Sullivan’s Crossing Season 1 Episode 10 Review: Sins of the Father

Sullivan’s Crossing Season 1 Episode 10, “Sins of the Father,” wraps up the season a bit clumsily as it tries to tie up its many subplots but succeeds in setting the stage for Season 2 and dropping some dramatic bombshells.

The season finale sees the outcome of Maggie Sullivan’s court hearing over her alleged medical negligence, as well as dives deeper into her father, Sully, and stepfather, Walter.

“Sins of the Father” cleverly leaves viewers wondering which father the title references and leaves viewers anxious for Season 2, but it has a few minor flaws.

The biggest issue with the finale is simply that it feels rushed and overstuffed. However, this was nearly inevitable because the series continuously struggled with too many subplots.

Not all of the characters get satisfying endings. Syd and Rob are two who seemingly don’t get enough time to wrap up their story.

Viewers haven’t had much chance to get acquainted with them due to the show sidelining its recurring characters in favor of its primary characters. Hence, their decisions just feel rash and a bit perplexing in the end.

Their story also isn’t strong enough to get viewers intrigued by the continuation. Their problems should’ve been communicated long before, so the plot feels underdeveloped and unnecessary.

The finale also repeats another issue of getting too formulaic with its plot devices. It seems a bit overly dramatic to have Sully randomly experience some kind of medical emergency at the end.

Also, Maggie’s pregnancy bombshell is almost too surprising. There were no warnings or build-up to this development at all.

Hence, it feels more random than shocking. Plus, it demonstrates Sullivan’s Crossing‘s problem of being unable to move the plot along unless it introduces something drastic, like a near-death experience, pregnancy, or rescue mission.

Despite this clumsiness, the drama is still enjoyable, largely because it sets the stage for the next season.

Viewers are left with so many questions at the end, and that’s not bad when the second season is already confirmed.

All of the main characters are at a place now where their stories can pick up naturally. More importantly, viewers will want to see their stories pick up.

There is much to explore about Sully’s regret and medical condition, Maggie’s and Cal’s refusal to acknowledge their feelings, and Maggie’s sudden pregnancy and decision to move back to Boston.

Despite some of these scenarios feeling random or unrealistic, they all pique interest.

Lastly, Maggie’s court case outcome and Sully’s final scene, aside from his collapse, are very nicely done.

Ultimately, the case is settled just as it should be, with Maggie and the mother of the boy who died under her care understanding each other’s situation and privately settling the situation.

It raises an important point about the power of compassion and taking responsibility for one’s actions. Even when it’s ambiguous whether one actually is wrong, taking accountability and using the mere possibility of one’s mistake to do better is a beautiful example for Maggie to set.

Meanwhile, Sullivan’s Crossing does what it does best at the end, which is speaking through music. The ending succeeds in being deeply emotional and haunting by finally revealing Sully’s biggest secrets to the backdrop of the song “Say Something.”

The finale reminds viewers of the show’s shortcomings in giving its recurring character enough screen time.

However, it also gives viewers a reason to keep watching and raises hope that Season 2 will continue the show’s improvement.

Ultimately, Sullivan’s Crossing’s Season 1 finale is strong enough to prove its renewal wasn’t a mistake.

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 Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW.

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