Sheriff Country's subplots are a mixed bag in terms of quality, but it's undeniable that the main narrative is truly exceptional. Episode 7, "Glory Days," showcases this brilliance while also addressing the sudden introduction of several storylines in the previous episode, before the Thanksgiving break. It does so with finesse.
The A-plot this week revolves around a brutal school beating that stems from an illicit relationship. However, it primarily serves to give Mickey something to do while she gazes adoringly at Travis. As predicted, Travis's abrupt breakup with Cassidy, who gets some much-needed backstory in "Glory Days," seems to pave the way for a romantic connection with Mickey. Only time will tell how that plays out.
Meanwhile, let's focus on Boone, as everything involving him pales in comparison to the rest of the show. Last week, he was suddenly revealed to have married his late partner's widow, ostensibly as a protective gesture. However, it's now clear that these two are in love but are holding off on their relationship out of respect for the deceased. Boone is hesitant, while Nora would like to move forward since they're living in the same house and are legally married.
On one hand, this creates a satisfying payoff for Boone at the end of the episode when he finally decides to commit to Nora. However, it feels a bit awkward since when we first met them, they didn't seem to have strong romantic feelings for each other, and Boone has been relatively unemotional in general. Either way, it seems like Nora is here to stay, and Boone isn't resigning any time soon.
Cassidy, on the other hand, fairs better. Now free from the constraints of her forced relationship with Travis, she's left to her own devices. The case itself isn't particularly important, but what it raises—about Cassidy's connection to cars, her relationship with her sister (who I'm assuming is either dead or severely estranged), and how she's making an effort to move forward from her trauma—is indeed significant. I hope Cassidy gets more to do as the story progresses rather than just having more aspects of her past gradually revealed, but she's already growing into a compelling character nonetheless.
Undoubtedly, keeping Cassidy at bay from Travis paves the way for him to engage with Mickey, albeit in a rather platonic manner for now. As I've previously noted, Travis's role in the plot beyond being Mickey's ex-husband is somewhat underdeveloped. Yes, he played a part when Skye was in jeopardy, and in Episode 7, he joined forces with Wes in his quest for legitimacy, though even that didn't last long. Sheriff Country is predominantly focused on relationships, so it makes sense that Wes doesn't require Travis to navigate the bureaucratic red tape of legitimacy—he just needs his bond with Skye (who suddenly returns in this episode, with her absence unmentioned).
Unable to tolerate Wes for long, Travis finds himself drawn back to Mickey. Their investigation into the school beating leads them both to their own pasts. Mickey's high school days, defined by her teenage pregnancy, are revisited here, along with the kindness of others who helped her along the way, including a teacher whose efforts to help her are here recontextualized as potential grooming. Fortunately, it turns out that the groomer is someone else; the school fight was two of his paramours finding out about each other. It's a sinister case on its own terms, especially with the teacher taking the side of the 17-year-old girl, knowing that alienating her would lead to more severe legal reprisals than the 18-year-old who had been badly beaten due to his violating actions. However, it's mostly used as a means to explore Mickey's own time at school and, by extension, how it relates to her relationship with Travis.
At the very least, they finally get their prom night dance. The lingering connection between them is evident, and I do wonder whether the show will choose to pursue it or not. With Boston Blue already renewed for a second season, I suspect it probably will. But there's still plenty to enjoy in the meantime, especially if Boone can loosen up a bit—though I won't get my hopes up in that regard.
