Big Sky Review: Keys to the Kingdom (Season 2 Episode 16)
The drama is really ramping up on Big Sky Season 2 Episode 16, “Keys to the Kingdom.”
In my review of the previous episode, Season 2 Episode 15, “The Muffin or the Hammer,” I was conflicted about my overall opinion because there were both strong and weak elements all throughout. I had to break it down between the good and the bad.
Fortunately, there’s no need for that in this review.
It’s really pleasing to see good storytelling come together, and this episode is some damn fine storytelling. From the perfect love triangle wrap-up and conversations on grief to the major moves happening within the Bhullar family cartel, it’s non-stop thrills and entertainment.
The Bhullar Cartel v. The Sheriff’s Office
The battle between these two organizations is filled with complications, and both sides have both wins and losses, so it’s anyone’s guess as to how things will play out.
Causing a lot of those complications is a rageful, grieving father hellbent on avenging his son’s death due to laced drugs supplied by the crime family. This character is super clichéd, but, thankfully, it no longer bogs down the story like it did when the Ford family was introduced on Season 2 Episode 14, “Dead Man’s Float.”
Richard’s gone rogue; which takes him, first, to Tonya’s office, and then to Sheriff Tubb’s home where he shoots the lawman on accident, ending with him showing up at Ren’s ready to make good on that vengeance.
I don’t see this ending well for Richard Ford.
Meanwhile, Travis is caught between a rock and a hard place: tasked with killing Jenny by the head of the cartel and the crime family, Veer Bhullar. However, Veer’s children are starting to doubt his commitment to the business.
There are so many different family dynamics at play here with The Bhullars and The Fords, and along with the many complications that come with Jenny and Travis’ complicated relationship, it makes for really rich storytelling.
Also, Constance Zimmer as Alicia is so freaking fabulous. I love her lawyerly, badass, girl boss moment in Tubb’s office.
Love and Death
The potentially messy love triangle is diffused by two pragmatic women that respect each other.
I’m living for all of Jerrie’s looks and expressions when Cassie and Mark show up at the office together, morning-after style. That is the exact right amount of tension for the situation. And it concludes nicely with an earnest, heartfelt talk between the women that seamlessly transitions into the subject of their recent losses.
This, in turn, sets up a suitable out for Jerrie. We knew Jerrie’s comeback would be temporary—Jesse James Keitel is starring in the upcoming Queer As Folk reboot—and it’s a relief that she won’t leave as a direct result of Cassie and Mark getting together.
Stray Observations:
- I love Tonya’s character development. Jamie-Lynn Sigler is killing it! Pun intended.
- I’m always here for Ren’s feminist wisdom. And the Ren/Tonya friendship, for that matter.
- Where’s the House of Bhullar spin-off?! I need it.
What did you think of this episode of Big Sky? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Big Sky airs Thursdays at 10/9c on ABC.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
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.