Ransom Canyon (2025) s01e01 Episode Script

.
["I Got You" by Brophy playing]
I'm just a drifter in the open ocean ♪
Never knowing what's underneath ♪
Needing somethin'
just to stop the motion ♪
Slow me down and set me free ♪
Spent your life
looking over your shoulder ♪
Wasting time
Always on the run ♪
Can't seem to get away from trouble ♪
Fighting back but it always comes ♪
But you got what I want ♪
And I got what you need ♪
[man] Happy birthday, Randall!
I was at the cliff. I missed you.
And we will break the sky wide open ♪
Ride the river where the waters meet ♪
We're gonna get to where we're goin' ♪
'Cause I got you and you got me ♪
We're gonna get to where we're goin' ♪
'Cause I got you and you got me ♪
And we will break the sky wide open ♪
'Cause I got you and you got me ♪
We're gonna get to where we're goin' ♪
'Now I got you and you got me ♪
[meat sizzling]
[people chattering]
[chill music playing]
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
[gentle music playing]
- I'll catch up with you soon.
- [man 1] Quinn.
- Well, if it isn't Staten Kirkland.
- In the flesh.
- Better late than never.
- [man 2] Quinn.
Staten.
- Davis.
- Great party.
What can I say?
I'd do anything for my nephew.
Look at you. New dress.
- No--
- Brings out the amber flecks in your eyes.
Thank you.
I'll leave you to it. I, uh I got
a big birthday reveal in the works, so
[giggles]
- "The amber flecks in your eyes"?
- He was just being nice.
- It's good to see you out off the ranch.
- It's been a while.
That's what the doctor prescribes
after your wife dies.
Two years of heavy sulking,
go all-out shut-in, grow the beard out.
[Quinn] I love it.
Well, I mean, if you like it
might as well keep it, right?
[girl laughs] Okay.
Hey, hey, hey, hey.
Shots for the birthday boy.
[boy] Ow!
Always looking for trouble.
Baby, I'm not looking for trouble.
I am trouble.
[hushed] Reid, here he comes.
Hey, Uncle Staten.
Hey, boys. Lauren.
Could I get a minute?
- Yeah.
- [Lauren] Mm-hmm.
Thanks.
Where were you this morning?
I waited at the cliff for you.
I never said I was coming.
It's our tradition, Randall.
- [car horn honks]
- [Reid] Randall!
[engine revs]
Hold Hold
[pensive music plays]
[Randall] Where are we going?
[Reid] Trust me, trust me.
[Randall laughs]
- No way!
- Yes!
- What?
- Yes!
Uncle Davis!
[Davis] Yeah.
Come on, Dad!
I told him it was your favorite.
[Randall] This is sick.
Most of you knew my sister.
I know right now she's looking down on us.
And she's, uh
She's saying, "Davey
you are spoiling that boy."
As I should.
[Randall laughs]
- Happy birthday, Randall.
- Oh my God. Thank you, Uncle Davis.
[guests clapping]
[Davis] Enjoy.
[woman] Let's go.
[Staten] You're gonna
return that car first thing.
People like Davis
do not give gifts without strings.
What've you got
against Uncle Davis anyway?
You act like you're
the only one who lost somebody.
- Okay, I'm warning you--
- You're an asshole.
- That is enough!
- God, I wish it was you that died.
- Randall! Hey! R
- [door slams]
[phone vibrates]
[Staten groans]
Yeah, hello?
[ominous tone surges]
What are you talking about?
[Staten exhales]
[phone clatters]
[Staten sobbing]
[peaceful music playing]
[woman] Hey, Quinn.
Let's go, Biscuit.
[door closes]
[Biscuit pants, then yips]
Sorry I'm late, Ellie.
Tractor died again. It's a whole thing.
You realize how long it's gonna take me
to sow three acres of lavender by hand?
Well, I hate to pile on,
but the Banjees just canceled.
- But they're playing tonight.
- Not anymore they're not.
[sighs]
How am I supposed to run a dance hall
when the musical acts keep canceling?
Well, I happen to know a musician.
