I am really grateful to see that this show is continuing, that there are some regulars this series and I'm so happy for Nadine Gardner for landing a lead role. Congratulations, Nadine! However, I can't express enough what a great loss it is to have Craig McLachlan not be on the show. I am very disappointed, as I know many others are, that he has been ripped from the show indefinitely before accusations of sexual assault and lewd behavior have been substantiated. This is a HUGE loss to this TV program.
Although I understand the reasons why a producer may consider this decision when a cast member has been "accused" of lewd behavior, I am reminded that the accusations were made in another role, on another set and the investigation into behavior while on this set cleared him for any wrongdoing even though he still suffered consequences. I must admit that this is a HUGE injustice for all involved and it's viewers for many reasons. 1. McLachlan was investigated and cleared of lewd behavior in this setting. 2. He still suffered major consequences by losing his lead role and any membership of the program because he was "accused," although not proven guilty. 3. A message has now been sent that any person can accuse anyone of wrongdoing and even though the law says "innocent until proven guilty," the accused person will lose his/her status, income, and/or employment. 4. This is unfair to the accused. It is unfair to their social circle- in this case, McLachlan's colleagues on the set who formed close attachments to such a talented and respected actor and most important this is unfair to the viewers. The decision to remove his very central role to the program was premature and leaves a huge barrier for viewers to overcome as they adjust to basically a "new" spin off of the original series. Please note I sympathize for any true victim; however, standards for conduct and behavior have grossly declined- primarily as a result of producing movies where sex sells. Boundaries nowadays are blended and how do you tell an actor to be sexual on a movie set in a role- that this behavior is ok even to the point of filming explicit sex scenes- but once the set is over, to cut it off so suddenly in real life when these two realities coexist so closely? Directors promote, accept and teach the behaviors they are now penalizing individuals for. And colleagues are able to "pretend" very real emotions on a set turning a blind eye to being lewd and displaying inappropriate sexual conduct while in a scene, but throw their hands up later claiming sexual assault if it happens to continue beyond the movie screen. Why isn't it considered lewd, sexual assault and harassment while filming? It's kinda hypocritical to say it's ok while acting, but not ok to be turned on to the same person when the scene is over. Emotions can very easily get involved and things can become inappropriate very easily in this field.
In any case, this show was one of the most acceptable on tv and true fans of Doctor Blake Mysteries became emotionally involved with the characters that have been developed over a course of YEARS! Truly, I'm disappointed. I'm disappointed by the consequences that a man is now guilty until proven innocent. I am very sad for this show because it was perhaps one of the best. I am sad for the close knit cast. I am sad for McLachlan and I am sad for fans everywhere!!
Now we not only have to adjust to the disconnect between season 5 and the happenings in season 6, but we also have to adjust to a new title, major losses in various characters like Charlie, and we have to adjust to Nadine in her new role while at the same time grieving the loss of Doctor Blake. Although a win for those continuing the show, this is a major loss to it's viewers. But we don't count!