27/12
A ranching family in Montana must defend themselves against invaders who want to take over their land. Forrie J. Smith, who plays Lloyd, is a seasoned rodeo expert. John Dutton (Kevin Costner) often seems to „forget” his Montana accent and reverts to his usual Southern California voice. Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Summer TV Shows You’re Missing (2018). (Review only covers the first two seasons.) I watched the show not expecting to like it, but the plot, acting, and camera work are great. It’s basically mob wars in Montana with the occasional huge dose of testosterone (cowboys with guns on horses fishing)! Costner is a masterful actor in the lead role of the Duttons. The show is at its best when it shows the chessboard moves of the Duttons and their enemies. The show falters early in the second season but picks up again halfway through. Kelsey Asbille as Monica is the weakest link and plays a poor character, the plot gets lost awkwardly and the acting just misses the mark. I think Cole Hauser as Rip is perhaps the strongest actor (excluding Costner himself) and I found myself looking forward to all of the scenes involving Rip. Thomas Rainwater is also great. The plot is gripping and the scenery is beautiful. Just as Cormac McCarthy’s All The Pretty Horses was a little rougher and more brutal than the title suggests, this show follows a similar path. Highly recommended and I wish I hadn’t waited so long to watch it.
