Some of these c@ryler posts going around right now are legit insane. First of all, no one has ever denied that they changed locations to film. But also, that initial information about Atlanta was like a year and a half ago. And here’s the thing, they also would have changed the location to Europe several months ago at LEAST. Planning takes time. We also have no way of knowing how long ago Mel dropped from the spinoff. But it definitely wasn’t the moment before it was announced, that’s completely ridiculous. This has been in the works for some time now. Now, if the reason is because of a move, then explain to me why Mel would not be able to move somewhere else for 2 to 3 months? It’s not like they are going to be in Europe for years at a time. And nothing would be stopping her from flying home on weekends. The real reason is because she’s done with the show. Or she wants a much longer break. The filming isn’t even going to start til next year. If the reason is that she has a sick elderly father, who knows what that situation would be by next year? The show isn’t premiering for TWO YEARS. Yet Mel dropped out so far ahead of time. And I honestly think that’s why JDM and Norman said what they said after the issue of the location and Norman and his family were attacked over it (for NO reason). The real reason behind it is that Mel wanted to take an extended break. I don’t think she would’ve stayed even if the filming had been in the Atlanta area. This is a grueling role, and the spin-off being less of an ensemble, at least at the beginning, means she would be on screen the vast majority of the time. There’s no episodes where she isn’t in them. No episodes with just a couple of scenes. This would be ALL the time, for almost every scene. She’s done this role for 12 years. She’s finished, at least for now. That should be understood and respected. Let her make her choice.
