Anna Pigeon‘s first major twist is here. Warning: Spoilers for Episode 6, “There’s Always a Road,” ahead!
Meek ranger wife Bethany (played wonderfully by Melanie Scrofano) broke bad in the sixth episode of Season 1. Turns out, Bethany might be a secret member of the Paulsen family – and she’s definitely helping evil patriarch Jeremiah (Kim Coates) do his dirty work in and around Glacier National Park. Anna (Tracy Spiridakos) is shocked to learn one of her newer friends within the park was at least partially responsible for the suffering she befell in the cave, but thankfully, Bethany is brought to justice quickly.
TV Insider sat down with Spiridakos and director/executive producer Lea Thompson to get their thoughts on the episode’s surprising turn with Bethany. “When we got [Scrofano] and she had time, we were just like, ‘How do we write more for her?’” recalls Thompson of casting the Wynonna Earp veteran. “We were so lucky. And the scenes between [Anna and Bethany] are just riveting and lovely and fun.”
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And what is next for Anna’s park ranger pal, Manny Lopez (Manuel Rodriguez-Saenz), Bethany’s shocked beau? “Manny is such a great character, and I think, he’s got so many twists and turns and he’s such a good person,” says Thompson. “He’s between a rock and a hard place. He obviously loves his wife….and I think that he goes through a lot.”
“You’d be surprised at what his response is with [Bethany], and also what his response is with Anna,” adds Spiridakos. “As much as what his wife did, [Bethany’s] still his wife, and part of him feels that’s complicated for him.”
And is Bethany definitely a Paulsen, after she insists Manny call “her father” and Jeremiah picks up? “It’s a pretty good hint,” teases Thompson, playfully.
As for the rest of the 10-episode season, expect more case-of-the-week installments as Anna simultaneously tries to take down Jeremiah. Still, says Spiridakos: “The park is [Anna’s] priority, and keeping it safe from those that wish to do it harm.”
“And then there’s always the mystery of what happened with [Anna’s] husband, who killed her husband,” adds Thompson. “Which we may or may not solve…ever!”
Check out the video interview above for more, including Thompson and Spiridakos’ favorite places the series shot this season and fun production details like how they shot with horse-to-horse cameras.
Anna Pigeon, Fridays, 10/9c, USA