- [laughing] No.
- Yes.
- No.
- Why not?
We both know the piano I play
isn't the kind
people around here like to dance to.
That and I'm meeting Staten
at the game tonight.
And don't give me that look.
What look?
That look.
Okay, I'm not giving any look.
He's my friend, Ellie.
You and Amalah were friends.
It's not your job to put
her husband's heart back in one piece.
And even if it were, Quinn,
I'm not so sure you could. I mean,
not after Randall.
[sighs]
[crowd noises swelling]
- [percussion playing]
- [crowd cheering]
Let's go!
Yeah, baby! Let's go!
[marching band playing lively music]
[woman] Woo-hoo! Spartans!
[girl] Go, Spartans!
- That cherry soda for me?
- [Quinn laughs]
Davis. No, it's not.
[blows raspberry]
- I am wounded. Yeah.
- Are you? Oh.
It's all right. You can make it up to me.
- Can I?
- Mm. Dinner at Maeve's.
[both laugh]
Not exactly the reaction I was hoping for.
I'm sorry.
It's just that you've had
a really long time to ask me that.
You've heard of the friend zone?
- Mm-hmm.
- That's right here.
But way up here
- is the brother of the best friend zone.
- Hmm.
That one's real hard to shake off.
In fact, most men don't make it.
You seem to think you have.
Well, you know. Haven't I?
- I don't know.
- Think about it. The offer stands.
- I'm a real good time.
- Oh!
[sentimental music plays]
Hey.
Hey.
- I feel weird.
- Oh really? Couldn't tell.
[laughing] Oh, piss off.
[Quinn giggles]
- Nachos?
- Oh, thank you.
- Cherry soda?
- Oh!
Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- [marching band plays]
[crowd cheering]
[people whooping]I
[crowd cheers and applauds]
[exhales] Okay.
Any sign of that UT scout?
No, no one's ever gonna come out here.
[romantic music plays]
Lucas Russell's having a glow-up.
Really? No, I did not notice.
- [percussion plays]
- Okay, guys.
- One on one. Ready!
- [team] Break!
[players grunting]
Come on.
[grunts]
Yes! Yes!
Oh shit! [laughs]
- Sorry.
- It's okay.
[quarterback] Ready! Hut!
[grunting]
[grunts]
[whistle blows]
[melancholy music playing]
Hey.
- You okay?
- Yeah.
Yeah.
- Let's get you out of here.
- No, no, no, I'm fine.
I'm good. You stay.
I'm gonna be by tomorrow
to look after that tractor. Okay.
Hut!
[players grunting]
[stirring music playing]
[crowd cheers]
[brakes squeal]
[engine shuts off]
This isn't a good idea, Lucas.
We weren't invited.
Yeah, we're never invited.
It's never a good idea.
Come on, Jack.
["Espresso" by Ryan Oakes plays]
Every single hurdle they try to fit in ♪
I clear them with a clear conscience
I'm never trippin' ♪
I had a bucket list
until it went and kicked the bucket ♪
I gave it up to move the needle
and it's barely budgin' ♪
It ain't no Biggie rhyme
We can try to up the budget ♪
But every time they pull the strings
I feel like I'm a puppet ♪
You're the worst
Go to work ♪
If you hurt
Rub in dirt ♪
Why you mad? ♪
[indecipherable party chatter]
Speed up ♪
Put it first
Write a verse ♪
Reimburse ♪
What about "this is over"
do you not understand, Reid Collins?
Babe, you said you wanted space
and I gave you space.
- But it's gone on long enough, okay?
- I know.
I just think we want different things.
- Hmm.
- Right?
I want something that's
more than this town.
More isn't always better, Lauren.
You'll change your mind. You'll see.
You and me are meant to be.
- [Reid laughs]
- [boys shouting]
Ooh. Careful.
That stuff will kill you.
Consider my life saved.
- Means you owe me a blood debt.
- A blood debt?
Is that right?
Now you gotta save me back.
[laughs quietly]
Deal's off.
[lively music playing]
You don't have to tell me
this town is sitting on liquid gold.
