Sullivan’s Crossing – Bad Timing

Meanwhile, Sully is quietly facing his own crossroads. Sorting through photos and letters from his late wife, he’s clearly deep in reflection when Helen arrives, drawing him out of his shell with an invitation to yoga. It sounds silly, Sully in yoga class, but it ends up being one of the episode’s most quietly tender scenes. Their conversations are filled with gentle teasing, personal revelations, and a slow, cautious flirtation that’s becoming one of the season’s most genuine dynamics. Sully, talking about ballroom dancing and long-held regrets, feels more open than he has in a long time. Not because of some big revelation, but because Helen gives him space to exhale.

Elsewhere, Jacob and Lola’s budding connection takes a more adventurous and ultimately dangerous turn. Their flirtation leads them into an abandoned mine in search of lichen samples, but it’s clear their real mission is each other. Their chemistry is palpable, and when Lola finally leans in and kisses him, it feels earned and sweet, until their moment turns chaotic when a misstep causes the mine to partially collapse. It’s the classic Sullivan’s Crossing twist: just when you’re relaxing into a romantic beat, the earth quite literally shifts beneath them. And with no one knowing where they are, the tension going into the next episode is immense.

Rob continues to navigate the being ready to move forward with Jane, especially when Jane throws a wrench into things by revealing she recently went on a date with another man. Their dynamic is filled with hesitation and mixed signals, but it’s clear that underneath it all, Rob is struggling with loneliness and grief, trying to make sense of what he wants now that a second chance might actually be possible. When Jane reveals she only went on the date because Rob had pulled back, he exhales a sigh of relief. This could be his second chance at it finally seems like he is ready to take it.

The beauty of the show, is how wonderfully each character in this dynamic ensemble cast is woven into every episode. While much of the episode centres around romantic tension and renovation panic, Edna quietly anchors one of the most meaningful subplots. Her doctor’s appointment which was meant to address her recent headaches and hot flashes, instead leaves her feeling dismissed and unseen. It’s a small scene but a powerful one, reflecting the frustrating reality of older women, especially Indigenous women, often being brushed off in clinical settings. When she later tells Frank that maybe it’s time they start thinking about what comes next, it’s not defeat, it’s acceptance, and a quiet bravery. Edna, so often the one offering comfort to others, begins to acknowledge her own limits. It’s understated, but deeply affecting. Meanwhile, Rafe’s rumour-fuelled suspicions about Cooper are met with clarity and another misunderstanding, another reminder that assumptions have consequences.

But it’s Maggie’s confrontation with Walter that leads to the emotional climax. A call from her stepfather reopens old wounds and confirms what Maggie already suspects- she hasn’t just been afraid to move forward with Cal, she’s still carrying unresolved pain from Boston. Her argument with Walter is raw and cathartic, and it sets the stage for the beautifully intimate scene that follows, when Maggie finds Cal and admits the truth: she’s scared. He meets her honesty with his own, telling her he loves her and asking her to take the leap. They make love with a tenderness and vulnerability that feels completely earned — a high point for the series and a testament to both actors’ chemistry and restraint.

Then, just as the dust seems to settle, the mine collapses. The camera lingers on Jacob and Lola, trapped in the darkness. No one knows they’re missing. No cell service. Just a soft, sudden shift into danger, the kind of cliffhanger that makes your heart skip a beat.

“Bad Timing” isn’t about explosive drama, until the final scene, but about the quieter storms between people. Miscommunication, fear, and unresolved feelings drive the emotional undercurrent, all while the community’s physical and emotional foundation is being rebuilt. It’s a beautifully balanced episode: deeply character-driven, quietly romantic, and ending with a gasp. This was a standout episode filled with emotional weight, romantic payoff, and a literal cliffhanger that lands perfectly. Sullivan’s Crossing continues to prove that small-town stories can hit hard.