Savoring the Unfolding Romance: Morgan Kohan Discovers Love at 'Sullivan's Crossing'

The Big Picture

Morgan Kohan found herself drawn to the character of Maggie in Sullivan's Crossing due to her ambitious and perfectionistic traits. The actress eagerly anticipated observing the evolution of Maggie's storyline throughout the season.

Throughout the show, the exploration of Maggie and Cal's relationship delves into the dynamics between them. The instant connection they share generates a mix of excitement and uncertainty for Maggie. The gradual development of their relationship intensifies the anticipation and satisfaction for viewers.

Moreover, the show emphasizes the significant role of community and its profound influence on one's life. By assisting the townspeople, Maggie not only discovers a sense of purpose but also rediscovers her true self. These individuals both support and push her to embrace her authentic identity.

Sullivan's Crossing, a drama series currently airing on The CW, portrays the story of Maggie Sullivan (portrayed by Morgan Kohan), a renowned neurosurgeon whose life seems to be falling apart after a patient's death that she is blamed for by the grieving mother. Seeking a fresh perspective, Maggie returns to her childhood home where she encounters various challenges, including her distant father (played by Scott Patterson) and a charming local resident named Cal Jones (portrayed by Chad Michael Murray). As she navigates through these obstacles, Maggie strives to discover what truly matters to her.

In an exclusive interview with Our website, Kohan discusses her personal connection to the series, the complexities of playing a character at a crossroads in life, the strong bond between Maggie and Cal, the experience of filming the karaoke scene, the ongoing joke surrounding Cal's full first name, the gradual rebuilding of the relationship with her estranged father, and the exciting news of already shooting Season 2 in Nova Scotia. Kohan also reveals what viewers can anticipate from the characters' journey in the first season.

Our website: I love anything with a small town vibe like this that makes me want to go move there.

MORGAN KOHAN: It’s so cozy.

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When presented with a TV series, complete knowledge of its storyline and character development is unavailable. Although it originated from a book series, the certainty of what will be retained and what will be altered remains unknown. What convinced you to become involved in this series? How was the character's identity described to you?

KOHAN: When I was initially introduced to the character and read the first script, I immediately connected with the conflict between the allure of the big city and the nostalgia for small town life. Having grown up in a small town myself, I understood the emotions that arise when returning home. I strongly resonated with Maggie's ambition, her perfectionism, and her tendency to be a control freak. I saw a lot of myself in her. As I delved deeper into the role, I had the opportunity to read the first six episodes and witness the beginning of her character arc. It was an exhilarating experience because, often, you're uncertain about what the future holds. Seeing the direction her story was headed solidified my commitment to the role, as I knew that it would only get better from there. And as we received episodes seven and eight, I eagerly devoured them to discover what would happen next. The anticipation was thrilling.

Now that you've completed a season and have some insights into Season 2, how much has Maggie transformed? Does she still feel like the same character? Have there been any unexpected qualities or developments that you wouldn't have anticipated at the start?

KOHAN: I don't want to give too much away, but it's important to watch and see where she ends up. At the beginning of the season, she's at a pivotal point in her life, unsure of what direction to take and who she truly wants to become. As the season progresses, we witness her finding resolution and clarity. Currently, we're in the process of filming Season 2, and it's thrilling to see the new trajectory of her character.

As an actor playing a character with an uncertain story arc, how do you keep it engaging for yourself? Do you continuously add subtle nuances to the character?

Kohan delves into the intricate details of every episode, exploring the various aspects of the character's life. In each scene, she goes beyond what is written on the page, considering the character's thoughts and the context of the dialogue. There are always multiple factors in play, even in seemingly straightforward moments. Kohan has thoroughly enjoyed exploring these possibilities and has not been complacent in her approach.

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When Maggie and Cal first meet, they both jump to conclusions about each other. It's intriguing why Maggie is so quick to judge Cal. How does it feel for her to realize how mistaken she is about him? Normally, is she better at sizing up people accurately? What specifically about Cal bothers her?

KOHAN: Returning to this town, Maggie is on edge and vulnerable, feeling exposed to judgment from others who haven't seen her in years. She's defensive and guarded, constantly aware of being scrutinized. When Cal offers to show her around, even though she knows the place better, her defenses are already up due to the challenging circumstances in her life. This is likely the reason why she quickly lashes out. Additionally, sometimes there's an instant connection or chemistry with certain people, and that can be unsettling. It's possible that meeting Cal was disconcerting for her, leaving her unsure about her own feelings. These factors contribute to her initial reaction.

How enjoyable is it to have the opportunity to play and explore the relationship dynamic between them? What has the experience been like working alongside Chad Michael Murray?

KOHAN: It's fantastic. We both have a strong collaboration and it's thrilling to be open to each other's ideas and build off of what the other brings to a scene. Each time is genuinely enjoyable. Even from the start, when I auditioned with that first meeting scene, once I actually met him and we performed it, everything changed. It was a completely different experience than how I had originally approached it, simply because of him and the dynamics of that day. Both of us are skilled at adapting to the present moment, which invigorates the work and brings it to life.

