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Ruth Wilson hints at more behind The Affair exit

“I did want to leave, but I’m not allowed to talk about why," reveals Ruth Wilson.

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Conspiracy theories continue over Ruth Wilson’s exit from The Affair.

Previous reports have noted her role was written out at her own request to depart, whilst highlighting her salary pay parity with co-star Dominic West.

In an appearance on CBS This Morning earlier this month, Wilson told co-host Gayle King, “I did want to leave, but I’m not allowed to talk about why.”

She added that she “never complained to Showtime about pay parity.”

Showtime followed with a statement that it was a creative decision and that Wilson’s character’s story had run its course.

“We can’t speak for Ruth, but heading into season four everyone agreed the character’s story had run its course. Ultimately, it felt like the most powerful creative decision would be to end Alison’s arc at the moment when she had finally achieved self-empowerment,” Showtime said. “The impact of her loss will be felt as the series concludes next season. We thank the many fans who embraced the character of Alison and especially thank Ruth for her indelible work over the past four seasons.”

The series returns in 2019 for a final season. Sans Wilson….

Source: Deadline

2 Responses

  1. This is giving me Mischa Barton and The OC flashbacks. It actually really sucks the way Alison’s departure was handled, also very similar to Marissa’s exit.

    I hate the way female characters, who are written as somehow damaged or unworthy, seem to always die at the hands of a male character trying to force their will upon them. And the end of their arc always comes right after they reach a level of self empowerment or happiness. This was particularly upsetting with Alison since she just started to overcome a lifetime of grief and depression. But, alas, if you’re a female and your storyline isn’t in service of a male character, then you’ve gotta go.

    It’s almost like the actress is being punished for wanting to leave, which completely tarnishes the legacy of the character. Literally any other ending would have been more appropriate.

    Thankfully there are the Meredith…

    1. My impression having watched only season 1 was that the story was leaning more to female sexploitation most of the time anyway, Noah was always ready to be the sexually dominant predator and it’s likely he would not have been attracted to a strong woman for that reason, the possibility for most of the male characters to resort to violence when their status was threatened was ever present, which may have been the attraction for some people to watch the show.

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