27/43

A ranching family in Montana faces others encroaching on their land

Forry J. Smith, who plays Lloyd, is a man well-versed in the world of rodeo.

John Dutton (Kevin Costner) often seems to “forget” his Montana accent and revert to his usual Southern California voice

Featured on WatchMojo: 10 Best Off-Your-Radar Summer TV Shows (2018) (Review of the first two seasons only) I came to this show not expecting it, but the plot, acting, and cinematography are excellent. It’s basically mob wars in Montana with periodic giant doses of testosterone (cowboys with guns on horses while fishing)!

Costner is a masterful actor as the Duttons

The show is at its best when it shows the chessboard moves made by the Duttons and their enemies. The show stalls at the beginning of season 2, but picks up again halfway through.

Thomas Rainwater is also fantastic

Kelsey Esbill is the weak link as Monica and is poorly acted, the plot ends awkwardly, and the acting doesn’t quite hit the mark. I think Cole Hauser as Rip is probably the strongest actor (minus Costner himself), and I couldn’t wait to see all the scenes Rip was in.

The plot is buzzing and the scenery is beautiful

Just as Cormac McCarthy’s All the Pretty Horses was a bit more raw and brutal than the title suggests, this show hits the same vein. I highly recommend it and regret not waiting longer to watch it.