Abhiroop Das
While Maggie Sullivan‘s character takes center stage in CTV’s ‘Sullivan’s Crossing,’ the story is equally driven by Maggie’s father, Harry “Sully” Sullivan. The rift between the two characters, and how they ultimately make amends and carve a new relationship, makes for much of the show’s interpersonal drama. However, while Maggie finds the love of her life in the form of Cal Jones, Sully’s character appears to hit a plateau, with his afflictions threatening to consume him. At this point, a character named Helen Culver enters his life like a whirlwind, giving him the push he has needed for so long. Notably, she is not merely a narrative device for the protagonists, but a fully fleshed-out character with her own desires and anxieties. Soon, her story finds a place in the Crossing, paving the way for many new beginnings. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Helen Culver is a Writer Who Finds Companionship in Sully
Helen Culver enters the story as a guest renting a cabin at the Crossing for an extended stay. She is a writer and seeks out quiet locations in the heart of nature, such as this, for inspiration. However, her stay in the campground has a wobbly start, with Sully messing up her booking due to not understanding the digitized booking system. Though she does eventually get a cabin, the writer has her quite a number of issues with it, from faulty plumbing to squeaky floorboards. While this initially paints a negative picture of her character, her dynamic with Sully soon begins to mellow out, and we learn that her tough exterior is simply a way to express her honest feelings without holding back. In reality, Helen is a kind, caring person who sensitively navigates Sully’s anxieties and makes him a better person.
With their initial misunderstandings behind them, Sully and Helen begin to spend more time together, going on excursions and yoga practices. We learn more about her character, that she was a teacher before she took on a career as a novelist. She also has a number of similarities with Sully, particularly their shared love for birdwatching. This arc mirrors the themes of her book, ‘Second Chances,’ by literally helping Sully with his fresh start in life following a close call with death in the second season. Additionally, Helen’s deep understanding of human psychology comes in handy, as she picks up on the nuances of Sully’s behavior and helps him correct his mistakes in the moments he begins to falter. Sully, too, grows to care for her, going as far as to propose a ballroom dance for the two of them.
A new twist arises in Helen’s story when Sully informs her that a production house in Ireland has shown interest in adapting her books for television. Excited for her new adventure, the novelist immediately packs her bags and prepares to leave, but at that point, her heart pulls for Sully. She asks if he can join her on the trip, and while he initially refuses, it is evident that he is being held back by his own fears. Seeing this, Helen finally pours her heart out, confessing that her feelings for him are special, and she wants to give their relationship a chance. In the brief time they have spent together, the two have become each other’s anchors, providing something the other is lacking. Acknowledging this, Sully agrees to go with her, and the couple embrace, marking the start of their romantic life.
Veteran Actor Kate Vernon Brings Life to Helen Culver
Helen’s character undergoes significant growth over the course of the season, with each episode adding a layer or shedding light on a new aspect of her. Actor Kate Vernon steps into the role and delivers all the complex shades of the character with finesse. The daughter of a famous actor, John Vernon, and a master of the craft in her own right, she began her career with minor roles in TV shows such as ‘Family Ties’ and ‘Remington Steele,’ as well as movies such as ‘Pretty in Pink’ and ‘Mob Story.’ Among her more iconic early movies are ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘Blackjack,’ where she plays Sophia and Rachel Stein, respectively. During that time, she also appeared on the CBS primetime soap opera ‘Falcon’s Crest,’ where she played Lorrain Prescott. This went on to become her breakthrough performance, making her a known figure in the industry.
Kate Vernon’s most popular performance is arguably in the Battlestar Galactica series, where she essays the role of Ellen Tigh. In addition to taking part in the main series, she also reprised her role in ‘Battlestar Galactica: The Plan.’ Her association with the science fiction genre has remained strong in the form of her appearances in ‘Star Trek: Voyager’ and ‘Star Trek: Prelude to Axanar,’ as well as the television series ‘Another Life,’ where she portrays Ava Breckenridge. The actor’s interest in her role in ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ is evident, as she frequently reposts clips from the show, cheering the characters on in the caption. Her dedication to the role is an important part in grounding Helen’s complex choices in reality, as they ultimately steer the story in a new direction.
Read More: Do Sully and Helen Get Together? Is Scott Patterson Leaving Sullivan’s Crossing?
