10/24
A family of ranchers in Montana face off against others who are encroaching on their land. Forrie J. Smith, who plays Lloyd, is a seasoned Rodeo man. John Dutton (Kevin Costner) often seems to “forget” his Montana accent and reverts to the SoCal speaking voice he normally uses.. Featured in WatchMojo: 10 Best Summer TV Shows That Aren’t on Your Radar (2018). (Review is for the first two seasons only) I didn’t come into this show expecting to like it, but the plot, acting, and cinematography are excellent. It’s basically Montana Mob Wars with the occasional huge dose of testosterone (cowboys with guns on horseback fishing)! Costner is a great actor as the lead Dutton. The show is at its best when it shows the chessboard moving between the Duttons and their enemies. The show falters at the beginning of the second season, but picks up again halfway through. Kelsey Asbille is the weakest link as Monica and she plays poorly, the plot is awkwardly thrown off, and the acting is just flat out wrong. I think Cole Hauser as Rip may be the strongest actor (besides Costner himself) and I looked forward to every scene Rip was in. Thomas Rainwater is also great. The plot is rumbling and the scenery is gorgeous. Just as Cormac McCarthy’s “All The Pretty Horses” was a bit more raw and brutal than the title suggests, this show hits in a similar vein. I highly recommend it and wish I hadn’t waited so long to watch it.