Big Sky Review: The Muffin or the Hammer (Season 2 Episode 15)
Really good drama and melodrama collide on Big Sky Season 2 Episode 15, “The Muffin or the Hammer.”
There are some surprising and well-written plot points that have both authentic and over-the-top aspects to them. Then there are ridiculous story elements but with earnest enough performances that make scenes work somehow …although, sometimes not.
Overall, I would say it evens out by the end of the episode, but that is not to say it feels balanced throughout. It actually feels quite choppy and inconsistent. Having said that, there are some things I really like about this episode that include some of those sillier moments.
This makes my thoughts on the episode sound quite wishy-washy, so let me try to break it down. And, as always, there are spoilers ahead.
The Good
Firstly, the Bhullars. This Canadian drug cartel is a great addition to the Big Sky fam. They are making their time count. Much like the Kleinsassers from Big Sky Season 1.
They consist of interesting characters with shifting motivations that deal in the high-stakes international drug trade. Not only do they bring that drama, but there’s also a whole lotta charm, quirkiness, and intriguing appeal that comes along with it.
Ren is fascinating—I love everything about what Janina Gavankar does with this character. She is compelling no matter who she is interacting with, and often delivers some of my favorite dialogue.
It was Ren that saw Tonya’s potential and gave her a chance, so thanks to her we have Jamie-Lynn Sigler as a shrewd criminal businesswoman. Tonya’s relationship with fellow cartel colleage Donno, is an amusing aside.
Veer and Alicia are behaving super sus, and I really want to know why he is lacing their own supply. Is it some sort of test for his children? How much and in what capacity is Alicia involved? I have many questions.
Secondly, Cassie has returned and Jerrie is still in town. Both of these woman contain so much of the heart of the show—it doesn’t ever feel fully complete when they’re not around. Furthermore, their attraction to Mark is what brought me around to accepting that character as worthy of the show.
Love triangles are tricky beasts. The concept itself rides a fine line of being cliche or being crafty. Here on Big Sky, with so much of its soapy drama, the chance of failure is high.
But, it works.
It works because Kylie Bunbury, Jesse James Keitel, and Omar Metwally handle their characters in this situation deftly. It works due to the succinct storytelling that doesn’t drag it out. We know Keitel is guest-starring at this point so it’s safe to assume Mark’s choice will be Cassie—it just makes the most sense.
The danger lies in getting there, but Big Sky pulls it off.
Jerrie and Cassie are both practical women which benefits Mark greatly in the pickle in which he finds himself. Jerrie tells him, “Sounds like you have a decision to make,” and poor Mark’s brain short-circuits.
But, when he goes to see Cassie, her reaction to his bashful bumbling without even knowing there is a choice, she gives him the answer he’s looking for.
The Bad
The Travis and Jenny of it all are responsible for the majority of the melodrama but with good story behind it.
Which is quite the converse of the aforementioned well-executed love triangle trope.
And talk about a pickle! Jenny and Travis are both in deep with this messy drug cartel business. Unfortunately, this absorbing narrative is conveyed through overblown performances. Though, luckily, the danger and what’s at stake is still felt.
The death of Dhruv is another confounding bit. This is a dramatic direction to take—both one I agree with as well as dislike. I am legit bummed that big lovable lug is dead, but I can understand the reasoning behind it.
While the fight scene is done very well, I do not believe for a second that the fentanyl, even laced, would kill a man of his massive size that quickly or cleanly.
But, anyway, RIP Dhruv.
The Hilarious
The way Jenny says “druGGS” so dramatically.
What did you think of this episode of Big Sky? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Big Sky airs Thursdays at 10/9c on ABC.
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Erin Allen
Erin is a former script supervisor for film and television. She's an avid fan of middle aged actresses, dark dramas, and irreverent comedies. She loves to read actual books and X-Files fan fiction. Her other passions include pointing out feminist issues, shipping Mulder and Scully, and collecting pop culture mugs.