Kat Harlton
Photos: Provided via UPTV
Actor Markian Tarasiuk (Mistletoe Connection, Virgin River) is currently starring as Ryan Miller in UPtv’s Blue Skies an all-new procedural series that blends mystery and action with emotional storytelling and the heartwarming bond between a detective and her canine companion.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Crystal Ridge National Park, Blue Skies follows former military police officer Jodi Larsen as she returns to her hometown to start over as a criminal investigator for the National Park Police. Driven by a love of the outdoors and a deep sense of justice, Jodi is determined to protect the park, its visitors and her community, whether from natural dangers or human threats. But Jodi’s fresh start is anything but simple. She’s navigating a new team, a by-the-book superintendent and a journey to reconnect with her father after her mother passed away while she was deployed. Her unexpected partner? A mischievous stray Labrador named Blue, whose instincts prove sharper than most trained K9s.
I had the opportunity to chat with Markian about his role, what fans can expect and more.
Kat: Ryan Miller steps into Jodi’s life at a moment of transition. How would you describe his first impression of her and how does that evolve?
Markian: Ryan and Jodi grew up together in Crystal Ridge, but they haven’t seen each other in years, especially after she left to serve in the military. In Episode 1, it’s the first time they’re really face to face as adults. There are definitely some old feelings there, whether either of them wants to admit it or not. It’s like seeing your childhood crush again and realizing they’ve changed, and so have you. Ryan is a bit thrown off. He remembers who she was, but she comes back stronger, more guarded, and different. They have history, but they’re not exactly friends anymore. There’s an awkward tension between them that makes their dynamic interesting right from the start. In terms of evolution…well…watch the show to see if that spark turns into a flame…
Kat: Ryan operates within the structure of the National Park Police. How does he respond to Jodi’s military trained instincts and leadership style?
Markian: Jodi is very by the book. She follows protocol, she’s disciplined, and she carries that military structure into everything she does. Ryan doesn’t really operate that way. As part of the National Park Police, he has rules, but there’s more flexibility in how he moves through the world. He has a bit of an adventurous streak and sometimes he’s willing to bend things if it means getting the job done.
There’s definitely push and pull between them. Ryan doesn’t fully connect with her rigid, militaristic approach, and she probably finds him a little too loose. He has a lighter outlook and doesn’t carry the same weight she does. That tension creates friction, but it also makes their dynamic fun to watch.
Kat: The show emphasizes hope and community. What role does Ryan play in reinforcing that tone?
Markian: Ryan and Jodi’s relationship really represents hope and community to me. You’re watching two people reconnect after years apart and figure out how to work together again. They build something new, and they use their different strengths to serve the town.
Ryan genuinely loves helping people. He leads the volunteer search and rescue team, so stepping up for the community is just part of who he is. If there’s a call, he answers it. He’ll drop whatever he’s doing to show up. At his core, Ryan has a huge heart. He believes in people, and he believes in being there when it matters. He’s a great character to play in that regard.
Kat: Ryan isn’t just a colleague, he’s part of a larger emotional ecosystem in town. How does his connection to Crystal Ridge shape his perspective?
Markian: Ryan has always been connected to Crystal Ridge. He grew up there. In his early twenties he left and traveled the world, but after all of that, he chose to come home and put down roots. That says a lot about him. He really values community. It’s how he was raised and it’s part of his identity.
I think that’s also why he ends up leading search and rescue. He feels responsible for the people there. At the same time, traveling broadened him. He’s seen different cultures, different ways of living, and that experience shaped his perspective. He brings that wider view back home, which makes him both grounded and open.
Kat: You’ve appeared in series like Virgin River. What makes Blue Skies feel distinct in terms of tone and character relationships?
Markian: Where the show really stands apart is in its procedural format. Each episode introduces a new case or mystery, so viewers can jump in at almost any point and still feel engaged right away. You don’t necessarily have to watch every single episode to follow along, but if you do, there’s a bigger emotional payoff over time.
