From what I understand, the “Garage Sale Mysteries” are among the highest-rated programs on Hallmark, and the channel has found an audience among viewers who are tired of the junk on broadcast TV and other cable nets. Hallmark would be reluctant to throw away such a valuable franchise, however:
- Like any corporation, Hallmark doesn’t want its name associated with scandal, particularly one that may drag on for many months
- And they don’t want to put one of their movie series on hold because the star is doing time in a minimum-security federal prison
- If Loughlin and her husband can reach plea deals quickly—that doesn’t involve jail time, she may survive, though her “brand” will be damaged for years to come. I can almost guarantee Hallmark has been “encouraging” this sort of move, and her attorneys are probably offering similar advice. The arrogance and sense of entitlement among Loughlin, her husband and their daughters put them into this position. It’s going to take a lot of carefully-managed contrition (and legal maneuvering) to keep their fannies out of the Big House and salvage some semblance of their careers.
Of course, that assumes the US attorney in Boston is willing to make a deal. A high-profile case like this one certainly enhances a prosecutor’s reputation/resume and he/she may be angling to send some of these wealthy parents to jail. And Loughlin is Target #1, because she paid $500K to get her idiot daughters into the University of Spoiled Children.
Ironically, Ms. Loughlin was in Vancouver—shooting a Hallmark movie—when the indictments were announced. She’s due in court again at the end of this month. Wonder if the judge will allow her to travel and meet her professional obligations? BTW, she is also a producer of the “Garage Sale Mysteries” so her financial interest in the project goes beyond an actor’s paycheck.
One last thing: I’m assuming Loughlin and her husband have hired crisis communications specialists to help them through the crisis. She deleted all social media within a few minutes of her indictment being announced, and that is one of the first actions recommended by crisis managers. But their biggest problem will be the daughters. They appear to be the models for spoiled rich kids, and some of their social media posts (if they still exist) aren’t exactly helping mom and dad’s case.
Ironically, Ms. Loughlin was in Vancouver—shooting a Hallmark movie—when the indictments were announced. She’s due in court again at the end of this month. Wonder if the judge will allow her to travel and meet her professional obligations?
What about her Hallmark Morals Clause????
Hey, that could be the new title of the movie...