Abby Walker went from hating Tom Davidson and trying to get revenge on him to falling into bed with him all in the span of 10 episodes. 

It’s definitely a change of attitude for Abby, but the realization that Tom isn’t her husband’s murderer allowed her to see the Sheriff in a new light. 

And it didn’t help that they were “riding out the storm” together and boozin’ it up for much of the evening, which likely impaired their judgment just a smidge. But the truth is, they simply acted on sexual tension and chemistry that has always been there. Previously, Abby pushed it down because of her belief that he was responsible for killing her husband, but when that turned out not to be the case, she was a little more open to the possibility, seeing Tom as a man who wants to do the right thing and help people out. 

Of course, this will prove to be quite complicated for Abby considering all of her friendships in town were built on the premise that they will all help her avenge her husband’s death and take down Tom. Kate, Hoyt, Gus, and Calian have all distanced themselves from Abby after she informed them that she may have misjudged Tom, feeling a bit slighted for putting all their trust in her, and when they find out that she’s now sleeping with the enemy, it will likely drive an even bigger wedge between them. 

Kate’s reaction is proof of that—she was shocked and disappointed as she thought she knew Abby and felt betrayed finding her in Tom’s bed.

Though, I can’t figure out why Kate walked into Tom’s bedroom so freely in the first place. I know that they work together at Hagan’s, but wouldn’t she at least knock? They aren’t that comfortable with each other. 

There’s also the fact that neither Abby nor Tom are being completely honest with each other. Abby has hidden her true identity from him, so he’s, as far as we know, completely oblivious to the fact that she’s Liam Collins’ wife. If he was a good detective, he’d pick up on all the very obvious clues she’s been dropping, including her interest in finding Shane Davidson, the alleged murderer, but I don’t think Tom wants to face the truth just yet. He might know deep down, but he’s in denial.

As for Tom, he’s not being forthcoming about the fact that he’s holding his brother captive. Shane is definitely the wild card of the family, and likely the person responsible for Liam’s death, but Tom is also dangerous in his own right. He keeps his cards close to his chest. Unfortunately, in the final moments of the episode, Tom realized that Shane escaped, proving that he’s likely going to pose a threat to the town of Independence. I guess Tom has to go on the hunt for his sibling after all. 

A storm is always such a catalyst for change. The dust blew in a ton of it, with new relationships and business deals forming left and right. 

While Abby and Tom were enjoying each other’s company, the rest of the bunch hunkered down at the Side Step teaching the owner, Randall, quite a lesson. Randall was getting a little “too comfortable,” according to Kate and Hoyt, so they devised a poker game plan that would put the reins of ownership into Lucia’s hands. Randall thought he caught Kate and Hoyt cheating, so he let his guard down, but little did he know, it was all part of the plan for Lucia to come out victorious—taking the money, her ranch, and the Side Step with her. 

If Walker fans ever wondered how the Walker family came to own the Side Step, well, this is how it all started. Once Lucia became the new owner, she hired Hoyt to take on all the responsibilities. They, of course, celebrated the big win with a little romantic rendezvous—and while I wasn’t a fan of their coupling in the past, this is putting them on a new path that I can totally ship. I can’t remember if Hoyt owned the Side Step on the sister show, and in his death, it was transferred to the Walker family, or if it was always theirs.

Technically, this Hoyt is not a Walker, so for it to become a Walker establishment, it needs to end up under Abby’s ownership… which makes me wonder if Hoyt and Abby are endgame. After all, before she had any romantic feelings for Tom, she had plenty of chemistry with Hoyt. 

It was nice to see Lucia take charge for a change. Being a boss looks good on her, and I hope this is the start of the series really investing in her character in the same way they have for the others. She has always given off a “better than you” vibe around Hoyt, but she proved that she’s learned from the very best when it comes to hustling and taking what’s hers.   

Walker Independence — “All In” — Image Number: WID110a_0067r — Pictured: Matt Barr as Hoyt Rawlins — Photo: Anna Kooris/The CW — © 2023 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Nathaniel Hagan was passing through town and reconnected with Kate, who initially felt betrayed by his decision to sell the hotel to the Davidsons. She didn’t get to the bottom of what motivated the decision, and honestly, they have an interesting relationship, which I’m struggling to figure out. He’s either her father or a father figure. I also don’t really understand the moment between him and Olivia, the woman passing through town who hunkered down with Tom and Abby. Will we see more of her?

Gus managed to avoid the dust storm by assisting Calian on his journey to find his sister, Nascha. It was a heartbreaking storyline as Calian spent years feeling guilty about what happened to Nascha, letting that one moment define him, thinking he wasn’t worthy of happiness, and putting so much effort into finding her, all while she was not only surviving by thriving. She may have been taken from her home, but she was taken in by parents who shielded her from the horrors of her past, and she built a beautiful life for herself with a good husband and a loving daughter. 

Unfortunately, Nascha barely had any memory of her past—nor did she have any interest in revisiting it. The only thing she did truly remember was Calian. While her disappearance affected his whole existence, she was barely phased, and it really seemed as though the Nascha he knew died the moment she was taken. 

However, it was also incredible that after all these years he did find his sister and got the closure he so desperately needed to move on. They may not have the relationship he’s always envisioned, but he will be able to stay in touch and have her in his life. And now, he can forgive himself. Through healing, the second half of his life can begin. 

Upon returning to his people, Calian was informed that they chose a leader who would “fight back” against the railroad, which is everything Taza was against. He wanted Calian to take over so that he could leverage his connection with the people of Independence to prevent a war.

It seems that the railroad is going to introduce a lot of issues for Independence’s finest. How will they all band together to come out victorious and preserve what they’ve built?

And what will Abby and Tom’s hookup mean moving forward?

What did you think of the episode?