Sullivan’s Crossing Season 1 Episode 9 Review: Can’t Help Falling
Sullivan’s Crossing Season 1 Episode 9, “Can’t Help Falling,” relies on a somewhat formulaic tactic to pick up the pace, but it proves effective in carrying on the most critical aspects of the story.
The episode sees Maggie Sullivan take on another dire rescue mission after Jackson is injured while rock climbing. Meanwhile, Rob and his sister Syd contemplate how to provide the best environment for Finn while also running a diner.
This is now the third dramatic rescue to take place, and it’s started to get unbelievable. The reliance on the same plot device to move the story along is concerning, but it still gets the job done.
The storyline allows Jackson and Caleb to admit their feelings for one another, though it seems like a bit much to have their rock-climbing story end for a second time in a medical emergency.
This also means that the episode sacrifices developing their relationship and stories more to focus on other characters’ stories. So, the lack of balance between the attention given to the main and supporting characters is felt significantly.
At the same time, the daring rescue mission is entertaining to watch. The show transforms into a thrilling medical drama as it tracks Maggie’s rescue mission and impromptu surgery.
It’s unclear how effective Maggie’s unconventional method of relieving pressure on the brain is, but it’s certainly exciting to watch.
While it feels wrong for the show to use a tragedy to carry on the plot, something dramatic is necessary to bring Maggie and Sully together and to force her and Cal around their awkwardness from kissing.
Sully’s story finally feels like it’s turning in a more satisfying direction now that he can acknowledge that being a neurosurgeon is a worthwhile career.
Meanwhile, the incident once again forces the younger characters to contemplate mortality, and this time, they’re a lot more stricken by the concept of death, likely because the injured man is close to their age.
Additionally, they’re able to put themselves in the shoes of a parent losing a child, and this illustrates an important point of being compassionate towards the grieving, even when they act in ways that aren’t always understandable.
Although not very realistic and a bit morbid, the dramatic plot helps resurface important themes of loss and grief, as well as give a push to the stories of Maggie, Cal, and Sully that might have otherwise remained stagnant.
Unfortunately, the subplots aren’t as engaging as the main rescue story plot. Syd, Rob, and Finn have an interesting story with their unconventional family structure.
However, they’ve received so little screen time that viewers can’t really empathize with or understand them well.
Just like her reaction to Rafe, Syd’s response to Rob hiring an assistant manager without consulting her is difficult to understand.
Meanwhile, Rob often comes across as a one-dimensional clueless dad and brother, even though he has a much deeper story, given the loss of his wife. Sadly, his backstory hasn’t been explored at all.
The episode also tries to feature a breakthrough in Maggie’s and Lola’s relationship, but it falls flat. Their story still makes the least sense of the various story arcs in the show.
One is left questioning how Maggie never noticed that Lola’s mother was sick or that she passed away. She also remained oblivious for years that Sully was helping Lola’s family and not in a relationship with her mother.
Hopefully, viewers can be provided a little more context because the feeble explanation and resolution for Maggie’s and Lola’s rivalry isn’t satisfying.
This episode shows Sullivan’s Crossing‘s potential as a medical or hospital drama with its strong grasp of drama and intensity in a rescue mission sequence.
However, it still fails to give its supporting characters meaningful stories and development and relies too heavily on past plot devices.
With one episode left, the show has a lot of separate stories to wrap up, and it remains to be seen how it works out.
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.