My latest Netflix binge is a show called Longmire. It first aired on A&E (a basic cable channel in the US) and I really liked it back then, despite being anything but a Western fan, which was the genre the show seemed to fit into, though it’s also a crime drama. Walt Longmire (based on books by Craig Johnson) is a Sherriff in the fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming. His wife died the year before the show starts, seemingly of cancer, but we find out that no, she was murdered. We meet his best friend, Henry Standing Bear, from the nearby Cheyenne reservation, and his daughter, a lawyer, and his deputies, and we learn about the kinds of crimes that a Sherriff in Wyoming might have to deal with, and the politics, and so much more.
After two or three seasons on A&E the show was cancelled, for having too old of an audience supposedly. I don’t know if I realized at the time that Longmire had been picked up by someone else, but since I didn’t have Netflix back then it was over for me, and I mourned the loss.
Maybe I’m an old soul, as I have often been told, but a lot of the shows that have been designated as being for older people have been favorites of mine since childhood – like Murder, She Wrote and Matlock and Law & Order. The assumption that we all only watch shows that reflect our current age and situation in life is silly, and something that, if true, should be challenged.
The sixth and final season of Longmire aired on Netflix back in 2017, so there’s really no hope of them going back and doing more seasons now, damn it, especially because the show’s final episode wrapped things up in a way that kind of cuts off the blood supply for possible future seasons. But all of those knots could be untied – like when you knit a sweater and realize it’s too short, so you pull out the last row or two and add on – and it could be done seamlessly. Almost. But for now, I only have these six seasons to watch and re-watch to try to figure out why it burrowed so deeply into my psyche in such a short amount of time.
On second viewing I’m noticing more details, more places where they foreshadowed the future plot twists, and how they used music to create tension, and how they developed certain themes on a slow burn. I thought it might be too soon to watch it all again and that I would get bored, but that just hasn’t happened. I feel like I’m getting to know these people better, and seeing how much more detail was there in the first place, helping me to understand how their minds work and where they are strong and where they are weak and what they know about themselves and what they don’t.
The relationships between the characters are so deeply explored, often through just the tone of voice or a look between two people. And I love that every strong character in the show has weaknesses and grey areas and confusions over what is right and wrong. And even the best of friends disagree about what’s right in any given situation.
I love Lou Diamond Phillips in his role as Henry Standing Bear. He’s able to capture the easy charm of a bartender, and the deep loyalty of a best friend, and the spirituality and anger of a Cheyenne warrior, all without seeming to pivot from one part of himself to another. And Vic, the female Sherriff’s deputy from Philadelphia who goes from flirty to sarcastic to frightened to defiant to deeply loyal with the same seamlessness.
And then there’s Walt, the strong, silent Sheriff, who can be childlike and confused and then strong and formidable, and whose moral compass is in constant motion, not always leading him in the right directions but showing us that he is always searching for what is right. His bravery and endurance feel almost unbelievable, the way he pushes himself to the brink to help other people, but we get to see all of the damage it causes and all of the pain he’s trying to hide and all of the disappointment and the fear, so that his strength seems deeply human after all.
Nothing is simple on Longmire, but instead of the last minute plot twists of a show like Law & Order, each surprising development in the plot has been laid into the fabric of the show and feels believable and even inevitable, though still shocking.
I love that I’m addicted to a show set in the cowboys and Indians world of Wyoming, a world I wasn’t really curious about before this. I can’t find myself in these places or these people and yet their stories resonate deeply with me, maybe because, bottom line, I trust their values. I trust them to care about me. I believe that Walt and Henry and Vic would care what happened to me, and find ways to protect me if I needed protection. Despite all of the violence and tension in their world, I feel safe with them.
I wish I could write like this. I wish I could write the next season of the show and make the actors come back to shoot it. But maybe most of all, I want to be strong the way these people are strong, while always still acknowledging my fears and weaknesses and confusions. I want to be clear about my values and goals, while still being open to learning something new about the world and about myself. And I want to be able to stick to what is true for me, even while respecting what is true for someone else, unless they’re delusional, in which case, fuck them.
I think Walt would agree.
