‘Big Sky’ Recap: ‘Pilot’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Big Sky’.
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If there is one thing that we can all agree upon, it would have to be that we live in a relatively safe world. Because despite the hiccups that happen from time to time, we go on about our day and our lives with little concern. For we know that our communities are filled with good people and if by chance something were to happen to us, technology would be there to save the day and while there is a lot of merit to this line of thinking, it isn’t always one hundred percent true. For the world can surprise us at any given moment and put us in a perilous position that we’ve never quite faced before, one where technology and the good nature of others… mean nothing. 
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But while that is an ominous statement to make, one that could in essence be called fear-mongering in its own right, that’s simply not the case. For the whole point in shedding a little light upon such a harsh reality, is to remind us to always be vigilant when the situation calls for it, and to always trust your instincts when something seems suspicious, so that we never experience a false sense of security in regard to our world. If anything, holding to that particular line of thinking and being on guard when necessary should have us ready for anything the world throws our way and all of this is relevant to our discussion today, simply because a false of sense of security permeates the fabric of the new ABC series, Big Sky.

For the ‘Pilot’ episode of this fascinating new show lulls the audience into that very thing by introducing us to the good people of Helena, Montana. And in this tiny little berg, a lot of mundane drama takes place. After all, Jenny and Cody Hoyt, a married pair of private investigators, are dealing with some serious marital problems when we catch up with them here; the kind that includes a little infidelity. Since Cody opts to sleep with someone from their P.I. practice and in a nearby town, we also meet Montana State Trooper Rick Legarski who is dealing with a failing marriage of his own since he cannot separate his work from his personal life and well, the wonder of this boring introduction is that it really does suck the audience in and shock them… when it is revealed that this idyllic part of the world is harboring some ugly secrets.

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Because a trucker named Ronald Pergman drives around these parts and this marginalized and seemingly introverted man is harboring quite the horrifying secret. In that, he likes to pick up prostitutes and violently harm them to satisfy whatever unsettling urges are raging through his mind and soul and unfortunately, on one fateful night, an aggressive chance encounter with a young woman and her sister motivates Ronald to bring them into his twisted world as well, and now it will be up to Jenny and Cody to piece together where these women have gone and well… it’s best that we end our discussion of the plot right there. So as to not spoil that powerful ending, one that truly hammers home how our perception of what’s safe in this world isn’t always accurate and really, the twists and turns are what makes this pilot so worth our while.
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Because truly, nothing is what it seems in this story, and that makes for a delightful storytelling experience for certain. One that keeps you guessing every single step of the way and one that genuinely shocks you when the biggest reveal arrives. But most important of all, this complex and engrossing setup really does do a phenomenal job of exploring its key message about safety and vigilance. Since Danielle and Grace lulled themselves into a false sense of security when they initially dealt with dear Ronald and that cost them dearly, as did Dani’s belief that maybe, just maybe… he’d rise above their road rage incident and offer them a shred of kindness and mercy and oddly enough, their dealings with Ronald and the ending of this episode actually allowed for the story to offer up a bonus bit of commentary on the world as well.

In that, looks can in fact, be deceiving and that there is no such thing as a truly safe place. Because when the circumstances are right and evil has found a way to thrive, awful things can and will happen in Anytown, U.S.A. and in the end, it’s up to people that genuinely believe in the safety of others and what’s just and right in the world to put a stop to it and it would seem that’s exactly what Hoyt Private Investigations is going to do in this tale. For the Hoyt’s are good people, and they are on the case now and racing against time to save three innocent lives from a horrible fate and that is one of the many reasons to continue this dynamic and thrilling journey. One that undoubtedly has more surprises and commentary in store for us as this incredible and unsettling tale continues along. Until next time.

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