shame that this once-promising drama is already showing signs that the wheels are falling off.

I don’t doubt that Maggie can continue as Sullivan’s Crossing’s main attraction, but the series needs to decide quickly on Sully’s character, because the holiday excuse will only last for another handful of episodes.

Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 promises high drama, but the show’s continued success quite literally hinges on whether something good can come of Sully’s exit.

(The CW/Screenshot)

Hey, maybe the stars will align, and Scott will agree to The CW hit return in some capacity. Stranger things have happened!

What are your thoughts on how the premiere handled Sully’s storyline? Do you think it was a temporary band-aid, or do you believe something more will happen?

We know it’s not cool to ask for help, but here we are.
A comment lets us know someone’s out there, and a share helps more than you’d think. Either way, thanks for sticking with us.

  • Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 Episode 1 wrote out Scott Paterson’s Sully, and it was abysmal. Let’s discuss!

  • Something is off about Wild Cards Season 3, and it’s officially hard to ignore. We break down why this season isn’t clicking

  • Some TV shows end. Others just… stop. Here are seven canceled series that left fans hanging and still deserve a proper ending.

You can view the original article HERE.

Short Films in Focus: Trapped (with Sam Cutler-Kreutz)
Short Films in Focus: Trapped (with Sam Cutler-Kreutz)
Hulu’s “The Testaments” Returns to Gilead For Another Timely Tale About Privilege and Complicity 
Hulu’s “The Testaments” Returns to Gilead For Another Timely Tale About Privilege and Complicity 
Sundance 2026: Extra Geography, Filipiñana, The Huntress | Festivals & Awards
Sundance 2026: Extra Geography, Filipiñana, The Huntress | Festivals & Awards
Jonathan Glazer’s “Birth” is Resurrected in a Haunting Criterion 4K Release | DVD/Blu-Ray
Jonathan Glazer’s “Birth” is Resurrected in a Haunting Criterion 4K Release | DVD/Blu-Ray
The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas calls out the “white privilege” of “American Zionists”
The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas calls out the “white privilege” of “American Zionists”
Xbox Game Pass is getting 10 more new titles this April 2026
Xbox Game Pass is getting 10 more new titles this April 2026
Blossoms return with jaunty new single ‘Joke About Divorce’
Blossoms return with jaunty new single ‘Joke About Divorce’
Watch Ninajirachi debut new Porter Robinson remix with Underscores at Coachella
Watch Ninajirachi debut new Porter Robinson remix with Underscores at Coachella
Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 Botches Scott Patterson’s Exit
Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 Botches Scott Patterson’s Exit
The Rookie Season 8 Episode 16 Kicks into High Gear, and It’s Pure Chaotic Fun
The Rookie Season 8 Episode 16 Kicks into High Gear, and It’s Pure Chaotic Fun
Here’s Why Netflix’s Limited Series Formula Hooks People In
Here’s Why Netflix’s Limited Series Formula Hooks People In
Watson Season 2 Episode 18 Demonstrates How Far The Series Has Fallen Despite An Interesting Premise
Watson Season 2 Episode 18 Demonstrates How Far The Series Has Fallen Despite An Interesting Premise
Five talking points ahead of the 2026 NFL draft
Five talking points ahead of the 2026 NFL draft
Oilers’ hero reveals how Ducks stopped Connor McDavid but paid the price
Oilers’ hero reveals how Ducks stopped Connor McDavid but paid the price
Liverpool legend Steve Nicol’s FA Cup medal could fetch up to £20,000 at auction
Liverpool legend Steve Nicol’s FA Cup medal could fetch up to £20,000 at auction
Texas A&M star infielder praises Aggie training staff after injury
Texas A&M star infielder praises Aggie training staff after injury
Loni Love Sends Healing Energy Message To Facts Of Life Star Mindy Cohn
Loni Love Sends Healing Energy Message To Facts Of Life Star Mindy Cohn
Quinta Brunson And Darren Criss Join Tonight Show Lineup With Thundercat Performance
Quinta Brunson And Darren Criss Join Tonight Show Lineup With Thundercat Performance
Dionne Warwick Calls Out AI Misinformation With Sarcastic Take On Technology
Dionne Warwick Calls Out AI Misinformation With Sarcastic Take On Technology
Tracee Ellis Ross Embraces Natural Texture With Stunning Afro Style
Tracee Ellis Ross Embraces Natural Texture With Stunning Afro Style
“The Devil Wears Prada” Premiere Red Carpet Looks: Then and Now
“The Devil Wears Prada” Premiere Red Carpet Looks: Then and Now
GAP Launches Multi-Season Partnership With Victoria Beckham
GAP Launches Multi-Season Partnership With Victoria Beckham
Kendall Jenner's  Dog Accessory Was the Highlight of Her Coachella Outfit
Kendall Jenner's $58 Dog Accessory Was the Highlight of Her Coachella Outfit
All the Best T From the Fashion Los Angeles Awards Red Carpet
All the Best T From the Fashion Los Angeles Awards Red Carpet
The Ultimate Chip By Howard Bloom
The Ultimate Chip By Howard Bloom
Epic, High-Voltage Announcement
Epic, High-Voltage Announcement
Lost Weekend: Turncoat Syndicate’s Energetic Return to Alt. Rock
Lost Weekend: Turncoat Syndicate’s Energetic Return to Alt. Rock
Gina Zollman Scores Three Major Nominations at the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards
Gina Zollman Scores Three Major Nominations at the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards