Life in Ransom Canyon will never be the same by the end of the Netflix western’s first season.
The sexy, soapy series lassoed plenty of drama in its first 10 episodes, from a devastating tornado to the tragic loss of a town staple — Cap Fuller, played by the iconic James Brolin. Unfortunately, it’s Brolin’s status as an icon that ultimately led to his character’s demise in Episode 10.
“We wanted someone who was kind of iconic like Jim to [play Cap], but we weren’t sure if he’d really sign up to do multiple seasons,” showrunner April Blair tells TVLine. “So I always had in my head that his passing would be the thing that sort of [changed everything]. Once Jim came, he was like, ‘I would stay!’ But we were sort of already in the process of killing him off, which was sad.”
time to see what has changed. Quinn’s return is our reentry into Ransom Canyon. We’ll see and experience it with her.”
MRS. YANCY GREY REVEALED | I don’t know too much about where the storyline with Yancy’s estranged wife is headed — other than it being bad news for Ellie — but I can reveal this fun behind-the-scenes secret: the woman who played his wife in the finale was actually Erica Dasher, who previously starred on Blair’s then-ABC Family series Jane by Design. “I don’t know that she’ll actually play the wife [in Season 2],” Blair says. “That’s why we only showed her from behind. But she was visiting me in New Mexico, and I was like, ‘Can I make you the back of a mystery head?’”
REID’S ‘LOYALTY’ IS TESTED | If you enjoyed watching Lucas and Reid’s unlikely bromance develop throughout Ransom Canyon’s first season, you’re going to love what Season 2 has in store. “They hit some roadblocks, but they definitely maintain a friendship,” Blair says. “Reid evolves into someone who’s conflicted about life. He knows the sacrifices his dad made to save their ranch, but he also doesn’t agree with all of his dad’s moves. His dad moves a little wild sometimes. He has a loyalty to his father and a loyalty to his friendship with Lucas, and how he navigates those in Season 2 is fun — and a little heart-wrenching.”
A ‘FRESH MYSTERY’ | With the truth about Margaret’s accidental involvement in Randall’s death finally exposed, Lauren’s mom is now behind bars and “that mystery has been put to bed,” Blair says. “You never move on from the loss of a child, but we wanted Staten to be able to start growing emotionally and letting go of that ghost.” But with a new season comes new drama — and a new question mark for the people of Ransom Canyon. “In Season 1, the pipeline was threatening to come in. In Season 2, it’s being laid and constructed. There’s a whole new, fresh mystery and engine to Season 2.”
OK, let’s talk: Did you enjoy your trip to Ransom Canyon? Are you hoping for a (very likely) Season 2 renewal? Who are your favorite and least favorite characters? Whatever’s on your mind, drop it in a comment below.