What was it like shooting the scene where Maggie and Sydney sing "I Will Survive" in the bar? Did you have to prepare in any special way for singing that song?

KOHAN: Initially, it was terrifying because we knew the crew and everyone else had to listen to us singing it repeatedly. We were aware that it might be ear-piercing for others. Honestly, when I do karaoke, I don't usually just drink water all night, so it was a different experience and a bit nerve-wracking. However, after a few takes, we started to enjoy ourselves and have fun with it.

Did it help to have a partner there doing it with you?

KOHAN: Oh, my God, yes. We were in it together, which was great. The more ridiculous she was, the more ridiculous I got. It was great.

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I love the running joke with Maggie trying to guess Cal’s full first name. Were all of those guesses scripted? Did you come up with any yourself?

KOHAN: It was a blast! Although some parts were scripted, everyone in the cast and crew constantly added spontaneous lines, which made for some hilarious moments. The reveal of his name is quite entertaining and definitely worth the wait.

Undoubtedly, there's a strong connection forming between Maggie and Cal, even if they are unaware of it at the moment. TV shows often enjoy keeping characters apart, throwing obstacles in their path, and delaying their union for as long as possible. How do you feel about this? Is it challenging to strike a balance that satisfies fans, providing them with gradual satisfaction? Are you the type who prefers characters to instantly get together, or do you enjoy a slow build-up?

Does Maggie truly believe that Andrew is the best choice for her, or will she find herself questioning her past decisions in light of everything that has happened?

Throughout the season, the exploration of their relationship is a significant aspect. On a theoretical level, he appears to be the ideal match for her - they work in the same field, he has achieved success, he possesses ambition, and he provides immense support to her. On paper, this is precisely what we all desire. Yet, when you have convinced yourself that something is right for such a long time, it takes a considerable amount of time to step back and reassess the situation. Occasionally, something shocking is needed to awaken one's awareness.

Another vital relationship in Maggie's life is with her father, and it is evident that this is not the healthiest relationship. What has been enjoyable for you in exploring a dynamic where they are reconstructing their bond?

KOHAN: It has been an incredibly fascinating and enjoyable experience. My initial scene with Scott [Patterson], who portrays Sully, involved the moment when they reunite at the campground. Even though we haven't had a long history, we are steadily getting acquainted through the filming process. It's intriguing to witness the convergence of our real-life connection with the on-screen adaptation in various ways. Exploring the development of this relationship and delving into its rich history has been truly rewarding. When you have spent a significant amount of time trying to exclude someone from your life, you tend to suppress all those emotions and rationalize everything to make sense of it and bring a sense of solace to yourself. Finally, they both get the opportunity to understand each other's perspective.

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What is the experience of being the newcomer in the dynamic between Scott Patterson and Chad Michael Murray like?

KOHAN: It has been a wonderful experience. They already have a connection, so there is a sense of familiarity. It's not a situation where three people are questioning each other's roles or positions. Both Scott and Chad are incredibly welcoming and kind, and they have a down-to-earth nature. Working with both of them has truly been a pleasure from the start.

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In a town like this, there exists a vibrant community filled with residents who interact with one another, and where everyone is aware of each other's personal matters. What has been the most enjoyable aspect for you in developing these character dynamics and fostering a sense of community on the show, while also creating it amongst the characters?

KOHAN: I relish the fact that a genuine sense of community is present both on the show and behind the scenes. During Season 1, we filmed throughout the summer, which gave it an atmosphere akin to an adult summer camp. It has been incredible to witness everyone getting to know each other and becoming comfortable in their roles. As Maggie returns after years away, she is reintegrating herself with the community and finding her place within it, resulting in a magnificent blend of real-life imitating art.

Will her sense of purpose in this town grow as she continues to aid others? Will her presence truly assist her in rediscovering herself, potentially uncovering a need she wasn't aware of?

KOHAN: I believe we witness this evolution throughout the season. You'll have the opportunity to witness what sparks this transformation within her. The town's inhabitants genuinely desire the best for her. They don't hold rigid expectations of who she should be, and she requires individuals like them in her life. They serve as a reflective mirror, an essential element to possess.

What is the experience of filming a series in Nova Scotia like?

KOHAN: It is truly delightful. The city itself is incredibly picturesque, complemented by its charming downtown area filled with exceptional bars and restaurants. Additionally, there is a strong sense of community and a small town ambiance throughout. The breathtaking beauty of the surroundings cannot be overlooked, as every corner offers stunning views. Being by the ocean adds to the allure, and it is difficult not to be captivated by the charm of this place.

Get ready to be captivated by the latest addition to The CW's lineup! Without giving away any surprises, brace yourself for an incredible journey with this show and its compelling characters throughout its debut season.

By the end of the season, the dynamics between Maggie and Cal, as well as Maggie and Sully, undergo significant changes.

KOHAN: You must watch and discover for yourself. I don't want to give anything away. As they spend more time together, they begin to understand and open up to each other. Walls are coming down, allowing them to see things from each other's perspective and engage in meaningful conversations. Communication is crucial for many, but they struggled with it at first. Throughout the season, they strive to reach a mutual understanding.

Tune in to The CW on Wednesday nights for Sullivan's Crossing.