Granite Flats

Granite Flats is a compelling drama series produced by Brigham Young University Television (BYUtv) which aired over three captivating seasons from 2013 to 2015. This was the first original scripted television drama series produced by BYUtv. Granite Flats was a turning point for BYUtv, which was typically associated with religious programming and sports broadcasts. Set in the 1960s, during the Cold War era, the show takes the audience on a fascinating journey through the mysteries and secrets of a small Colorado town of Granite Flats.

The story begins when a mysterious metal object crashes outside of the town, causing a local woman to lose her life. The event triggers sinister activities in the quiet town, leading to a multi-layered investigation that keeps viewers on their toes. The themes of the show combine suspense, drama, mystery, and family life, which mesh to create a truly engaging series.

The richness of Granite Flats lies in its complex character sketches and the way relationships are developed throughout the series. The series seems at first to be a quaint look at the life in small-town America in the mid-20th century, but before long it helps the viewers to discover unknown sides of the otherwise seemingly ordinary residents of the town.

The central characters of the series are three middle-schoolers: Arthur Milligan, the son of Granite Flats' recently-widowed hospital administrator; Timmy Sanders, the “new kid” who has relocated there with his divorced mother Elaine, the new English teacher at the school; and Madeline Andrews, an adopted girl whose father is an army officer at the nearby military base. There are several other colorful characters that are woven into the plot including the police chief, the military base personnel, and various townsfolk.

The intrigue-filled plot of Granite Flats is expertly tied to actual historical events from the 1960s, offering a unique intersection of fiction and reality. Significant events of the time like President Kennedy's assassination, espionage and counter-espionage narrative in the backdrop of Cold War, and the secrets of military scientific research, form the major spine of the series' storyline.

It's this historical confluence that gives the series a unique charm and authenticity. The cinematography and production design meticulously recreate the tangible look and feel of the 1960s, from the costume designs to the classic vehicles crowding the town's roads.

Throughout its three seasons, Granite Flats maintains a high level of moral integrity, refraining from explicit language, violence, or adult themes which are so common in most mainstream drama series. This makes it an excellent choice for families to watch together, combining thrilling drama with age-appropriate content.

Granite Flats is expertly cast and benefits from strong performances from its lead and supporting actors. The well-written dialogue, combined with expert acting, adds depth and subtlety to the complex relationships portrayed in the series. Among others, the cast includes actors like Jonathan Morgan Heit, Malia Tyler, Richard Gunn, Charlie Plummer, and David Naughton.

Notably, it also features guest appearances from celebrated actors such as Christopher Lloyd of Back to the Future fame and Parker Posey, known for her roles in independent films. Their presence adds an additional level of gravitas to the storyline and further enhances the overall viewing experience.

The narrative is tightly woven, maintaining suspense and intrigue through each of its 24 episodes. With complex characters, a plot that delves into historical and institutional secrets, edge-of-the-seat suspense, and a brilliantly recreated 1960s environment, it's easy to get drawn into the world of Granite Flats.

Ultimately, Granite Flats is a memorable series that not only engages viewers with its thrilling plot but also takes them down the memory lane of mid-20th-century America, a time of innocence and turmoil. Be it the dynamic characters, the intricately layered plot, the nostalgic setting, or the integration of history into a fictional narrative, Granite Flats stands as a unique and worthy addition to the world of television drama series.