Scott Patterson (or as he’ll forever be known in my household, “Luke from Gilmore Girls”) is no longer on Sullivan’s Crossing. And if you’ve been wondering how the show would address his shocking decision to leave, we finally have answers.

The CW series wasted no time explaining Sully’s disappearance, with Maggie noting that he “just left” for “vacation” in Ireland. She also said, “I think I am just feeling overwhelmed with him leaving like that; it all took me by surprise.” Feels pretty meta!

As a reminder, back in March, showrunner Roma Roth told People that “Season 3 of Sullivan's Crossing ended with Sully leaving for Ireland, beginning a new chapter in his life. Season 4 picks up the next day, with Sully still overseas.” Roma then said Sully isn’t “physically present” in Season 4, but “remains an important part of the world with the potential to be included in future seasons should that align with the ongoing creative.”

Cut to Scott, who had a completely different point of view, and strongly implied that he quit the show.

“Every actor knows what it’s like to fall in love with a character and a story. I fell in love with Sully and have nothing but fondness for him,” he wrote. “The creative differences were becoming untenable and I just sadly realized that the show was not something that I could agree to continue. It’s unfortunate that it is now being implied that they moved on from me/Sully when the fact is the complete opposite, and those who sadly already have spoken out are also fully aware of this fact, and yet chose to say otherwise.”

Scott added, “I was not intending to make any statement but the fans of the books and the show deserve to know the truth as I have always been respectful of those who support this industry by watching and loving these characters we are so dang lucky and blessed to portray and bring to life. I really enjoyed Sully and fought for his voice and his character. The richness and depth of Sully, whom the fans of the books all know and love, is so multi-layered and interesting. The fans deserved better than to think the embodiment of this character, me, would just disrespect not only the show, but them. In the end, we’re all fans of these characters and stories, and I’ll always support and defend the truth.”