Patricia Arquette’s Apple TV+ comedy series, High Desert, concluded its first season with a thrilling finale that left viewers on the edge of their seats. The show revolves around Peggy, played by Arquette, a recovering drug addict attempting to start a new career as a private investigator. In the final episode, Peggy and Guru Bob find themselves kidnapped over a missing painting, but their lives are miraculously spared when two individuals kill each other. Additionally, Denny manages to escape the wrath of Heather after her father is accidentally killed.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Arquette discusses the finale cliffhanger involving Peggy awaiting the explosion of a human cannon. She explains that Peggy’s siblings are terrified of her constantly putting herself in life-or-death situations, and her decision to enter the cannon reflects her codependent tendencies and her desire to be responsible. Arquette also shares her hopes for a second season and addresses the need for societal changes in how addiction is handled.
The final episode of High Desert introduces a body count, including Heather’s father and a police officer, along with Dona’s death. The intense and high-stakes nature of these events was intentionally built up throughout the season, leading to a climactic finale. Peggy’s uncertain fate inside the human cannon adds to the suspense, emphasizing her penchant for danger and risky behavior.
One particularly powerful moment in the finale is when Peggy and Diane, played by Christine Taylor, talk about their late mother. Arquette describes this scene as a breakthrough and cathartic moment for Peggy, showcasing her longing for her sister’s love and respect. The inspiration for this scene came from a personal experience Arquette had with her sister, Alexis Arquette, where they saw someone who reminded them of their late mother. This emotional connection influenced the development of Bernadette Peters’ character as Peggy’s mother.
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Peggy’s relationship with her mother serves as a source of comfort and acceptance. Her mother saw the good in her and loved her unconditionally. However, after her mother’s passing, Peggy loses that sense of purpose and unwavering love. The loss of her mother magnifies her siblings’ criticism of her and leaves Peggy feeling adrift. While Denny loves her in his own way, his choices often lead to dangerous situations. Peggy must navigate these challenges and find a new sense of purpose and self-love.
The decision to end the season with a cliffhanger was intentional, aiming to leave the audience guessing and eagerly anticipating the next season. Arquette describes the show as a wild, outrageous ride and emphasizes the uncertainty that comes with being an actor and waiting for news about a potential second season. However, she expresses her love for the character of Peggy and the unique world of High Desert, believing that it offers something fresh and original in the TV landscape.
Throughout the season, Peggy remains a chaotic and unpredictable character, as evidenced by her continued use of LSD. Arquette suggests that this unpredictability is inherent to Peggy’s nature and is likely to be a lifelong struggle for her. Peggy may make excuses for her behavior, attributing it to her spiritual path or denying that it constitutes drug use. Arquette highlights the allure and deceptive nature of addiction, emphasizing that it should be viewed as a health crisis rather than a moral failing. She believes that society needs to approach addiction more therapeutically in order to make progress in addressing this widespread issue.
In conclusion, the first-season finale of High Desert delivered a thrilling and action-packed episode, leaving viewers eager for more. Patricia Arquette’s portrayal of Peggy continues to captivate audiences, and her insights into the character’s development and the show’s themes shed light on the importance of addressing addiction as a health crisis. As fans await news of a second season, High Desert remains a refreshing and unique addition to the TV landscape.
