The TV adaptation of Robyn Carr’s beloved series, Sullivan’s Crossing, captures audiences with a fresh take on the central romance between Maggie Sullivan, played by Morgan Kohan, and Cal Jones, portrayed by Chad Michael Murray. While the original book series, which spans five novels, offers numerous unique love stories, the show chooses to focus primarily on the evolution of Maggie and Cal’s relationship, exploring it through a new lens that diverges from the source material.
One of the most striking differences lies in the setting. The novels depict Sullivan’s Crossing as a charming location nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, a hub for campers and nature lovers. However, the TV series transports the narrative to a fictional town named Timberlake in the stunning landscapes of Nova Scotia, Canada. Showrunner Roma Roth explained that this decision was made to develop a distinct feel for the show, separate from Carr’s previous adaptation, Virgin River. Roth expressed her ambition to create a Canadian content show that resonates with a global audience, highlighting the unique beauty of Nova Scotia.
The portrayal of Maggie and Cal’s romance also undergoes significant changes. In the show, Maggie arrives back home amid legal issues and becomes caught in a complicated love triangle with her Boston boyfriend, Andrew Matthews, played by Allan Hawco. This subplot introduces layers of tension, including a pregnancy scare and a miscarriage, shifting the narrative’s focus on their relationship well into the series. In contrast, in the novel “What We Find,” their romance develops rapidly, with Maggie and Cal establishing their bond almost immediately. By the second book, “Any Day Now,” the couple is married with a child, emphasizing a different pace of relationship development compared to the show, which opts to extend the buildup over multiple seasons.
The character dynamics have also been transformed for television. Sydney Shandon, in the show, is Maggie’s childhood best friend who returns from New York City, diverging from her novel counterpart who is a brilliant scientist experiencing a divorce. Additionally, the character of Connie Boyle is reimagined; originally a male firefighter in the books, the show reinterprets Connie as a woman navigating her own struggles with divorce, bringing a fresh perspective to relationships portrayed in the series.
Moreover, the narrative scope of the book series is broader, featuring multiple love stories alongside Maggie and Cal. After “What We Find,” subsequent novels delve into different characters’ journeys, thus enriching the community’s romantic tapestry. Conversely, the TV adaptation maintains a tighter focus on the lead couple.
Finally, shifts in familial relationships are evident as well. In the series, Maggie’s bond with her father, Harry “Sully” Sullivan, played by Scott Patterson, is characterized by more tension and emotional distance. This contrasts with the novels, which paint a more nuanced picture of their connection, highlighting Maggie’s efforts to keep in touch with Sully despite her physical absence.
Sullivan’s Crossing offers a blend of romance, conflict, and scenic beauty, promising viewers a captivating exploration of love and relationships. As the series unfolds, audiences can look forward to how these storylines develop and resonate with viewers, deepening their connection to both the characters and the storyline.