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please check out my Young Adult novel, Yeshiva Girl, on Amazon. And if you feel called to write a review of the book, on Amazon, or anywhere else, I’d be honored.
Yeshiva Girl is about a Jewish teenager on Long Island, named Isabel, though her father calls her Jezebel. Her father has been accused of inappropriate sexual behavior with one of his students, which he denies, but Izzy implicitly believes it’s true. As a result of his problems, her father sends her to a co-ed Orthodox yeshiva for tenth grade, out of the blue, and Izzy and her mother can’t figure out how to prevent it. At Yeshiva, though, Izzy finds that religious people are much more complicated than she had expected. Some, like her father, may use religion as a place to hide, but others search for and find comfort, and community, and even enlightenment. The question is, what will Izzy find?
rachelmankowitz 
*sheriff* (and not capitalized.
I agree, Lou Diamond Phillips, is a fabulous actor
He really is!
I absolutely loved Longmire! I’ve thought about going back and watching it again.
Totally worth it!
I had to watch a scene of that show in my TV writing class in 2015. It really pulls you in. I wanted to see the rest of it, but I never did.
It’s fantastic!
I will check that one out, thanks~!
The High Plains of Wyoming, Nebraska, and the Dakotas was a fascinating place where social change and drama were hard tackle in the 19th and early 20th century. If you ever get extra time, I recommend reading some Mari Sandoz books and stories. Her biography “Old Jules” is a masterpiece that describes some of those times.
Sounds awesome! Thanks for the recommendation!
We loved that show! Vic was wonderful and I think I might have had a little crush on Walt. Talk about the strong silent type…❤ I don’t get the age thing, either. Pinterest wants my birthdate so they can send me ‘age appropriate’ pins for my boards. Who in the heck are they to tell me what I want pinned on my boards based on my age?! I refuse to do it. They don’t need that info. Yes, Walt would agree.
I loved so many of the characters, but Vic is a special favorite.
It sounds like you really “connected” with the characters. And that the writing and actors were superb, to create such a real feeling. Go ahead, watch it again. Why not?
It feels like an addiction, like something to feel bad about, but I’m not sure why.
LOL! I understand. That’s happened to me with shows, too.
Also loving that your post makes me realize the possibility that dogs saying ruff ruff might also mean that they can hear and understand raw rough language. Your translations of your dogs’ expressions continue to feel spot-on, and the last photo with caption “Watch your language, Mommy” made me laugh; fuck yeah! 🙂
I’m just transcribing. 😁
I love this post! It’s so interesting to learn about the show Longmire and the characters that inhabit the show. It’s a shame that it got cancelled, but I’m glad Netflix gave it a second chance. I’ve never been a fan of westerns, but this show looks like it could be worth a watch! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this show with us, author!
Thank you!
I was never a fan of westerns either but I was totally hooked on Longmire. I love how it delved into the characters and their backstories and how you learn about the crimes and politics in Wyoming. And yes, there are some dogs too! I’m so glad that Netflix picked up the show and I’m binging it right now. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into this amazing show!
Thank you!
Oh my goodness, thanks for introducing me to Longmire. I’ll see if I can find it here in Australia.
I hope so!
I enjoyed Longmire. After watching the first season, I read several of the novels and enjoyed them. I was quite surprised when I discovered that Robert Taylor, who plays Walt, is Australian. And like you and several others, Lou Diamond Phillips was awesome as Henry Standing Bear. Cheers
Once I knew Robert Taylor was Australian I heard tiny breaks in his accent, but I never would have noticed them otherwise. I love the friendship between Walt and Henry! They are honest with each other and follow their own obsessions but are always there for one another. I read that Henry is based on the author’s real life friend, which makes so much sense.
I agree that Longmire really is great. I’m a huge fan of police shows, and this one rates high in my book as well 👍
I love that it fits in the genre but has its own style.
You do that last paragraph as a daily mirror mantra you might kust form a positive habit
I’m terrible at mantras. I’m sure you’re surprised to hear that.
Not really, but you wrote it. You should make attempts to utilize it. I’m married to someone who is bipolar I pretty much work pro-bono as a therapist as it is in my off time to someone who’s head never really turns off. I got faith in ya Rachel, no time like the present to take small steps 💪❤️
Thank you!!!!
