Fresh off the heels of a massively successful first season, Sullivan’s Crossing returns for a second season this Sunday on the CTV network in Canada. Sadly, our neighbours to the south will have to wait quite a bit longer as the CW will likely air the second season as part of its Fall lineup.
The show’s enormous success can be attributed to several things. The series boasts an all-star cast featuring Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson, who are fan favourites from their iconic roles on “One Tree Hill” and “Gilmore Girls” respectively. Canadian sweetheart, Morgan Kohan, brings a local feel to the production. This beloved trio helps bring to life a heartwarming drama that is a breath of fresh air in today’s television landscape. Sullivan’s Crossing captivates viewers with its deep exploration of redemption and reconciliation. It thoughtfully addresses the relatable themes of trauma and hardship, guiding its characters – and its viewers – through the process of overcoming obstacles, uncovering truths and forging paths toward forgiveness.
Where We Left Off…
In season 1, neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan, portrayed by Kohan, returns to Sullivan’s Crossing following a medical malpractice lawsuit. The Crossing, owned by her father Sully – played by Patterson – is a scenic campground nestled in the stunning landscapes of Nova Scotia, Canada. Sullivan’s Crossing is steeped in Maggie’s personal history, filled with both cherished and painful memories. Her father’s battle with alcoholism led to his separation from Maggie’s mother, Phoebe, portrayed by Lynda Boyd, when Maggie was just a child. The last image Maggie holds from that time is of her mother pulling her away from her heartbroken father, as they left for a fresh start in Boston. Now, as an adult, Maggie has a successful career and is in a relationship with fellow doctor Andrew, played by Canadian actor Allan Hawco. Maggie’s life in Boston appears picture perfect, but it quickly becomes clear that she isn’t genuinely happy. Her life has largely been dictated by her mother and step-father, and although Andrew is the ideal mate according to her mother, Maggie isn’t truly in love with him.
“Sins of the Father” – SULLIVAN’S CROSSING. Pictured: Morgan Kohan as Maggie Sullivan, Lynda Boyd as Phoebe Lancaster, Allan Hawco as Andrew Mathews, Peter Outerbridge as Walter Lancaster. Photo: Bell Media ©2023. All Rights Reserved.
During her time at Sullivan’s Crossing, Maggie encounters Cal Jones, portrayed by the enigmatic Murray. Cal is a charismatic, empathetic nomad seeking solace after his wife’s death. Maggie feels an immediate pull towards Cal, which stirs internal conflict as she grapples with her emerging feelings for him and her commitment to Andrew. Despite her heart’s desires, Maggie remains bound by what she believes others expect of her, and hesitates to veer off course. Communication is a struggle between Maggie and her estranged father, Sully, an issue that was weaved throughout the season. Maggie harbors unresolved feelings of abandonment and resentment towards him and Sully can never seem to find the right words to make up for the fact that he was absent for most of Maggie’s life. Adding to Maggie’s frustration, is having to witness the close bond between Sully and Lola, portrayed by Amalia Williamson- a relationship that Maggie always desired to have with her father. To make matters worse, Lola appears to have it out for Maggie, and takes pleasure in flaunting her connection with Sully in Maggie’s face. Meanwhile, Sully faced his own crisis as financial troubles threatened to close Sullivan’s Crossing, driving him back to alcohol despite being sober for several years.
“Detours” – SULLIVAN’S CROSSING. Pictured: Morgan Kohan as Maggie Sullivan and Scott Patterson as Sully Sullivan. Photo: Bell Media ©2023. All Rights Reserved.
As Maggie and Cal’s connection deepened, a hostile visit from Andrew finally forced Maggie’s hand and she ended things with him. The break-up drew Maggie to Cal even further and their burgeoning feelings finally culminated in a kiss. Before the two could discuss things, Maggie returned to Boston to confront her trial, which was eventually dismissed. Cal left the Crossing to scatter his wife’s ashes, leaving behind a note for Maggie, which Lola intercepted, misleading Maggie into thinking Cal left without saying goodbye.
