Exclusive Interview
‘Ransom Canyon’s Eoin Macken Makes the Case For Team Davis in the Quinn Love Triangle
[Warning: This post contains MAJOR spoilers for Ransom Canyon Season 1.]
There are many reasons to enjoy Ransom Canyon on Netflix, but one of the headlining items is the love triangle between Davis Collins (Eoin Macken), Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly), Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel). The first season of the show, based on Jodi Thomas’ book of the same name, established that Quinn and Staten had an unspoken connection between the two of them that they never acted on because Staten was married to Quinn’s best friend. So Davis, Staten’s brother-in-law and thus brother to Quinn’s deceased best friend, made the first move in the early episodes of Ransom Canyon.
Yes, it was obvious that Quinn and Staten had feelings for each other, but Davis was ready to step up to the plate and tell Quinn how he felt. Eventually, she got tired of waiting around for Staten to do the same and ventured into a relationship with Davis. Unfortunately, tornados and ex-wives created too many obstacles for Quinn and Davis to overcome, and Staten ended up with her heart in the final episodes…Well, he had it until his pride let him leave it on the bar top at Gracie’s Dance Hall.
This love triangle is far from over, and there’s plenty of room to debate which man is actually the better fit for Quinn as we wait for Netflix to decide if we get a Season 2. Swooon caught up with Eoin Macken to get his take on the love triangle. He’s obviously Team Davis, but he had compelling arguments for why Davis could be the man for Quinn, if only he could get out of his own way and tackle those demons that lead him to do nefarious things. Here’s what he had to say about Davis’ future and whether we’ll see the rancher get redemption or slip further to the dark side in a possible Ransom Canyon Season 2.
What drew you to Davis and made you want to play him?
Eoin Macken: He was different to a couple of characters that I’ve played before. I’ve played characters that have had a dark streak. But with Davis, his darkness is very complex. It’s set by his desire to be a better father, which is complicated by his issues with his own father. I found that he’s very charming. I really liked him, but he’s got a side to him that’s less than enjoyable. But I also liked that because he can justify it.
What is it about Quinn that Davis is so attracted to?
Macken: I mean, it’s Minka [laughs]. But really, the thing about Quinn is that she’s got an interesting independent streak to her. She’s also incredibly charming. She’s very gentle, kind, and honest. That’s what Davis likes most about her, her honesty. She’s a very pure kind of soul. I think that, especially with what he’s gone through with everything with his ex-wife, that’s important. He’s just always been in love with Quinn since he was a kid. There’s always that thing you have for somebody that you were kind of attracted to when you were growing up. Davis is infatuated with everything about Quinn.
Anna Kooris / Netflix
I think Davis made a great case for being the one for Quinn until he went full dark side at the end of the season. Why do you think Davis would be a better fit for her than Staten?
Macken: Staten has kind of got the stereotypical male energy. He’s unable to communicate his feelings. Davis is a bit more honest about that. At the same time, Davis does have a nefarious side to him. I don’t think he means it as such. I think Davis is a genuine person. He has his rational reasons for everything he does, and I think that Davis and Quinn are the better match. He massively cares about her and wants to show her that. That’s what’s really important — the fact that he’s actually able to show that he cares for her.
He does still have his ex-wife hanging around, though. Do you think he still has feelings for his ex, or was he falling into old habits when they hooked up?
Macken: I don’t even think it’s a pattern or comfort thing. If you’ve been in love with someone, been married to them, and had a child with them, you are always going to really care about them. He still cares about her as a person. You’re always going to love that person even if you break up. He still sees the humanity in her, and he still cares about her. Even if they’re no longer together, they argue, and he still doesn’t want her to be hurt.
What is it about Staten that so effectively gets under Davis’ skin?
Macken: I found it so interesting with Staten because I really love Josh. He’s really sweet and a really giving actor. It reminded me of a dear friend of mine. We used to have these rip-roaring fights, but I was best man at his wedding. He is one of the few people I fight with because I also genuinely adore him. I felt like there’s a little bit of that with Staten and Davis. These two men are really meant to be best friends, who should be friends because of everything they share. They’ve just grown up disliking each other. I think Davis blames Staten subconsciously [for his sister]. They’re both so competitive with each other. They should be friends, but they just lock horns and end up hating each other. It’s a difficult cycle to break out of.
Davis is so clearly pissed at Staten for him and Quinn getting together, but does he hold any animosity towards Quinn for that?
Macken: I don’t think so. It’s like Davis is the purest man in the world.
If we get Ransom Canyon Season 2, do you want Davis to have a redemption arc, or would you like to see him go full villain?
Macken: Both! I think one of the most important thing is his relationship with Reid, his son. That fundamentally drives everything for Davis. It’s the idea of legacy and leaving something for his son. I’d like to see redemption and the villainous streak, because both of those things are driven by Davis’ need to leave something for his son. I want him to find someone he’s in love with, which is hopefully Quinn. I hope he gets to chase her more…But I’d also be super happy to go full villain because that’s a lot of fun as an actor.
Do you have anything on your Davis bucket list that you want to achieve with this character in Season 2?
Macken: I can’t tell you that because we went to the writers’ room to discuss it. I’d be giving away secrets because we’ve already been discussing what kind of arcs there will be and lay down some ideas of where we can take Davis.
I love that those conversations are already happening.
Macken: Me too. This has been an incredibly fun show to work on. Everyone is so talented. I love this character, and I love these people, and I love this show. I’m really hoping they get to expand the world and that people like it. Hopefully, if they like it, we can bring the characters to life in an even bigger way and have some more fun with it.
From Eoin’s mouth to Netflix’s ears.
Ransom Canyon, Season 1, Streaming Now, Netflix.