I'm the one who pushed the permits
through city hall.
[man] We appreciate that, Mr. Collins,
but in order to run that pipeline
to the aquifer,
you need to get Staten Kirkland
and Cap Fuller on board.
Without them, the deal is off the table.
Don't worry. I'll get it done.
That second mortgage on your ranch
is depending on it.
Yeah.
- What are you doing?
- Same thing we've been doing for months.
Yeah, but what if Reid sees?
I can take care of myself.
[Lauren moans]
[soft piano music plays]
[both breathing heavily]
[music continues]
[intriguing music plays]
[vehicle approaches]
[police radio chatter]
[officer] Can I help you, son?
Uh, just heading up to the Fuller Ranch.
Got some work lined up there.
- I'll give you a ride.
- [pats seat]
Come on.
- [car door closes]
- Howdy.
Yancy Grey.
Sheriff Brigman.
Welcome to Ransom Canyon, Yancy.
Where'd you say you were from again?
You know.
Here and there. No place special.
I take it you worked a ranch before?
- Yeah.
- Anywhere I'd know?
Uh
- It--
- Let me guess.
Here and there. No place special.
[laughs] Relax, just busting your chops.
Knowing Cap Fuller, you might want
to head back to here and there.
- Why is that?
- I guess you'll find out.
[animated music playing]
[car door closes]
You're late.
- Sorry about that. Yancy Grey.
- Let's go.
[horse whinnies in distance]
[whinnies]
Now the stalls need mucking,
the horses need shoeing,
fences need mending.
Days are long,
and we already agreed on pay.
That is well,
I don't renegotiate, you got it?
- I'm your man, Mr. Fuller.
- Your new digs.
[horse snorts]
That a problem?
Feels like home already.
["Color You In" by Yam Haus playing]
Don't think twice
about what this means ♪
It's just a fantasy
Spinning like rotisserie ♪
When we first caught eyes
I was red in the cheeks ♪
You were a canvas
Standing in front of me ♪
I wanna color you in ♪
Morning to you too, Staten.
I wanna color you in ♪
[Quinn] Come on, Biscuit.
[light alternative music fades]
[horses whinnying]
Cap?
You in here?
Just who in the hell are you?
- [bangs]
- [Yancy] Ah! Damn!
I think you'll survive.
- Is that your medical opinion?
- Matter of fact, it is.
I used to be a nurse.
Sorry if I rattled you.
Don't be.
You didn't.
You gonna tell me who you are now?
- Cap's new foreman.
- Oh right!
- Randy.
- Yancy.
And you are?
Ellie Estevez.
Cap and my pops go way back,
so I pop in, keep an eye out,
do some errands for him.
Actually, would you mind
taking this to the house?
Blood pressure meds.
I'm kinda running late for work.
- Hospital?
- Bar.
Well, dance hall.
You should, um, stop by.
"Welcome to Ransom" drinks on me.
I just might do that.
It's nice to meet you, Ellie Estevez.
[soft music playing]
Huh.
Look at you.
[foreboding music playing]
What the hell?
[students chattering]
["Blondie" by Modern Aquatic
playing on truck radio]
Hey, thanks for the ride.
- Don't forget, rent is due today.
- Yeah, yeah, I got it handled.
Keep focusing on school, all right?
[Lucas groans]
Oh!
- And stay out of trouble, Kit.
- Mm.
And you
You try ♪
To work your way back in
to see my life ♪
[laughs] Way to shoot your shot, bro.
- [class bell rings]
- [upbeat alternative music stops]
- Guess what?
- What?
[laughs] Turns out UT's scout
was at the game after all.
Shut up.
She wants us to come to Austin
for their cheer clinic.
- You know what this could mean?
- It could mean a full ride to UT!
- That's right. We did it, bitch.
- We did it, yeah!
[laughing and screaming]
[Quinn] Oh.
- Would you like some pie?
- Hm.
- Needs a new belt, doesn't it?
- Yep.
- Did I not say it was the belt?
- You did.
And you were right.
Sorry about last night.
Shouldn't have pushed you to go.
