Cattle Ranch

Lore & Background

Broke Jaw Ranch is owned by the Otto family, consisting of patriarch Jeremiah Otto and his two sons Troy and Jake. Jeremiah is the leader of the ranch, described as a charismatic and impulsive figure. The ranch becomes a sanctuary for the Clark family after they cross the U.S.-Mexico border. However, tensions arise as the ranch is also in conflict with a Native American group led by Qaletaqa Walker, who claims Jeremiah occupies his lands. The ranch's militia includes members like Blake Sarno and Cooper, and the community includes residents like Gretchen Trimbol and her father Vernon, one of the founders of the ranch. The season explores the fragile peace of this community as outside threats and internal divisions mount.

In Their Own Story

The Clark family—Madison, her daughter Alicia, her drug-addicted son Nick, and his lover Luciana—arrive at Broke Jaw Ranch seeking safety. They are taken in by Jeremiah Otto, but the ranch is already under strain from a war with Qaletaqa Walker's Native American group. Alicia forms a bond with Jake Otto, while Nick becomes entangled with the ranch's militia. Meanwhile, Victor Strand reunites with Daniel Salazar, who was presumed dead, and they search for Daniel's daughter Ofelia, who was separated from the group. The season builds to a violent confrontation between the ranch residents and Walker's people, with the dam community led by Lola Guerrero also playing a key role in the water supply for the region.

Reader's Guide

Broke Jaw Ranch serves as the primary setting for much of the third season. It is a working ranch with a militia, a helicopter pilot (Charlene Daley), and a community of survivors trying to maintain order. The ranch's location near the U.S.-Mexico border makes it a strategic point for water and resources. Key locations within the ranch include the main house, the militia outposts, and the surrounding lands contested by Qaletaqa Walker. The ranch's downfall comes from both internal betrayals and external attacks, forcing the survivors to flee or adapt to new alliances.

Did You Know?

• The third season was the final season with Dave Erickson as showrunner.
• Dayton Callie was promoted from guest star to main cast for this season.
• Daniel Sharman joined the cast as a series regular in March 2017.
• The season was filmed in Baja, Mexico, beginning in January 2017.
• Emma Caulfield was cast in the season, announced in February 2017.