The Ranch’s Darkest Secret: Unraveling the Mystery of Nick’s Death and Colt’s Involvement
The question of who called Colt before Nick died is central to understanding the tangled web of secrets and lies surrounding Nick’s murder on The Ranch. The answer is: Nick himself called Colt shortly before his death. This call, and its contents, became a crucial piece of evidence, though not in the way one might initially assume. It wasn’t necessarily about Nick’s impending doom, but rather about setting up events that would lead to the tragic climax.
Unpacking the Call: More Than Meets the Eye
The call itself wasn’t a friendly chat. Nick, the ex-boyfriend of Mary, was a volatile and dangerous character, known for his abusive behavior and criminal activities. The purpose of his call to Colt was likely to continue his harassment and intimidation tactics. Colt was always deeply protective of those around him, so any threat against Mary or Heather (Mary’s daughter) would have been met with anger and a desire for swift action.
However, the specific details of the phone call are never explicitly revealed in the show. We are left to infer its nature based on the events that follow, including Heather’s confession and the subsequent legal fallout. The significance lies less in the exact words exchanged and more in the fact that the call places Colt in direct contact with Nick shortly before Nick’s death, making him a person of interest to law enforcement. The call adds another layer of complexity and suspense to an already tense situation.
The Ripple Effect: How the Call Shaped the Narrative
The call between Nick and Colt acts as a catalyst. It exacerbates the already high tensions within the Bennett family and their close circle. It fuels Heather’s rage and protective instincts toward her mother, leading to her decision to confront Nick. It also complicates Colt’s life, who finds himself caught between protecting his family and grappling with the moral implications of the events that unfold. Colt’s knowledge of the situation, and his decision to keep Heather’s secret, further entangles him in the criminal investigation. His silence becomes a form of complicity, making him an accessory after the fact. The phone call wasn’t just a casual conversation; it was a trigger that unleashed a chain of events with devastating consequences.
The Truth Unveiled
Ultimately, Heather (Mary’s daughter) confesses to the murder. Heather killed Nick after seeing what he did to her mother, bringing back memories of previous abuse to her and her mother, Mary. Heather then confesses to the Bennetts as well as her own mother.
Mary ultimately takes the fall for Heather, as she’s more convincing in her motive and confession.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The Ranch and Nick’s Death
1. Who goes to jail for killing Nick on The Ranch?
Initially, Luke is arrested for Nick’s murder after Wilkerson finds the murder weapon behind Nick’s trailer. However, ultimately Mary takes the fall for her daughter Heather and receives probation.
2. Why did Heather kill Nick on The Ranch?
Heather killed Nick out of a desire to protect her mother, Mary, from his continued abuse. She explains that seeing what he did to Mary brought back memories of the times he had hit her, Mary, and Darlene (Mary’s sister). She went to Nick’s trailer to pack Mary’s belongings so she would never have to return there again.
3. What episode of The Ranch does Heather confess to killing Nick?
Heather confesses to killing Nick in Episode 7 of the final season. This episode finally reveals the truth behind Nick’s death, after a season of suspense and misdirection.
4. Did Rooster fake his death on The Ranch?
Despite many fan theories, there’s no evidence to suggest that Rooster faked his death. The storyline was written to address the controversy surrounding Danny Masterson’s departure from the show.
5. Why was Rooster killed off The Ranch?
Rooster was killed off due to the misconduct allegations against Danny Masterson, the actor who played Rooster. Netflix ultimately decided to remove him from the show.
6. Who killed Rooster on The Ranch?
Rooster wasn’t directly killed by anyone on the show. He was presumed dead in a motorcycle accident after Nick threatened him and forced him to leave town. No body was recovered to confirm the death.
7. What happened to Colt’s baby on The Ranch?
Heather becomes pregnant with Colt’s child, but she suffers a miscarriage. Despite the loss, she maintains a friendship with Colt.
8. Why did Maggie leave The Ranch?
Maggie left The Ranch because she and Beau were unable to reconcile their differences and ultimately divorced. She was also deeply affected by Rooster’s death and found it too painful to remain in Garrison.
9. Why did The Ranch end?
According to reports, the show ended because the story had reached its natural conclusion, and there was no strong incentive to continue it beyond the established storyline.
10. What happens to Mary in The Ranch after Nick’s death?
Mary struggles with addiction throughout the series but ultimately gets clean and takes the fall for Heather to protect her. She receives probation as a result.
11. Did Abby get pregnant in The Ranch?
Yes, Abby gets pregnant with Colt’s child, and they have a daughter named Peyton. This becomes a significant part of their storyline and future together.
12. Who does Colt end up with in The Ranch?
Colt ultimately ends up with Abby, his high school sweetheart. They marry and have a daughter together, establishing a stable and loving family life.
13. Does Colt lose The Ranch?
Colt does not lose The Ranch, but he sells his livestock for the ownership of Iron River. Iron River is a ranch Colt had hoped to eventually acquire. Beau and Joanne retain ownership of the ranch, and Colt and Abby are able to live on the Peterson property.
14. Who does Beau marry on The Ranch?
Beau is married to Joanne throughout the series. Their relationship is a constant source of both conflict and support as they navigate life on the ranch.
15. Is Garrison, Colorado a real place?
Garrison, Colorado is a fictional town created for The Ranch. It is located in southwestern Colorado near the town of Norwood, approximately six hours from Denver.
More to Explore: The Depth of The Ranch‘s Storytelling
The Ranch is more than just a sitcom. It’s a complex exploration of family dynamics, personal struggles, and the challenges of rural life. The characters are flawed and relatable, and the storylines delve into serious issues such as addiction, grief, and the consequences of violence.
The series cleverly weaves together humor and drama, creating a viewing experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The dark lighting and realistic dialogue further enhance the show’s authenticity, immersing viewers in the world of the Bennetts and their community. The nuances of each character contribute to the authenticity of the show. By presenting a world of real struggles, Games Learning Society concepts can be identified that further allow the viewers to connect with the characters on screen. GamesLearningSociety.org
The mystery surrounding Nick’s death is just one example of the show’s ability to keep viewers engaged and invested in the characters’ fates. The call between Nick and Colt before his death acts as the spark that ignites a series of increasingly complex events, forever changing the lives of everyone involved.