In the season finale, emotions peaked as Maggie confronted Sully, accusing him of abandoning her. She also discovered that she is pregnant with Andrew’s baby. In a poignant flashback, Sully recalled the day Maggie left for Boston. In his drunken state, he accidentally struck Lola who was on a bicycle with his car, leading to her lengthy rehabilitation. This revelation added a layer of tragic complexity to the already tumultuous relationships.
“Aftershock” – SULLIVAN’S CROSSING. Pictured: Morgan Kohan as Maggie Sullivan and Chad Michael Murray as Cal Jones. Photo: Bell Media ©2023. All Rights Reserved.
Another highlight of the show is the dynamic ensemble cast, with each character bringing their own unique charm and depth. Frank and Edna, played by Tom Jackson and Andrea Menard, help run the Crossing alongside Sully. Their beautiful relationship is a pure example of true love and their wisdom and their innate wisdom and kindness provides the perfect balance to keep Sully grounded and to help guide Maggie towards true happiness. The sibling duo of Rob and Sydney, portrayed by Reid Price and Lindura, exemplifies a supportive and caring brother-sister relationship. Rob, as a single parent running a business, has very little time to devote to his son, and Sydney steps up significantly to be there for him, all while harboring a secret about her own troubled past that remains unknown by viewers to this point. By season’s end, Sydney, feeling she may have overstayed her welcome, moved out of Rob’s house and in with firefighter Rafe, played by Dakota Taylor, who has feelings for her, but she has yet to fully let him in. Adding to the cast are Connie, Tom and their son, Jackson, who find themselves tangled in the emotional challenges of a divorce, with Jackson feeling caught in the middle and pressured to meet his father’s expectations.
SULLIVAN’S CROSSING: Pictured: Tom Jackson as Frank Cranebear and Andrea Menard as Edna Cranebear. Photo: Bell Media ©2024. All Rights Reserved.
What can Viewers Expect in Season 2?
In a recent interview with Bell Media, showrunner Roma Roth, assured fans that season 2 of the series would be packed with even more emotion, drama and cliffhangers. The season opens mere hours after Maggie discovers that her father suffered a stroke. Racked with guilt over their last encounter with each other, Maggie resolves to remain at the Crossing to care for Sully. Concern deepens as Sully’s doctor suspects his symptoms might indicate a more serious condition and orders additional tests. Meanwhile, Sully struggles with a nagging sense that he has forgotten something important – clearly he has forgotten what he did to Lola and it will be intriguing to see if, upon remembering, he decides to continue concealing the secret or if he will choose to confront and accept the repercussion of his actions.
Unable to escape to Boston and leave her troubles behind, Maggie is forced to confront her mixed feelings about her father and address her deepening feelings for Cal. The season kicks off with Maggie feeling betrayed by Cal’s abrupt departure without a goodbye, prompting her to keep her distance. One of the pictures for the episode portrays Cal appearing to be pleading with Maggie. Hopefully the two are able to have an honest conversation of what occurred, and Cal can reveal what he wrote in his letter to her, in person. However, there is still a major roadblock for these two- Maggie’s pregnancy. She initially chooses to keep it a secret while planning to return to Boston once her father recovers. How will she reveal the news to Cal? Will she do what her head is telling her is right- get back together with Andrew and raise their child together? Or will she finally follow her heart and choose to be with Cal, should he choose to accept her child?
“Guilt Trip” – SULLIVAN’S CROSSING. Pictured: Morgan Kohan as Maggie Sullivan and Chad Michael Murray as Cal Jones. Photo: Bell Media ©2024. All Rights Reserved.
Finally, Maggie’s plans to return to Boston are delayed when she learns that the Crossing is up for auction. She is determined to help save her father’s legacy and in doing so, will she begin to prioritize what really matters to her? Or will she continue down the path of living the life that she feels is expected of her?
The answers to these questions and more is not far off! Sullivan’s Crossing premieres this Sunday, April 14th at 9:00 p.m. EST/8:00 p.m. CST on CTV Canada. Stay tuned for my review, dropping shortly after the episode airs. Follow me on X @middleofcanada to discuss all things TV!