No, you didn't
You didn't push. It's fine.
I just I guess I just wanted
Wanted to what?
What, ease me back
into the world of the living?
Yeah.
I get it.
Oh, I can do that.
Already done.
[water shuts off]
[quiet, emotional music playing]
You used to wear your hair like that
in high school.
Yeah.
Okay, well, I'll figure that belt out
and get back to you tomorrow.
All right.
Yeah, okay. I'll see you then.
[footsteps receding]
[vehicle approaching]
[engine shuts off]
[truck door closes]
I'm gonna need a drink for this.
[Staten exhales]
- [bottle top clinks]
- So
To what do I owe the pleasure, Davis?
You're really gonna make me say it?
Well, I know it's not because you want me
to sell my land to those Austin water boys
so they can build
their damn pipeline, right?
This is my home.
I know.
And it will stay that way.
They'll guarantee a leaseback.
Nothing changes.
Except you, me, and Cap
will all be, uh, several million richer.
Yeah. I don't need any more money.
[laughing] Yeah, I know you don't.
But, you know, you inherited
60,000 acres in a trust fund, so
[laughs] Yeah, well,
you're not doing so bad yourself, are you?
[exhales]
Staten
This would be good for Ransom,
for the town.
Look, don't be so provincial. Think about
people apart from yourself for once.
You got no goddamn sense.
The world's drying up.
That aquifer feeds our wells,
our crops, and our cattle,
and I'm not gonna let them run it dry.
You understand?
[tense music playing]
Staten, the town has already
granted permission for the pipeline.
It's only a matter of time
until I find a way,
with or without you.
Thanks for the drink.
[distant birds calling]
[horse squealing]
[whinnying]
[snorts]
[Staten whispers] Hey.
It's okay. It's okay,
it's okay, it's okay.
Hey, it's all right.
It's all right.
You gotta be patient, all right?
Breaking a horse takes time.
All right. Come on.
It's okay. It's okay.
Ready, boss?
[wind blowing]
[sighs]
[solemn music playing]
[sniffles]
[quietly sobbing]
[mysterious music playing]
[Jake] What you got there, Staten?
An answer.
Who the hell's that?
Looks like Austin Water & Power
surveying for the pipeline again.
God damn it.
All right, you tell them
that this is private property.
If they don't leave, you shoot 'em.
Kidding. Just Just get rid of 'em.
[Staten] There it is.
There's your proof.
Proof of what exactly?
Proof there was another car
on the road that night.
[sighs]
Dan, I'm Listen, I'm telling you.
Somebody else made him crash.
Look, I know this is hard,
today being a year and all.
But your boy was alone
out there that night. You understand?
You gotta let this theory go.
Staten
Hey. [sighs]
Have you thought about taking a break?
Maybe giving yourself a little vacation?
Well, I'm just saying
it might do you some good.
Might Might do me some good?
You know what would do me some good, Dan,
is if you did your goddamn job.
[footsteps receding]
Why do you let him
talk to you like that, Sheriff?
Well, because that man
has lost everything he loves, Kai.
And he's looking for a reason.
Even if there isn't one.
[pensive music playing]
[mechanical creaking]
[machinery clicking and creaking]
- [creaking]
- [Staten grunts]
[creaking continues]
- [mechanism bangs]
- [Staten exclaims]
[frustrated groan]
[Quinn] Want me to get in there?
Smaller hands.
No, I'll get it.
[ratchet clicking]
[Staten panting]
[grunts]
Hey.
Talk to me.
I'm good.
[continues ratcheting]
Would you just let me fix the damn belt?
Yeah, you know what? Have at it, Staten.
[pensive music plays]
[class bell rings]
[Lauren] My mom's a drunk,
and I'm the one who has to stay.
Oh come on. Your dad wouldn't
make you give up a full ride at UT.
Well, he did.
He doesn't realize being stuck here
is what made my mom the way she is.
I just don't want to end up like her.
I won't.
Hey.
I'm not gonna let that happen.
[serious music playing]
[horse whinnies]
Not gonna use the power sander?
