10/10
Outstanding - contains spoilers
12 March 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Contains spoilers…………… The original Lonesome Dove was without doubt the finest western ever made whether for cinema or television, and thus having embraced the characters from the original all LD sequels became of interest to me. Even Return to Lonesome Dove, which was not sanctioned by Larry McMurtry was a spellbinding mini-series/movie if not as good as its predecessor. The Streets of Laredo was again a welcome addition to the story, as was Dead Man's Walk – though the denouement of that one I found unsatisfactory.

Having watched the three above, and read the books I awaited Lonesome Dove – The Series with eager anticipation and have not been at all disappointed. Although at times – possibly accentuated by the start/end 1920s narration by the elder Newt – it smacked of Little House on the Prairie, it avoided going too far in that direction by hardening up the character of Newt and the story lines as the series progressed. Scott Bairstow developed Newt in line with what was thrown at him, at Hannah and the town of Curtis Wells; and having not yet watched The Outlaw Years I don't know where Newt goes next. Christianne Hirt was simply wonderful as Hannah and although I knew roughly what would happen in the final episode, the impact and shock value of the explosion were undiminished – that and the abrupt narration free ending closed the series leaving me stunned. It was probably necessary dramatically to finish in that way but I will truly miss Hannah, and the beautiful Miss Hirt..

Given the quality of production, story lines and the actors who graced Lonesome Dove the Series it should be difficult to pick out a clear 'star' of these films but for me the one who stood out even above all the other excellent cast members was Eric McCormack. His portrayal of Colonel Francis Clay Mosby was outstanding. As soon as Mosby comes on the screen your eyes are drawn to him; his controlled anger, the longing for Hannah, the power and strength of what is basically a criminal character and in the third from last episode his losses in the war are revealed helping the viewer to a greater understanding. An incredible anti-hero without whose character this wonderful series would have been diminished.

With the excellent performances, fabulous scenery and production values, and Terry Frewer's music which builds upon the original beautiful Poledouris score, Lonesome Dove – The Series is truly outstanding.
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