Sullivan’s Crossing Season 1 Episode 1 Review: Coming Home
Sullivan’s Crossing Season 1 Episode 1, “Coming Home,” takes viewers on a Hallmark-reminiscent adventure to Nova Scotia, with its visuals and music speaking louder than its dialogue and performances.
The season premiere follows Maggie Sullivan, a big-time Boston neurosurgeon whose life turns upside down, resulting in her unexpected return to her hometown of Sullivan’s Crossing, where she reconnects with her estranged father.
It feels a lot like a Hallmark film without the comedy. It’s very aesthetically pleasing and comfortable entertainment, but it’s not the kind of episode that will blow viewers away with its quality.
As far as performances go, Morgan Kohan and Scott Patterson give the most compelling performances as father and daughter duo Maggie and Sully.
Kohan’s performance is noteworthy, as there are sparks of rebellion, confidence, and passion in her performance as Maggie, raising her character’s potential to grow more complex and compelling as the story continues.
Additionally, she beautifully captures Maggie’s frustration and the toll her secrets and regrets take on her. Meanwhile, Patterson does an excellent job portraying the aloof, gruff, yet kind-hearted father.
Other performances leave more to be desired, but this may be more because of the dialogue and script than the actors’ skills.
The dialogue sometimes comes across as a bit stilted and unnatural. The episode could undoubtedly do more showing than telling.
Over-telling results in too formal or mundane dialogue, with actors trying to compensate for it by exaggerating their performances.
However, the performances and dialogue don’t change the fact that Sullivan’s Crossing has some interesting characters.
It’s interesting to see the sense of community in Sullivan’s Crossing and how everyone cares for each other. The kindness and compassion of characters like Edna Cranebear, Frank Cranebear, and Sydney Shandon are lovely to watch.
At the same time, the first episode tries to introduce too many characters too soon, especially without revealing what’s happening with Maggie, why she’s back home, and what made her leave before.
Hence, it’s difficult to piece together who everyone is and what their stories are. If the characters get proper introductions, they could prove quite compelling.
What the episode lacks in dialogue, character intros, and performances, it makes up for visually and auditorily.
The episode is at its best when panning over the lake, capturing the sunset, or tracking characters across green and wooded areas. Sullivan’s Crossing offers many breathtaking views.
Meanwhile, the music aligns nicely with the imagery, with songs about building a home, living life, and fearing being alone.
The music and visuals drive home the episode’s major themes about staying true to one’s roots, resetting, and finding healing through community and nature.
Sullivan’s Crossing‘s setting is so visually pleasing and tranquil that it makes for relaxing and comfortable entertainment so long as one can overlook some quality issues.
What did you think of this episode of Sullivan’s Crossing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Sullivan’s Crossing airs Wednesday at 8/7c on The CW.
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Rachel Ulatowski
Rachel Ulatowski is a freelance writer from Oshkosh with a penchant for TV, film, and celebrity news. Her work can also be found on Screen Rant, The Mary Sue, and Monsters and Critics. When she's not writing professionally, she enjoys blogging, running, watching film and television, and conducting research for her future novel.