- You got a power sander?
- Yup.
Might have been, uh, helpful
to let me know before I started.
Well, I'm not one to micromanage.
[vehicle approaching]
[truck door opens]
[door closes]
Don't get up.
I know how hard that is for you
these days.
[Cap groans]
Couple years ago,
I'd have whooped your ass bad for that.
- Think we both know you still could.
- You want a beer?
No, no, I'm set. How you doing, old boy?
Eh.
You getting charitable over here?
We'll see how long he lasts.
What's eating at you?
[sighs]
- Austin Water & Power.
- Oh.
They been dripping honey in your ear too?
They're trying to.
Davis came by,
wants me to sit down with 'em.
I think we need to lock arms on this, Cap.
Let me talk to the utilities commission
and have them run some oversight.
The numbers they're batting around
ain't nothing.
Yeah, I know the numbers, all right?
But these are our homes
we're talking about.
These ranches are our legacy.
Legacy to who?
Our sons are dead.
[muffled music playing]
What can I get you?
Shiner'd be nice.
- [aggressive thud]
- [bottlecap clatters]
Did I miss something here?
I saw that article in your little book.
I care about Cap.
You could work at half a dozen ranches
for twice the pay.
It just didn't make any sense.
And then I--
And then you thought the worst. I get it.
Look, far as other ranches are concerned,
the last place I was at didn't go so well.
Cap was the only one
that didn't ask for references.
As far as that paper,
I was just trying to see
what his place used to be,
see if I could help bring it back.
And that's it?
That's it.
You so much as cross that old man
I will see to it you suffer.
Yes, ma'am.
[rap music playing]
Bad energy don't suit the fella ♪
Dunno why I keep that fruit ♪
Better calm down
They super jealous, over-zealous ♪
Cheers!
We celebrate
for the hell of it, got champagne pop ♪
Yo, uh, Lucas.
When are you gonna come
work for my dad, man?
- What?
- I mean, like, your brother's there now.
You know, your old man
was there back in the day.
Just a regular Russell family tradition.
Yeah, I guess so.
Your dad taught me how to ride
when I was a kid.
- I didn't know that.
- He was a hell of a wrangler too.
That he was.
[music continues]
Hey.
- What are y'all doing up here?
- [Reid] You're just in time.
I was about to clear something up
with Lucas here.
You need to leave my woman alone.
- Oh my God.
- [Lucas] Uh
I'm sorry. I think I'm mistaken.
Do we have a problem here?
You gotta be kidding me
with this toxic male whatever this is.
Really? Lucas, let's go.
Come on.
[ominous music plays]
- [police siren blares]
- [boy] Cops!
Yo, check it out, check it out!
- [teens clamoring]
- [boy] No, no!
[car engines revving, leaving]
Oh God. Did any of you guys drive?
- No.
- Ben was designated.
I don't have a car.
Great.
Okay, well
Yeah, we have no service either,
so we're stranded.
[Lauren sighs]
- Whoa.
- Hey, how is this my fault?
- [Lauren] Let's go.
- [Reid] What'd I do?
You were not at that show.
Rampart Theater, back row. I swear to God.
[laughs] You are full of it.
[laughs] Okay, listen.
I was at school.
Amalah told me
that you had a showcase concert.
Mm-hmm.
So I went into the city
and I, uh, saw you play.
You were You were unbelievable.
[laughs]
Okay, in case
it hasn't been abundantly clear,
I've had a thing for you
since since forever.
Look, I
I was always worried that you, um
You know,
you wouldn't see me as anything more
than your best friend's little brother
who was utterly infatuated with you.
And yet you've been
utterly infatuated before, Mr. Collins.
I was at your wedding.
- [laughs]
- Both of them.
Whatever happened to Miss Texas?
- It's complicated.
- Ah, okay.
So [clears throat]
Why didn't you go back?
When Amalah got sick
and you came home from New York?
Why didn't you go back?
[door opens]
It's complicated.
[door closes]
[footsteps approach]
[Staten] Hey, June. I'm here to pick up.
[June] Coming right up.
