‘Big Sky’ Recap: ‘Love Is a Strange and Dangerous Thing’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season one finale of ‘Big Sky’.
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Normally, the ending of a crime drama is fairly predictable for certain. For we know that this is when our hero cop is going to make a final push to capture the murderous and wicked villain, and that exact push will lead to a bevy of tense chase scenes and a powerhouse finale. One that features a final showdown between good and evil. Where good is of course triumphant and the audience is left with a genuine feeling of satisfaction that justice has finally been done. But while we all look forward to that kind of fruitful ending in regard to the crime drama… it is definitely safe to say that fans of the ABC series, Big Sky, approached the season one finale of this series with trepidation and concern.
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Because time and time again, this crime drama has defied convention and the traditional structure of this genre to do its own thing and surprise us in the process and well… considering how the series premiere went, that concern was justified. Because anyone could have died in ‘Love Is a Strange and Dangerous Thing’ and that made the opening segment of this tale quite unnerving since Ronald and his honey Scarlet could have used their twisted intellect to harm both Lindor and Jerrie. But instead, they quietly spoke to another plan and let two of our heroes bring Ronald in. Which in turn offered up a sense of genuine calm and hope that this story might finally provide the viewers with something more traditional. Especially since Scarlet is so wildly unpredictable and could have turned on her new beau. 

In fact, to hammer home the possibility that the surprise in this tale might just be a normal ending, the series even provided us with a wonderful sense of justice when it comes to the Kleinsasser storyline. Since we were able to see Sheriff Wagy be led off in handcuffs and long after everyone had left, Margaret finally dealt with her husband the only way her family knows how… with swift and cruel violence. Putting an end to Horst and his evil ways, which in turn provided Cheyenne and Margaret with a wonderful path forward of their own design. But while that was indeed satisfying and comfortable, that would be the final time that anything ‘normal’ happened in this tale. For Ronald had sins to atone for and once he was alone with Jenny, Cassie and Lindor… this story took a turn as only Big Sky can.

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For the help and answers that Ronald offered to provide his captors with … was all a grand ruse. And while he was taking the time to play his own iteration of Hannibal Lecter and John Doe… Scarlet was executing the plan after all. One that involved using code words and the hard drive to bring forth emergency help. The kind that came about in the form of another Montana State Trooper. Who was quick to whisk Scarlet away and give her all kinds of goodies as part of an incredible escape plan to spring Ronald from the grip of law enforcement. And all they needed to execute that plan was time and Ronald definitely provided them with plenty of that… by dragging our heroes out to the middle of nowhere to show them what he had done to the mysterious Kelli ages ago. 
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Which in turn, put his convoy on an isolated road, where the syndicate could finally strike and strike, they did… and in the wake of their vicious attack, Lindor and Jenny were badly, badly wounded and of course, Ronald got away and was reunited with his love. Wherein they were told by another mysterious member of the syndicate to prepare for a new life in Canada, without Phoebe. News that didn’t settle well with Scarlet, and that motivated her to motivate Ronald to take charge of their situation and go and get her baby. Which means… they haven’t escaped just yet and there is hope that this dynamic duo of doom might still be captured by the authorities, provided of course Cassie can catch up with them in time and well… that’s where this episode leaves us. With damage in Ronald’s wake and Cassie on their trail and that really is the perfect way to end this particular tale.

Because it means that this storyline will end in a far more organic manner. One that isn’t rushed in the slightest to appease anyone and that makes this finale quite satisfying in own unique way. Mainly because we know resolution is coming since ABC has greenlit a second season for this unique crime drama. One that constantly keeps us on our toes and one that deserves a round of applause for this dynamic finale. Because this ending was devoid of commentary, and instead dedicated it’s time to simply thrilling us at every turn and it kept us guessing for certain and well… while there is indeed comfort that season two is on the way, that won’t make the wait for it any easier. Since every single fan of this series is now laser focused on enjoying the moment, that Ronald Pergman is put behind bars. Until next year.

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