The legal drama Bull on CBS has experienced another significant cast change, leaving fans questioning the absence of a beloved character. Following the earlier departure of hacker Cable McCrory, the Season 6 premiere revealed that Benny Colón, portrayed by original cast member Freddy Rodriguez, had also left the team. While Cable’s exit was marked by tragedy, Benny’s departure was explained in a more positive light, yet behind the scenes, the circumstances were more complex. This article delves into the on-screen and off-screen reasons behind Why Did Benny Leave Bull, providing a comprehensive look at this cast change.
In the premiere episode of Season 6, the characters addressed Benny’s absence during a karaoke scene. Marrisa, played by Geneva Carr, explained to the team that Benny was “blissfully happy in Rome, singing ‘Mi Amore’ to his Italian bride.” She emphasized that “true love won’t be denied,” after Danny (Jaime Lee Kirchner) expressed surprise at Benny’s swift move to Europe after a whirlwind one-month romance. Bull himself, played by Michael Weatherly, also endorsed this romantic explanation, seemingly putting a neat, positive spin on Benny’s exit within the show’s narrative. This on-screen explanation provided a sense of closure for Benny’s character, portraying his departure as a happy ending driven by love.
However, the on-screen narrative is only part of the story. Four months prior to the season premiere, reports surfaced about Freddy Rodriguez’s departure from Bull. This news arrived alongside the announcement that showrunner Glenn Gordon Caron, who had been with the show since Season 2, was also leaving. These departures followed a workplace investigation prompted by complaints from several staff writers after Season 5. While CBS confirmed Rodriguez’s exit concurrent with Caron’s, the network remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the workplace investigation and its direct link to the actor’s departure. This lack of transparency created speculation and fueled fan curiosity about the real reasons why did Benny leave Bull.
Adding another layer to the unfolding situation, reports indicate a somewhat contradictory timeline. When Bull was renewed for Season 6 in May, Rodriguez initially expressed his enthusiasm on Instagram, stating he was “Thrilled to announce that we will be returning for a Season 6.” However, this celebratory post was deleted shortly before the news of his departure broke a little over a week later. This deleted post suggests a potential shift in circumstances or a change of heart, further deepening the mystery surrounding why did Benny leave Bull.
In conclusion, while Bull offered a heartwarming, romantic reason for Benny Colón’s exit – love and a new life in Rome – the off-screen reality appears to be more nuanced. Freddy Rodriguez’s departure occurred in conjunction with a workplace investigation and the exit of the showrunner, suggesting these factors played a significant role. Although the network has not explicitly detailed the connection, the timing and circumstances strongly imply that the workplace investigation was a key element in why did Benny leave Bull. Ultimately, fans are left to reconcile the positive on-screen explanation with the more ambiguous and potentially problematic off-screen context surrounding this cast change. The departure of Benny Colón marks another shift for Bull, leaving viewers to ponder the future dynamic of the TAC team.