Sullivan’s Crossing Season 1 Episode 6 Review: Boiling Point
Sullivan’s Crossing Season 1 Episode 6, “Boiling Point,” suffers from a bit of filler but still manages to end on a surprising cliffhanger.
The episode sees Maggie Sullivan reconnect with Andrew Mathews and attend her deposition, in which it will be determined if she is to go to trial over the passing of one of her clients. Meanwhile, Sully struggles to manage the growing problems at the Sullivan’s Crossing campgrounds.
Considering it tackles the deposition, which the series has been building up to, it’s a little surprising that there’s more filler than progress in “Boiling Point.”
The filler comes in from the episode also tracking Cal Jones’ doings, which seem a little insignificant in the face of the deposition and Sully’s alcoholism.
It’s encouraging to see Cal befriending Rob and Lola and having some company, but there isn’t a need to dwell on their outing together. Perhaps something more will come of it, but focusing on the details, all the way down to Cal and Lola saying “good night,” felt unnecessary.
Viewers can tell that Cal is healing from his loss without seeing him having dinner with Rob and Lola. The emphasis on Cal’s and Lola’s interactions is also a little strange.
The likeliest explanation is that the episode merely wants viewers to see Cal making friends, but the unnecessary detail might leave some confused and thinking there may be something budding between Cal and Lola — even though that clearly doesn’t make sense.
Fortunately, the episode makes up for some of the filler by formally introducing Andrew and exploring more of why Maggie seems so reluctant in their relationship.
While Andrew seems to be the picture-perfect partner on the surface by producing fancy dates and proposing to Maggie, it’s clear he’s a much darker person underneath.
He seems very jealous, insecure, and possessive of Maggie. It seems he only cares about their relationship when he thinks he’s at risk of losing her.
Allan Hawco gives a very believable performance as Andrew and captures his earnestness and insecurity quite well. The depiction reminds viewers that one needs more than money, sophistication, and status to be a good partner.
Meanwhile, Sully’s ongoing spiral adds a bit of urgency and intensity to the episode. He’s clearly in trouble and needs saving.
However, he tries to bury everything and deny what’s happening in his life. It certainly gives viewers a sense of foreboding as he seems to be nearing the point where everything comes crashing down, and he won’t be able to hide anymore.
While Scott Patterson depicts Sully’s ruggedness and crassness well, his performance is getting slightly exaggerated. He’s trying too hard to emphasize Sully’s anger and lack of control, but viewers can already see that he’s spiraling without the theatrics.
Ultimately, the episode still manages to combine all its stories and deliver an intriguing cliffhanger. Although viewers anticipated Maggie’s return to Sullivan’s Crossing at some point, she wasn’t expected to return the exact moment Andrew proposes to her.
It piques viewers’ interest as it’s clear a significant fallout is on the horizon for the troubled couple.
While Sullivan’s Crossing struggles to find balance in this episode and raises concerns about leaning towards filler and melodrama, it still manages to hook viewers for the next episode.
What did you think of this episode of Sullivan’s Crossing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Sullivan’s Crossing airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
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.