Longmire

Longmire is a compelling Western-style crime drama that originally aired on A&E from 2012-2014, before moving to Netflix for its final three seasons in 2014-2017. Notably set in the fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming, Longmire breathes a breath of fresh air into the crime procedural genre with its unique setting and intricate, character-driven storytelling.

The show title Longmire refers to the lead character, Sheriff Walter "Walt" Longmire, played by Robert Taylor, an Australian actor known for his deep, gravelly voice, stern demeanor, and his measured, authentic portrayal of the stoic yet wounded lawman. After the loss of his wife, faced with personal and professional trials, Longmire dives back into his work, ominously declaring, "When you're sheriff, there ain't no retirement."

What sets Longmire apart is its infusion of Western elements into a modern setting. The expansive, breathtaking landscapes, slower-paced storytelling, and the larger-than-life character of Walt Longmire himself – a man who upholds the law not by clever legal maneuvering, but by a powerful sense of morality and bravery – contribute to this feeling. The show does not shy away from subjects of conflict amongst the indigenous people, their ties to the land, and the clashing of cultural paradigms. It tackles each element head-on, adding depth and poignancy to the series.

Consequently, Robert Taylor's Walt Longmire shares the spotlight with Lou Diamond Phillips, who plays Henry Standing Bear. Henry is Longmire's longtime friend and a local business owner, who also acts as the moral compass of the show in many instances. He's deeply involved in preserving the culture and rights of the local Native American tribes and often provides a bridge between Walt and the tribal police.

Another central character in the series is deputy Victoria "Vic" Moretti, played by Katee Sackhoff. Formerly a homicide detective in Philadelphia, Vic brings a hard-edged, city-slicker viewpoint to Absaroka County, but also battles with personal demons throughout the series. She's whip-smart, unapologetically frank, and offers a contrast to Walt's approach to law-enforcement.

While the series' driving force is the traditional case-of-the-week format, chronicling Walt's ongoing fight against crime, it's interlaced with broader, season-long storylines concerning the Sheriff's personal life, political disputes, and the specter of his wife's mysterious death. These narratives keep viewers engaged with the emotional stakes of the characters, rendering Longmire not just a crime drama, but a complex study of its characters' humanity.

The series also delves into the political arena with another character, Branch Connally (Bailey Chase), a young, ambitious deputy in the sheriff's office. Branch's wealthy father and his own political aspirations add an interesting power dynamic to the series, bringing modern-age political maneuvering to Wyoming's rural setting.

The creation of Hunt Baldwin and John Coveny, who notably worked on another hit procedural, 'The Closer,' Longmire goes beyond most crime procedurals by treating its setting not just as a backdrop, but as a vital component of the series. Every wide shot of the Wyoming landscape, every brushstroke of local color adds to the show's atmosphere.

Longmire has garnered critical acclaim for its storytelling, performance, distinctive setting, and unique take on the genre. It's definitely worth exploring for viewers looking for a detective show that goes deeper than catching criminals, but instead grapples with themes of justice, responsibility, and dealing with personal loss. It might be set in the wide-open plains of Wyoming, but Longmire is far from an empty series; it's packed full of emotional resonance, sharp writing, intriguing mysteries, and unforgettable characters.