As the curtains lift on the premiere episode of "Sullivan's Crossing," Maggie Sullivan (played by Morgan Kohan) is thrown into a harrowing scenario involving a teenage driver, Jamal Patterson, who has crashed his parents' car into a telephone pole. An urgent toxicology test is ordered for the 18-year-old Jamal, found unrestrained by his seatbelt, contrasting sharply with the secured driver, Kevin Markiff. Maggie springs into action to attend to Jamal, only to be interrupted by Kevin's frantic inquiries about his friend's well-being, followed by his concerns about his own athletic future after a recent demotion on the football team. Jamal's condition rapidly deteriorates, prompting Maggie to rush him to the operating room amidst Claire Markiff's (Shelley Thompson) anxious interruption to check on her son. Maggie swiftly delegates her responsibilities to an assistant and dashes off.
Later that evening, Maggie seeks solitude outdoors, gathering her thoughts. Andrew Mathews (Allan Hawco) appears, relaying that her mother, in a panic, feared missing out on an important moment and had him whisk her belongings away in a limo. Inside the luxury vehicle, Andrew shares that Boston Commonwealth has offered him the job he applied for and hints at their next step, suggesting they live together now that his divorce is finalized, despite their initial agreement to take things slowly. Maggie remains non-committal.
Upon arrival, Maggie's mother promptly spots them, and Mr. Greenspan is introduced into Maggie's world. Lewis mentions his unsuccessful attempts to recruit Maggie for a full-time hospital position, acknowledging her passion for private practice and his inability to meet her financial demands. Maggie's mother pulls her aside to inform her of a reporter from The Post who has been waiting patiently for over twenty minutes. Phoebe (Lynda Boyd) engages the reporter, sharing the story of her husband, Walter, a former top surgeon whose legacy inspired Maggie to pursue her career in neurosurgery.
The ceremony begins, and Maggie is honored with the night's first award. Walter speaks glowingly of Maggie and her contributions to Dr. Bob Hollis' burgeoning practice. Maggie joins him on stage to accept the Rising Neurosurgeon award, her speech cut short by the dramatic entrance of FBI agents arresting Bob Hollis (Bob Mann) and, by association, Maggie.
After a leap in time, Maggie finds herself driving towards Timberlake, ultimately arriving at Sullivan's Crossing. Frank (Tom Jackson) and Edna Cranebear (Andrea Menard) warmly welcome her. Frank directs her to Sully Sullivan (Scott Patterson), who is relaxing near the fire pit. Maggie expresses uncertainty about her stay's duration, but Sully reassures her of ample RV spaces and a boat launch capable of accommodating larger vessels. Opting for familiarity, Maggie chooses to stay in her old room rather than one of the cabins. Sully lends a hand in helping her settle in, while a flashback reveals Maggie's father encouraging her artistic freedom, telling her to paint whatever her heart desires.
As he utters the words about moving forward, Maggie asserts her desire to remain in Sullivan's Crossing alongside him, her resolve unwavering. However, Sully's timely arrival with her luggage interrupts their conversation abruptly. The serene moment is shattered when Maggie's mother calls, her voice laden with concern alongside Walter's, both evidently worried sick about her wellbeing. Maggie, with calm clarity, elucidates her decision to relocate, emphasizing that this is her life, her choices, and her path to tread.
Seeking solace, Maggie steps outside only to be accosted by Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray), who generously offers to guide her through the surroundings. Suspecting his intentions, she politely declines, her assumption clear – he’s trying to charm her. Cal chuckles, amused by her perception, before departing with the assurance that he’ll inform Sully of her whereabouts.
Terry’s subsequent arrival with Sydney Shandon introduces a new dynamic. Sydney, who once relocated to New York, has returned to lend a helping hand to Rob at the diner and to be by Finn’s side. Maggie expresses her condolences over Sydney’s loss and listens as Sydney invites her to share her reasons for returning at tonight’s bonfire, hinting at the predictability of her father and the chance to finally meet Finn.
