Longmire is an awesome TV show. It
is was A&E's most watched scripted series of all time with 6 million viewers in Season 2 and an average 5.6 million in Season 3.
And then A&E dropped it.
Now I'm no rocket surgeon, but when the Arts and Entertainment Network get rid of what many people are calling the best mix of a modern western and a crime drama. ’I'm not going to claim that this is the best show on TV, but it’s a quality production that deserves another season at least'.
The scenery is stunning with summer colours and winter snow playing equal parts in the story that is being told. The characters are complex and deep, bringing a new dimension that most other crime shows search for.
Longmire is A&E's 2nd highest rated show, to the reality show 'Duck Dynasty', so why was it cancelled? Some people argue that the audience was 'ahem' too old for their sponsors, others say that it doesn't fit in well with their other shows.
If you've never heard of Longmire - then shame on you - I
wrote about it here last year! Well, if you need a refresher course, here are a few fine reasons (stolen from
Rachel Weingarten at Parade) to keep Longmire alive:
1. Its a good old fashion Western
Who doesn't love a Western? For crying out loud he's killed a baddie with his folding hunting knife and it doesn't get any more Western than that
2. The scenery is just fantastic.
Filmed in New Mexico, it is real scenery, no CGI, no fuss, no muss.
3. You can watch it with your Mum
Unlike my other favorite show of today, Games of Thrones, , this does not have graphic sex scenes or beheadings or bits of bodies being lopped off. It's wholesome fun for the whole family! Actually, it reminds me of another of my all-time favorite TV shows, MASH, just with less laughs.
4. Your family is as Crazy as This
I was just chatting to a friend about this very subject yesterday, wishing that I'd known at 14 that everyone's family was special!
** As a man, I can only quote Ms. Weingarten on this, and the next point **
5. Unlikely sex symbols:
Sure, Longmire the man is super-studly with his gruff voice and tormented soul. And Branch is probably the most sizzling-hot-rich-boy-rebelling-by-going-into-tiny-town-law-enforcement character ever. But sweet as a puppy Ferg, played by Adam Bartley, is one of the most crush-worthy male characters on TV in a long time. By turns bumbling, at others fiercely loyal and brave, he represents a completely different type of male character than I can remember seeing on a TV drama. And I’d really, really, like to ask him for a hug.
6. Women of every age and every stage: When is the last time that you saw a woman of a certain age, playing someone sassy and wise without playing the requisite grandmother role? Louanne Stephens (formerly of Friday Night Lights) as Ruby, the sheriff’s office dispatcher, adds a quiet grace to a role that might seem tiny if inhabited by any other actress. And Vic and Cady as the younger females in the cast don’t ever quite do what we expect them to.
7. Villainous Villains
Unlike 'black hats' versus 'white hats' in other shows, these villains have a story, they have a unique way of looking at things. Oh, you don't get to like them, you just 'get' them.
8. Friends
No, Rachel, Joey and chums aren't a scratch on Walt Longmire and Henry Standing Bear! Their bromance can definitely show some guys today what true friendship is.
9. Lou Diamond Phillips
As Henry Standing Bear he has perfect diction. We just need to have him answer the phone stating “It is a beautiful day at the Red Pony and continual soiree”
10. It Ain't Perfect, but it's ours
I'm not sure what describes this TV show more than the people who come together for 2 days of Longmire fun:
I recommend starting 5.30 minutes in
And this kind of sums up the show:
Maybe we should just change A&E's name to what I thought it first stood for, where drunken brawlers end up on a Saturday night - Accident and Emergency...
kthanxbai!
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