Sullivan's Crossing fans received quite the shocking news ahead of the fourth season premiere this spring, with the revelation that series star Scott Patterson would not return. His exit from the series was confirmed by showrunner Roma Roth, whose statement made the actor's parting appear as a creative decision based on the storyline of his character, Sully.
However, Patterson offered a different perspective. After the news of his departure started to generate conversation among fans, Patterson took to Instagram to share his side of the story and provide insight as to why he chose to leave The CW's hit romantic drama after three seasons. As it turns out, it's not just because Sully and Helen were headed off to Ireland.
"The creative differences were becoming untenable and I just sadly realized that the show was not something that I could agree to continue," Patterson wrote in his statement. "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."
Patterson, who won't appear at all in Sullivan's Crossing season 4 when it premieres on April 20, expressed his deepest gratitude for both fans of the television series and the Robyn Carr books upon which its based. He wanted to ensure fans didn't think that he made the choice to leave the show lightly, as he cares about his character. But he didn't go into detail about what led to him leaving.
Based on Patterson's explanation, the actor appeared to have disagreements with the creative team about either the direction of Sully's storyline or the series as a whole. It's unclear what aspect of Sully's story caused concern for Patterson, but perhaps he felt the show was taking him in a direction that was veering out of character or not giving Sully material that he deserved.
Roth's explanation of Sully's, and therefore Patterson's, exit from the series suggested that the character's arc was intentional, with season 4 picking up the date after the season 3 finale. Naturally, that would mean Sully would still be in Ireland with Helen, and unless season 4 were to contain any time jumps, Sully wouldn't appear until he returned from his overseas trip.
The showrunner insisted that even though Patterson wouldn't appear in season 4, Sully would remain a large part of the series, seemingly meaning that he will be mentioned in future episodes. She also hinted that he could possibly make a comeback should the series return for season 5 (which hasn't been renewed), but Deadline alleges that a "formal offer never came" for the actor to reprise his role.
Overall, it's unfortunate for fans that we'll never have complete closure on Sully's arc beyond his final appearance in the season 3 finale. He will continue to be mentioned in season 4 and future episodes, and if Patterson doesn't end up changing his mind and coming back in future seasons (or even the eventual series finale), it's likely that Sully will be written off in dialogue.
Find out what happens next when Sullivan's Crossing season 4 premieres on April 20 on The CW.