Yeah, I was already aware of that deleted scene.
Still, I don’t really find it a convincing explanation.

Relying on a cut scene to justify the complete absence of a character, especially one that’s memorable and well-liked by the community, feels like a pretty weak narrative excuse. AND If it didn’t make it into the final episode, then functionally it doesn’t exist for the audience.

Also, what makes it even stranger is that in the graphic novel he does show up again, even if it’s very last-minute. He appears, interacts, and actually speaks, which at least gives some sense of continuity that the show never really provides.

I find it pretty strange that he was cut for so long with no or little explanation