One of my all time favorite shows. Enjoyed the cast, especially Vic, who played Starbuck in the remake of Battlestar Galactica, it was refreshing seeing her play a different role. Like you, I was disappointed when the show ended, I would have loved more, but it’s probably best it wrapped up before the writing went downhill.
If the writers we’re getting tired, then I agree with you, but I can see so many ways forward if they wanted to continue.
I too was a fan of Longmire. Good to know I can watch the rest of it on Netflix. I will check it out. Really liked the main group of characters. It is a bit addicting.
Really addictive! Enjoy!
Such a wonderful reflection on a TV series. And a good one at that. No matter the fictional terrain, a deep dive into that cultural world can be universal–as you found with Longmire. Very nice piece, Rachel!
Thank you!!!
I finished my Longmire binge a month or so ago. I certainly agree with everything you said about it, Rachel. It’s just as good rewatching it now as it was when it first came out. Better. We don’t have to wait a week or a season for the next episode.
But, those five seconds between episodes do not allow for bathroom breaks. The only downside.
Don’t you have pause om your remote?
I’ve never heard of Longmire before but I think I’ll check it out now.
Great! Thank you!
Happy Father’s Day!!
Like Michele B. Fishman, I too never heard of Longmire either
Happy Father’s Day!
Such a good show!
Seriously!
Good one, Rachel…I should have watched this!
It’s awesome!
I will look for the show. Thanks.
I’ve never watched Longmire, but it sounds like an interesting show with a great story line. It’s a shame that it got cancelled due to its mature audience. It’s great to know that someone else picked it up and you can now enjoy it on Netflix. Thanks for the great post, it made me realize the importance of keeping great shows alive!
Thank you!
I’m so glad that Longmire was picked up by Netflix! I’d never heard of the show until now but it sounds really interesting – a Western drama with a crime mystery twist. It’s a shame that it was cancelled by A&E but I’m glad it’s been given a second chance. I’m definitely going to give it a watch! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you!!
I’ve been meaning to watch Longmire for a while now and your post makes me want to give it a go even more. It sounds like it has all the elements to make a great show – a compelling and interesting plot, an intriguing cast of characters, and a unique setting. I’m especially curious about the relationship between Walt Longmire and Henry Standing Bear and how the Cheyenne reservation plays a role in the show. Thanks for sharing your experience with the show, it’s really made me want to watch it!
Thank you!!
From your description it sounds like a show I would have loved to watch. Unfortunately it aired after I moved to Turkey and before I started watching series on Netflix in earnest so I never heard of it. I will, though, check out the books. Thanks for your detailed review.
Thank you!
You’re welcome.
I agree, Rachel, Longmire is excellent!
Yay!!!!
I’m so glad that you shared this story with us! I’ve always been a fan of crime dramas, and Longmire sounds like a great show. I’m definitely going to have to check it out on Netflix! Thank you for the post and all the details!
Thank you!
We love Longmire! The actors do such a great job portraying real people. We do live in a wild west type of place similar to this and they do a great job keeping things accurate. Lou Diamond Phillips, though… isn’t Henry awesome?
I love that Henry always keeps it real with Walt, never just mindlessly going along with him. But always with love.
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed Longmire! I’m not a fan of western genre, but I think this show is an exception. It’s quite interesting to explore the Wyoming crime world and the politics. Plus, Walt Longmire is such an inspiring character. I’m definitely gonna check it out! Thanks for the post!
Thank you!
I’m so glad to hear that you found Longmire despite not being a Western fan. It sounds like it has a great story and characters. I’m sorry to hear that it was cancelled, but I’m glad that it was picked up by another network. I’ve never heard of Craig Johnson’s books before, but I’m definitely interested in checking them out. Thanks for sharing this post!
Thank you!
I’m so glad you found a show that you enjoy, even though it doesn’t fit your usual genre. It sounds like you really got invested, and it’s a shame it got cancelled! The characters sound really interesting, and I can only imagine the stories that unfolded. Thank you for sharing, author!
I’m glad you shared your experience with Longmire. It sounds like it was a great show that was canceled too soon. The characters, the setting, and the crime element all seem so interesting. Does Walt have any special pets? Thanks for sharing, author!
