The Disappearance of Abigail Stanton

       This can be a very risky topic to discuss, but I truly believe it's worth talking about.

       Ever since the College Admissions Scandal involving Lori Loughlin, social media has been filled with comments on her and her character Abigail Stanton. While I'm not really going to be talking about the actress in general, I believe Brian Bird put it pretty well in this interview. Here's the link! https://www.fromthedesk.org/wcth-returns-creative-hiatus/https://www.fromthedesk.org/wcth-returns-creative-hiatus/

    What I'm really going to be talking about is the future of Abigail Stanton, and her incredibly important role over the years in WCTH. I will also be talking a little bit about her son, Cody.

Her Beginning

       The character of Abigail is a wonderful woman. She's sweet and kind with a huge heart for others. Starting out, as most people know, she had lost both her husband and her son to the same mining disaster and she portrayed it well. Her hair, clothes, and manner all showed who she'd been, which was a hard working and loving wife and mother.
       For me, this is my favorite season for her. I loved her character, her mother knows best attitude with Jack, and pretty much everything in between about her. Her soft, yet determined nature, and how loving she was to everyone. Even the drunk, Wendell Backus.

       In Season 2, she remained the same in some ways, yet she was different. She had more confidence about her, more assurance concerning her future. She was dating Bill at the time (How weird is it to think of that now?) and enjoying life. When she discovered her daughter in-law, she welcomed her with open arms, despite the fact that it had been kept a secret. She even cared enough to go all the way to Hamilton and help get her out of the bad situation she was in.

 

Her Life

       Moving on,  Abigail began her relationship with Frank and weathered many hardships in her life, including the flood, Jack almost drowning, and eventually his leaving for the Northern Territories. She ran a successful business and took on the role of mayor when Gowen was arrested, all the while raising her adopted children, Becky and Cody.

       She attended three weddings as the maid of honor, wished Frank well when he left to follow his calling, and birthed three babies. She was Elizabeth's shoulder to lean on once Jack died, and a big reason Elizabeth didn't leave Hope Valley.

     Wow! (Wipes forehead) All this just goes to say what a huge role Abigail played in WCTH. Truthfully, aside from Jack and Elizabeth, she was the main character of the show. She was a wonderful person and truly cared about everyone in Hope Valley.

Her Exit

       There was/is a lot of controversy over Abigail's exit. The whole ordeal with Lori was so big that it actually halted Season 6 less then half way through. I sort of understand why Hallmark did what they did in removing her character, and they really pulled off the rest of the season very well. Although, I find it sad that we couldn't watch the episodes they'd already filmed with her, and then have her leave next season. I just really don't know about all the legal terms regarding those sort of things.
     Anyhow, her leaving to take care of her sick mother works very well. It leaves room for her character to return, yet if the writers should decide not to, it also gives a reason for her to stay away. The situation is also along the lines of something that Abigail would do, and so that works even better.

      Despite all this, however, there are three problems that arise from Abigail's absence.

#1. Her character left a huge hole in the town and the story.

       For me there will never be another Abigail and with her gone there is a vacancy in two jobs. Now, I believe that the writers will be able to patch this up. It will give another character a chance to be mayor, which is good because it feels like they were really over due for an election anyway. I'm not sure how long their mayor's term goes, but six years without an election seems like a long time. It will even open up a lot of story possibilities for next season!
      As for the cafe, they have already been managing without Abigail while she's been mayor, so they should be good. Although, it's sad that she won't be running it anymore. It was such a nice story line in Season 1 with her fixing it up and baking fresh cookies for everyone. But once again, I believe it could set up lots of possibilities for Season 7's stories.

       The worst part of this is all the friends she's leaving behind, most importantly Elizabeth. Those two were SO close. They were each other's best friends, and always supported each other. It will be odd not having Abigail for Elizabeth to consult with. Especially considering the love triangle that we have going on! Now of course Elizabeth still has so much love and support around her with the Coulters, Bill, and pretty much everyone in Hope Valley. She could talk to any of them. She just had such a special bond with Abigail that no one can totally replace.

       Side Note: The "other" worst part is that I'll never get to see if she and Henry became a couple! And it was really starting to look like that could happen. (Man...)

#2 It was like she never existed.

       Moving onto the second problem, I find it very odd that, other than Elizabeth's journal entry, Abigail's name was never spoken of again. I do understand that the WCTH Team had quite the predicament on their hands with all the editing and re-shooting for S6. I also may understand why they totally cut her out, but it's still really weird if you think about it. For her being such good friends with everyone, you'd think someone would talk about her.

#3 What About Cody???

     You thought I forgot about him didn't you? Well, I certainly have not! Sadly for many many Hearties he left right along with Abigail. Once again I understand why he couldn't be there, but it's very unfortunate for the actor that he lost his role. I do believe that the writers could totally figure out a way for him to come back to Hope Valley.
       It could be something like, Cody misses his friends so either Abigail's sister or a childhood friend of hers, brings him back. She could also run the cafe resulting in a double win! (Score!)

Her Future

       I really don't have an answer for this other than I don't know. Abigail was such a central  character to the series and Lori Loughlin played her so well and in her own unique way that I think it would be very hard and extremely awkward if the writers tried to replace her.  It's sort of like with Jack. No one would have believed or accepted another actor trying to play him. For me, the same goes for Abigail.

       So in my personal opinion, I think that for now it's best that she stays with her mother until we find out what happens concerning Lori. Until then, we shall do as Elizabeth said and soldier on!

       Thanks so much for reading! Feel free to comment below or on my Twitter page! God Bless!