As they part ways, Maggie encounters an elderly man, Roy, frantically searching for his wife Ruthie. His mind a labyrinth of forgotten memories, he struggles to recall even his own name or the current date. Cal, sensing the urgency, rushes to assist, but Maggie asserts confidence in handling the situation. The crowd gathers, reassuring her that Roy’s confusion is a byproduct of his grief following Ruthie’s passing, Edna explaining with empathy.
Andrew’s call brings a jolt of reality, disbelief laced in his voice as he questions her abrupt departure despite the dropped charges. Maggie clarifies that while Bob took the fall, her reputation was tarnished, and the hospital has refused to reinstate her privileges. She clings to the hope that their long-distance relationship can endure. Andrew, however, reveals the hospital’s revocation was due to guilt by association, hinting at her oversight in monitoring Bob’s actions and questioning her decision to return.
Frank’s inquiry into her reasons for coming back prompts Maggie to confess that she feels she lost herself amidst her career pursuits. Doubts creep in, whispering that perhaps returning was a misstep. Frank, wise and patient, advises her to sit, reflect, and observe the changes that have enveloped her surroundings.
Cal bids farewell as he drops Sully off, their conversation hinting at Roy’s safe return home. Yet, Maggie ponders if bringing him back was indeed the right choice, her mind a tapestry of thoughts and uncertainties.
She stands firm in her conviction that he must undergo an evaluation to ascertain whether transferring him to a specialized facility is necessary. Sully elucidates that at Sullivan’s Crossing, they embrace everyone with the warmth of family. Maggie assists Edna with the stove, confessing that Edna was akin to a second mother to her, leaving her uncertain how she would have coped without her support in those days. Frank ponders if this situation is weighing heavily on Sully. Sully responds by saying he hasn't been a father figure to Maggie for quite some time, and there's no certainty that she will remain. They rehash the events of their last encounter.
Prior to the bonfire, Maggie greets Rob (Reid Price) with a warm hello, expressing her condolences for the loss of Sarah. Rob acknowledges it was a challenging period for him and Finn, but they are gradually healing. Finn joins them, and Maggie is introduced to him. Sydney returns and introduces Maggie to Connie Boyle, who heads the local fire department, along with Jackson and Rafe. While Jackson scales heights, Rafe volunteers for search and rescue duties. Upon discovering Maggie's profession, Connie suggests she consider volunteering her services. Later, Maggie and Sydney delve into a heartfelt conversation about the mural adorning Sydney's bedroom, sharing drinks well into the night.
Cal approaches Sully, inquiring about Maggie's demeanor. He remarks that she seems overly self-important, particularly when she made a point of mentioning her medical profession. He is taken aback upon learning that Maggie is Sully's daughter. Lola interrupts their conversation to thank Cal for assisting Sully in bringing Roy home. She confides in Sully that work and school commitments hinder her from visiting Roy as often as she'd like. Maggie comments that life isn't entirely perfect at present, to which Sydney replies that perfection is a myth. She hastily apologizes after mentioning not everyone is fortunate enough to have a wealthy stepfather footing their college bills.
Cal seeks Maggie out to apologize, realizing they started on the wrong foot. He reveals his assistance around the campground and praises Sully as a remarkable person, adding that Maggie is fortunate to have him as her father. Maggie prefers solitude and decides to depart. As she walks away, she informs Sydney that she's just not feeling it, planning to head home in the morning, echoing her mother's wisdom. Sydney accuses her of running away once more, but Maggie insists she'll stay in touch this time, an assurance Sydney finds hard to believe.
While packing her belongings, Maggie calls Scott, who delivers the devastating news that the teenage patient she treated in the ER has passed away a few days ago due to an aneurysm. Kevin's mother is suing her and the hospital for alleged negligence. Scott advises her to lay low, warning that Claire intends to pursue the revocation of her medical license.
