In Season 3, Episode 2 of Big Sky , titled "," the mystery surrounding Sunny Barnes and her secretive son, Walter, intensifies as investigators Cassie Dewell and Beau Arlen track a missing backpacker. This episode originally aired on September 28, 2022 , on ABC. Key Plot Developments
At Sunny Day Excursions, campers Luke and Paige are revealed to be hiding their own secrets. Their relationship turns violent, leading to Paige disappearing and Luke being found by Emily, Beau's daughter, covered in blood near a stream.
Established as a "mama bear" willing to go to extreme, dark lengths to protect her son Walter.
Jenny Hoyt and Deputy Poppernak investigate a squatter named Paul at one of Tonya’s properties. They eventually learn he is a whistleblower hiding a major corporate secret.
Sunny Barnes (played by Reba McEntire) discovers the missing hiker, Mark, who is dying after a fall. Instead of seeking help, she stays with him until he passes away to protect her son Walter's presence in the woods.
Continues to bond with Jenny and Cassie, even bringing Cassie a "protective" gift of salt, a nod to Ackles' previous role on Supernatural .