Blue Skies also leans heavily into the outdoors. We shot on location in Squamish, BC, and the landscape becomes part of the storytelling. The aerial shots and mountain backdrops are pretty incredible and give the series a distinct visual identity.
And honestly, we have a dog. That already sets us apart. There’s a sense of adventure and heart to Blue Skies that feels fresh, and I’m really proud to be part of it.
Kat: Procedurals often lean heavily into action. What’s unique about this show’s balance of suspense and heart from your point of view?
Markian: I can’t think of many procedurals that feel truly family-friendly. Blue Skies manages to hit that balance in a way I haven’t experienced before. There’s real danger and real stakes, but it never feels dark for the sake of it. There’s an underlying sense that things are going to be okay, and I think that’s comforting for audiences.
What’s unique is that it works across generations. It has suspense and action, but it also has heart, humour, and strong relationships at the center. It’s the first show I’ve done that I can confidently recommend to relatives with younger kids, and know they can all sit down and enjoy it together. It really does cover a lot of ground without losing that hopeful tone.
Kat: How does Ryan respond to Blue’s uncanny investigative instincts, skepticism, amusement, admiration?
Markian: I think Ryan is just as surprised as everyone else at first. Blue shows up and suddenly he’s laser focused on the right trail more often than not. It catches everyone off guard. There’s definitely some skepticism in the department, but Ryan tends to be more open. He trusts his instincts, and he’s willing to trust Blue’s too.
He has a bit of that same energy. If Ryan were a dog, he’d probably be a golden lab. Loyal, eager, heart first. So in a strange way, they understand each other. Ryan is more amused and impressed than doubtful, and he’s happy to follow Blue’s lead if it helps the case. I’d love to see them share even more screen time in the future.
Kat: Without giving too much away, what layers of Ryan do we begin to see as the season unfolds?
Markian: Ryan starts to show more depth halfway through the season. He becomes involved in a larger conspiracy that ties directly to Jodi, and that puts him in a difficult position. He’s forced to make some tough choices, especially when it comes to how much he shares and how he protects the people he cares about. That strain definitely impacts their relationship.
What I like is that the audience gets to see he’s more than the friendly guy who runs the local coffee shop and helps with search and rescue. There’s a sharp investigator in him. He’s capable, strategic, and willing to step into complicated territory when it counts. At the same time, we see more of his heart. His feelings for Jodi become harder to hide, and that vulnerability adds another layer to who he is as the season unfolds.
Kat: Chemistry between leads is essential in a show like this. What was key to building a believable dynamic with Scarlet?
Markian: Trust is everything when you’re building chemistry between leads. I try to establish that early with any costar. Scarlet and I were lucky because we connected before filming started. We grabbed coffee, got to know each other, and built a real foundation before stepping on set. That’s actually pretty rare, and it made a huge difference.
By the time day one rolled around, there was already a level of comfort and ease between us. From there, it was just about being present and vulnerable. If the show is about hope and connection, that has to exist off camera too. I had to bring my full heart into it, and she did the same.
Scarlet is one of the easiest people to be around. We clicked right away and understood each other quickly. That made building the dynamic feel natural, and I’m really grateful to call her a friend.
Kat: With audiences just finishing the premiere, what do you hope they feel about Ryan’s role in Jodi’s new beginning?
Markian: If I’m being honest, we all love a good love story. I definitely do. At its core, I hope audiences feel that spark between Ryan and Jodi and start rooting for them. It’s a slow build, and that “will they, won’t they” tension is part of what makes it fun to watch.
Ryan steps into her life at a moment when she’s guarded and carrying a lot. He brings warmth and lightness. I hope viewers see him as someone who could help her step out of her head a bit and reconnect with her heart. Jodi has very real reasons for the walls she’s built, but maybe Ryan can be the person who gently challenges that and brings some joy back into her world.
Connect With Markian On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marktaras