Without a trace

Ryan Phillippe stars in a twist-filled crime thriller about two kidnapped sisters

- CAREN CLARK

NEW DRAMA

Big Sky

From Tue 23 Feb & Fri 26 Feb, Star on Disney+

If you enjoyed glossy whodunnit The Undoing recently, you won’t want to miss creator David E Kelley’s darkly comic new crime drama Big Sky, exploring kidnap and murder in the mysterious wilds of Montana.

The 16-part series is one of the centrepieces of Star, a new drama and entertainment strand launching this week on streaming service Disney+ (see panel, right).

Based on novels by CJ Box, Big Sky begins with a double bill on 23 February, with a new episode released every Friday from 26 February, and sees Ryan Phillippe head the cast as ex-cop Cody Hoyt, who’s set up his own private detective agency with spirited single mum Cassie Dewell (Brave New World’s Kylie Bunbury).

Cody’s fiery estranged wife and fellow ex-cop Jenny (Katheryn Winnick) also helps them out on occasion, but tension is in the air as Cody and Cassie have recently slept together, leaving Jenny livid as she still has feelings for Cody.

‘Cody has battled through alcoholism and is on a better track but he’s started a relationship with his co-worker,’ reveals Phillippe, 46, as TV&Satellite Week speaks to him via video chat.

‘It creates this love triangle that is uncomfortable at times. I was excited because the show is anchored by strong female roles, the type of roles that are typically given to men. Cassie and Jenny are smart, tough, very layered and multidimensional.’