Ep 1. The Principle

Big Sky season 1 episode 1 titled "The Principle" introduces us to the world of private detectives Cassie Dewell and Cody Hoyt, two former police officers who shake off their pasts to work together in Montana.

The episode opens with a young woman, Danielle, driving along a secluded highway to meet her boyfriend. As she turns off the road onto a dirt track, someone rams her vehicle, sending it spinning in the opposite direction. When she wakes up, she finds herself trapped and in a desperate situation.

Cassie and Cody, who are former lovers, are working on a case to track down two girls who have gone missing. The pair of them gets on the case after discovering that one of the girls, Danielle, is Cody's son's ex-girlfriend. The relationships between the characters are already tense and complicated from the start, and tensions only rise as the group works together to uncover the truth.

In addition to Cassie and Cody, we also meet Jenny Hoyt, Cody's wife, who is in law enforcement. Cody's children Jenny and Justin also play a part in the story, adding an extra layer of complexity to the dynamic between the characters. However, the central focus is on the missing girls and the suspenseful investigation surrounding them.

As the first episode unfolds, the mystery gets deeper and the characters become increasingly intertwined. The editing goes back and forth between the search for the missing girls and Danielle, who is still struggling to survive her abductor. We are introduced to law enforcement officials, including Sheriff Wagy, and state trooper Rick Legarski, who have their own perspectives on the case.

The storytelling is immersive, and the suspense builds throughout the episode. We see the characters's different approaches and how their different experiences impact their decision-making. It's clear that there is a lot at stake, and the tension of the situation is palpable.

What's especially interesting about the first episode is that it sets up multiple storylines that will undoubtedly intersect later on. In addition to the main plot of finding the missing girls, Cassie is dealing with personal issues of her own, and Cody's relationship with his estranged wife is hinted at in a few scenes. There's a lot going on, providing an intriguing setup for the rest of the season.

Despite the darker storyline, there are lighter moments throughout, such as the banter between Cassie and Cody and the familial exchanges. There's also a mix of beautiful landscapes and gritty, menacing shots that provide a sense of visual contrast.

Overall, Big Sky season 1 episode 1 is a thrilling introduction to the show's world - one that promises a lot of drama and suspense in the episodes to come. It's a successful blend of character-driven storytelling and intense suspense, leaving viewers hooked and ready for more.