I. Introduction
Longmire is an American Western crime drama television series that aired on A&E from 2012 to 2014 before being picked up by Netflix for its last three seasons. The show follows the life of Walt Longmire, a sheriff of Absaroka County in Wyoming. In this article, we will be taking a deep dive into the six seasons of Longmire, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses, standout episodes, and character development. We will also delve into the intriguing mysteries, production value, and how the show compares to its source material and similar shows.
II. Season by Season Analysis
Longmire’s six-season runtime spanned over six years from 2012 to 2017. Each season consisted of ten episodes, except for the third season, which had thirteen. The show received high praise from audiences and critics alike, but some seasons were better than others.
In season one, audiences are introduced to the setting and characters. The first few episodes of the season take its time to establish the backstory to the main characters of the show. We see Walt Longmire, played by Robert Taylor, struggling with the tragic death of his wife and resuming the role of the Sheriff of Absaroka County. The season was well-paced and had just the right amount of drama, action, and comedy.
The second season featured many memorable episodes. An interesting plot highlights Sheriff Longmire working with the nearby Cheyenne reservation to solve a murder case. The season finale ended with a dramatic cliffhanger that left fans eagerly waiting for the next one.
The third season featured a high-stakes mystery with the introduction of the character of Branch Connally, played by Bailey Chase. The cast and crew also had more time to explore the relationships between the characters in the show.
The fourth season is where the show faced some difficulties. The change in network ownership from A&E to Netflix caused a major shift in the production process. The change is apparent in the tone and style of the show’s direction, which may have disappointed some viewers.
The fifth season saw a major change in the character dynamics as the show ventured down a different route. This season had the most significant deviation from the books of Craig Johnson, leaving out some essential elements. The season ends with another major cliffhanger that sets up for the final season.
The last season of the show was more focused on a broader story arc of wrapping up the loose ends instead of individual cases. Despite being the last season, Longmire didn’t disappoint in its delivery and ended the series on a high point.
III. Character Development
Longmire had a wide range of characters with intricate backstories. The main cast saw significant character growth throughout the show.
Sheriff Walt Longmire’s backstory serves as the backbone of the show. Although he can come across as closed off emotionally, it’s a front towards the rest of the world, as he is a deeply nuanced character. Fans get to see the layers and emotions underneath with every passing season.
The character of Henry Standing Bear, Walt’s best friend, and confidant, played by Lou Diamond Phillips, was another fan favorite. His relationship with the rest of the cast is crucial in adding a human element to the show. We see how he deals with the pain of losing his wife and how the relationship with his daughter takes shape.
Katee Sackhoff portrays Victoria Moretti, the new deputy of the Absaroka police force. She has a rocky start with Sheriff Longmire and Henry, but as the series progresses, we see her character mature and become integral to the plot.
The show also had a diverse range of supporting characters that also had reasonably significant character arcs. We see the ever-loyal Ferg, played by Adam Bartley, dealing with his insecurities and finding new reasons to continue with his work.
IV. Mystery Highlights
The show’s central theme revolves around Longmire’s law enforcement and the cases he must solve. From drug trafficking to murder, the show delivers a compelling narrative. The primary mysteries are intertwined within overarching storylines that keep the viewers engaged.
The opening mystery of the pilot episode sets the tone for the rest of the show. The show doesn’t shy away from addressing the issues of racism and portrayal of Native American characters, amongst other things.
The sixth episode of season one, titled “The Worst Kind of Hunter,” is one of the standout episodes. This episode highlights Longmire and a tribal police officer, played by Zahn McClarnon, working on a case together. The conflict between the two contrasting forms of justice is well written and acted.
The three-part mystery in season three is one of the darkest and intense in the series. The episodes are titled “Counting Coup,” “Dogs, Horses, and Indians,” and “Mercy.” The anti-heroic antagonist of the show, Malachi Strand, played by Graham Greene, becomes especially significant as this season progresses.
V. Production Value
One of the significant strengths of Longmire is the way it portrayed the beauty of Wyoming. The show makes full use of the stunning landscapes in Wyoming. The show’s visuals capture the essence of the state’s natural beauty and make the series stand out from other shows.
The Wyoming landscape became an essential character in the show due to the show’s excellent cinematography and location scouting. Every episode made the most out of the locations, which are showcased brilliantly.
One of the most visually intriguing episodes was “From This Day Forward” from season two. This episode features Longmire’s daughter’s wedding, with breathtaking visuals that make the most of the scenic landscapes, especially the battle scenes between cowboys against Indians. The episode was shot brilliantly.
VI. Comparing the Show and Books
Longmire is based on the book series of the same name by Craig Johnson. Although the series followed the basic outline of the books, there were several significant differences in terms of some character arcs, storyline, and tone.
The show’s action was significantly concentrated on modern-day, making it more relatable to the audience. The character of Walk Longmire and his relationships with the people around him were somewhat different from the books.
The primary example of the deviation from the books was the character of Vic Moretti. In the books, Vic is portrayed as an attractive, blonde object of desire. In the show, Sackhoff’s version is a much more layered, nuanced character and an integral part of the series.
VII. Comparing Similar Shows
The modern Western genre is one that has only a few good representatives. Longmire is often compared to Justified, which shares a similar setting and storyline. Both series follow the life of a law enforcement officer dealing with the complexities of society.
Deadwood has established itself as another classic western show, but unlike Longmire, it is a period piece set in the 1870s. The writing and dialogue are more substantial in Deadwood, with a varied cast of characters.
VIII. Conclusion
In conclusion, Longmire is an exceptional western drama that showcases the lives of people in Absaroka County. The show has a lot to offer, with great character development, standout mystery story arcs, wonderful production value, and impressive location scouting. The show has its flaws, but despite that, it still stands as a great piece of storytelling. It is an excellent representation of the Western genre, and it delivered on its promise to its fans.
What did you think of Longmire? Have you seen it yet? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.