Sheriff Pope rules Wayward Pines with an iron fist in its early episodes, coming across as one of the most easily unlikeable characters currently on television. Whether he's enjoying his ice cream while smirking at Ethan's revelations about finding the body of a former agent or simply snarling that Ethan can never leave, there is little about his persona that is welcoming. The moment that the extent of his evil nature is fully revealed finally arrives at the conclusion of the second episode, and it also happens to be the point at which the show becomes far darker than had previously been anticipated. The one person that has attempted to aid Ethan in his escape to this point is Beverly, a barmaid that explains that he has been microchipped and helps him to flee the clutches of Nurse Pam. Having removed their chips, they plan to locate a way out of the town - but not before having an evening meal with Kate and her husband Harold. Panicking, Beverly blurts out information about her past - she has a daughter in Portland - and alerts the couple to their escape plan. It is at this point that the rule "always answer the phone if it rings" becomes terrifyingly significant, as Kate phones around the town to tell everyone that Ethan and Beverly must be apprehended. Phones start ringing everywhere, and Beverly is ultimately captured. The episode concludes with Sheriff Pope tying Beverly by her hands to a pole in front of the entire town. He warns everyone that he "cannot tolerate people people who don't play by the rules" before slitting her throat. The crowd looks solemn, as if they all similarly condemn Beverly for the horrific crime of discussing the past.