Sullivan’s Crossing season 3 brought forth one of the most toxic character changes in the show’s run, proving things are changing for the series. While Sullivan’s Crossing season 3 has been one of the more well-rounded seasons of the show, the series brought some interesting new character developments into the narrative. As Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan) changed, others did as well.

While Maggie’s life in Timberlake was far different throughout Sullivan’s Crossing season 3, her choosing to settle down in her hometown finally changed things for everyone else, too. California “Cal” Jones (Chad Michael Murray) and Harry “Sully” Sullivan (Scott Patterson) were obviously the most affected, but Maggie’s decision had a ripple effect on the rest of Timberlake’s colorful residents, too.

While Maggie may have chosen to leave her life in Boston behind for the quieter, calmer days at the Crossing, the decisions made throughout Sullivan’s Crossing season 3 made it clear that things are anything but simple when it comes to living in Timberlake. As Maggie and Cal’s relationship changed, some of the most problematic character choices the show’s ever made came into play.

Cal’s Character Change In Sullivan’s Crossing Season 3 Was Problematic

He Became Pushier & More Manipulative

As Sullivan’s Crossing season 3 got underway, viewers saw a different side to Cal than they had in the past. While he was still happy and thrilled to be with Maggie, Cal’s behavior quickly took a toxic turn when he made it clear he didn’t want Maggie to live with her long-distant father Sully, but instead in his new cabin.

While Cal wasn’t receptive to the idea that Maggie could simply want to take their relationship slow, he pushed her and eventually gave her an ultimatum of sorts. Choosing to make it so that Maggie had to move in with him for them to stay together, Cal showed a difficult side to his personality in the early stretch of the season.

Once Maggie moved in with Cal, his insecurities reared their ugly head once again and he struggled to find ways to deal with the fact that he was one of the few things in Maggie’s life in Timberlake. Convincing himself that Maggie was lying to him about being okay with giving up her career, Cal tried to push Maggie away consistently, proving his problematic behavior wasn’t a phase.

The Liam Plot Twist Only Validates Cal’s Toxic Insecurity In Sullivan’s Crossing Season 3

He Was Convinced Maggie Was Hiding Something, & She Was

At the end of Sullivan’s Crossing season 3, Cal discovered along with viewers that Maggie was married before when her “husband” Liam showed up in Timberlake. While viewers have no context about who Liam is aside from knowing they were together in the past, Maggie having kept such a large secret validates Cal’s behavior in a way, making it clear she’s okay to be secretive.

Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 Has To Get Cal Back On Track

The Series Needs To Bring The Old Cal Back

As Sullivan’s Crossing season 4 moves ahead, the show needs to get Cal back on track with who he’s been throughout the series. Rather than allowing him to be insecure, toxic, or problematic in the slightest, Cal needs to be more aligned with who he was introduced as. Cal and Maggie’s relationship, which has moved at a rapid pace, may need to slow down.

Sullivan’s Crossing season 4 needs to undo some of the work the last season did, and bring Cal back into a place that can allow him to enjoy his life with Maggie in Timberlake. If this means the couple needs to split up to regain their footing, that may be the best path forward. Sullivan’s Crossing has the time and space to realign Cal’s character.