Thank you.
Tell your buddies
at Austin Water & Power to stop calling,
because I'm not selling. You understand?
Yeah, uh, sorry about that.
[apprehensive music playing]
Well
[somber music plays]
[thunder rumbles]
What the hell is she doing with Davis?
Oh my God.
[Lauren] Please, be quiet!
[Lucas] Oh hey! Hey!
[all] Hey!
And the Darwin Award goes to
[thunder crashing]
All right. There.
Let's take cover over there.
Ghost house? No way, man.
Fine. Freeze.
[wind blowing]
[frustrated growl]
[thunder continues]
[door slams]
- [thunder crashes]
- [Lauren gasps]
[Lauren] Guys
Reid, I don't have
a good feeling about this.
[floor creaks, snaps]
This floor isn't stable.
[floorboard creaks]
Hey, stop.
- It's gonna be fine.
- [Tim] Don't, man.
- What?
- [Lauren] Reid, stop.
- Reid, no!
- [crashing]
[Lucas and Reid yell]
- [Lauren gasps]
- Oh God.
- Over there!
- [boy] My leg!
[boy groans]
[floorboards crumbling]
[Lucas] Lauren, come on.
[thunder rumbles]
Lauren?
[panicked breathing]
- [boy moans]
- [floorboards crumble]
Look at me. Walk to me.
I can't move, I can't move.
[clattering]
Don't Don't let me fall.
[Lucas] I won't.
[Lauren gasping]
I've got you.
I got you. Come on.
[grunting]
Tim?
Tim!
Oh God.
[grunting]
[panting, groaning]
[Staten] Come on.
Ah!
[Staten] You guys stay put.
Sheriff's on his way.
[Tim groans]
[police radio chattering]
[Reid] Look, all right,
I could tell the floor was unsafe.
And I tried to get 'em
to stop horsing around over there.
They didn't. And then the floor gave out.
Nuh-uh.
- No, I'm gonna tell him the truth.
- Let's let him play the hero.
But, Lucas, this is just wrong. Like--
You know the truth.
That's all that matters to me.
[vehicle approaching]
[whispers] Is that your dad?
- [door opens and closes]
- Oh shit!
Dad, listen, I'm fine, okay?
Give me a minute to explain--
Not right now.
I'm still mentally composing the lecture
I'm gonna be giving you the next 10 years.
- Let's go.
- [dispatcher] 3-1, what's your 20?
Sarge, this is 4-9 Charlie
I'm gonna say this once and only once.
You stay away from that boy.
- That Russell family is trouble.
- But, Dad, you don't understand--
It's not up for discussion.
Now, I am willing
to reconsider that cheer clinic,
at least for now, but this
this is my one condition.
[somber music playing]
- Hey. Don't worry. Your nephew's okay.
- What happened?
Ah, he's banged up.
Broken legs and busted ribs,
but he's gonna be fine.
Your sister's in there now.
Thank you.
So, Davis, huh?
Now's not really the best time.
All right.
You're unbelievable, you know that?
You've had a piece of my heart
for as long as I can remember.
- Hold on. What are--
- Listen.
I buried it when you
and Amalah started dating.
Buried it even more
when you two got married.
I moved halfway across the country
to avoid it.
["Hold Me Steady" by Ronen playing]
When she got sick,
I was here for her and you.
And I've been here ever since,
through all of it.
Through the pain,
the grief.
Through Randall.
And I've waited.
I've waited for you to heal
to choose me.
But you're never gonna do that, are you?
Quinn, I
Why do you care what I do?
I don't.
Hold me steady
It's all so heavy sometimes ♪
Whoa ♪
Hold me steady ♪
Damn it.
Hold me steady ♪
Hold me steady ♪
[gentle piano music fades]
[lighter flicks]
- [vehicle approaches]
- [lighter shuts]
All's going to plan with Cap.
But you didn't tell me about the girl.
[soft, dramatic music playing]
Does it matter?
We're sure about this?
'Cause once you go through with it,
there's no going back.
That's what I'm counting on.
[soft, pensive music playing]
[music fades]