I’m so glad that you shared your experience with Longmire. It sounds like a really interesting show and I’m definitely going to check it out. The characters and the setting have me intrigued. Thanks for sharing!
I love this post! I’m so glad the show was picked up by another channel. I can totally relate to the loss of a show, it can be heartbreaking. I’m a fan of crime dramas and westerns, so this show seems like the perfect fit for me. I’m interested to find out more about the characters and the crimes they have to deal with. Hopefully it will get another season! Thank you for sharing!
Wow, this is such an interesting post! I had no idea that Longmire had such a long and complicated history. I’m definitely going to have to check it out. I love crime dramas and westerns and this seems to be a great combination of both. Thanks for the post, author!
Wow, this is a great post! Longmire is an awesome show and I’m definitely going to check it out. I love the way you described it and the characters in it. It’s amazing how the show was able to fit into so many genres. I’m so glad it was picked up and continued, even if you weren’t able to watch it! Thanks for sharing! Thank you to the author for this post!
For myself, there is no age category for tv/movie entertainment. Despite not being created in our present AI/special effects age, even some of the old black and whites have a place in my enjoyment.
Art
Wow, this is such an interesting post! It’s amazing how the show Longmire was able to combine the genre of Western with crime drama. I especially love to hear how it was picked up by Netflix after it was cancelled from A&E. Walt Longmire sounds like a fascinating character and I’m interested to hear about the kinds of crimes he had to deal with in Wyoming. And of course, I’m glad to hear that there are dogs in the show! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with Longmire, it’s much appreciated!
I’m so glad that you shared your experience with this show! It sounds like you really enjoyed it, despite not being a Western fan. I didn’t know that it was cancelled by A&E and then picked up by someone else. It’s really interesting to learn about the characters and the crimes in Wyoming. And I’m sure many people are also wondering if there are any dogs in the show! Thanks for sharing your story with us. Thank you to the author for writing this post!
I really enjoyed reading this post, it made me reminisce about my own favourite shows from the past. I never heard of Longmire before, but it sounds like a great show. The story is so intriguing, and the characters sound fascinating! I’m so glad that the show was picked up by Netflix so that others can still watch it, even after it was cancelled. The way you described the show and the characters made me feel so connected to them. Thank you for this post, it was really informative and entertaining to read!
I really appreciate your post. I’ve never heard of Longmire before, but it sounds really interesting! It’s amazing that the show was picked up by someone else after being cancelled. I’m always impressed by stories like this. It sounds like there’s a lot going on in the show and it would be great to find out if there are any dogs in the show as well. Thanks for sharing this post and introducing me to Longmire!
I’ve never watched Longmire, but after reading your post I feel like I got to know the show a bit. It’s a great concept and I’d really like to watch it. I think it’s amazing that it was picked up by Netflix after being cancelled by A&E. It’s truly inspiring, and I’m sure it’s loved by many. I’m curious to know if there are any dogs in the show! Thanks for the post, author!
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this post! I haven’t heard about Longmire before, but it sounds like a great show. I’m definitely going to have to check it out now! The idea of a western crime drama is such an interesting concept and I’m curious to see how the characters’ stories develop. Thanks for sharing this great post!
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this post! Longmire is a great show and I’m so thrilled to find out it got picked up by Netflix. I appreciate the detail you shared in this post, especially the fact that the show is based on books by Craig Johnson. Dogs in the show? That’s a great idea! Thanks for the info! Thanks to the author for this great post!
Wow, what an amazing post! It sounds like Longmire is a great show and I’m glad you got to enjoy it. I didn’t know the show was canceled, that’s really disappointing. I’ve heard good things about it and will definitely have to check it out. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed Longmire. It sounds like such an interesting show, with so much going on. I hadn’t heard of it before, but I’m definitely going to check it out! I love that Walt Longmire is based on books, and the fact that his wife was murdered makes it even more intriguing. Thank you for sharing this post, the author!
I just finished watching Longmire on Netflix and I have to say, it was a great show! I’m not usually into Westerns, but the crime drama aspect kept me hooked. The characters were so well written and the story was so captivating. Thanks so much to the author for the great post!