While Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw remains the show’s driving force, Fiona Rene’s portrayal of investigator Billie Matalon has quietly become a fan favorite. In a recent mid-season episode, Billie embarks on her first independent case, pursuing a missing environmental activist in the storm-lashed Oregon coast.
The episode, titled “Signal in the Fog,” showcases Rene’s ability to balance fierce determination with emotional vulnerability. Billie must navigate corrupt local officials, a treacherous cliffside search, and her own fear of isolation. Critics praised the performance for adding “gritty texture” to a series known for its male lead.
Behind the scenes, Rene prepared by shadowing real private investigators, learning surveillance techniques and crisis negotiation tactics. “Billie’s courage isn’t just physical,” Rene explains. “It’s about confronting the moral ambiguity of saving someone who may not want to be found.”
