Elkhorn

A riveting storyline with a charismatic villain. I love the Western genre and lore, as well. Not sure how historically accurate it all is, but that's mostly on me and the American public school system for getting a D in American history. Despite any artistic liberties, I'm at least being made aware of numerous historical figures, places and events that I otherwise might have never been made aware of. And on a pure entertainment level, there's plenty of conflict and great acting to keep me coming back for more. I hope this gets renewed for another season so I'm not left hanging. More like this, please!

Here's a fleshed-out review for the western about Teddy Roosevelt's early years:

The latest Western series chronicling Teddy Roosevelt's formative years in the Dakota Territory is as riveting as it is enlightening. Set against the rugged backdrop of the American West, the show does a commendable job of weaving historical accuracy with dramatized narrative, giving us a glimpse into the life of one of America's most dynamic presidents before he entered public service.

The series opens with a young Teddy, portrayed with a compelling mix of vivacity and resolve, arriving in the Badlands to overcome personal tragedies through a life intertwined with nature and ranching. This setting not only provides a visual treat but also serves as a crucible for his character development. The stark and sweeping landscapes are captured with an artful eye, and the cinematography consistently impresses, complementing the narrative's expansive feel.

A standout aspect of the show is the character of Medora, who steals the scene every time she appears. She is depicted not just as a love interest or side character but as a formidable presence in her own right. Her interactions with Teddy are layered, hinting at a mutual respect and a shared rugged individualism that is both refreshing and compelling.

The attention to detail in the costumes and sets deserves a special mention. Each piece seems carefully chosen to reflect the period's aesthetic and the characters' personalities, from the rough-spun fabrics of the ranch hands to the more refined attire of the visiting Easterners.

However, one of the series' strengths-its leisurely pace and in-depth character exploration-might be its weakness for those looking for more conventional Western action. But for those willing to immerse themselves in the slower, introspective journey of Roosevelt's transformation from a city dweller to a cowboy, it's a rewarding experience.

Overall, this series is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history or the Western genre, offering a unique look at Teddy Roosevelt's lesser-known young adult years, filled with challenges that shaped his later life. It's a show that leaves you wanting more, and I, too, wish I could binge it all in one go!

Elkhorn, the latest drama series from INSP, immerses viewers in the rugged, untamed world of the American frontier, where survival and community are inextricably linked. Set in the late 1800s, the series follows a group of settlers as they navigate the challenges of life on the Western frontier, from treacherous terrain to personal conflicts. The show excels at blending historical accuracy with captivating storytelling, drawing in audiences with its compelling mix of action, drama, and strong character arcs. The cinematography captures the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the West, while the narrative weaves in rich themes of family, loyalty, and resilience.

One standout feature of Elkhorn is its talented ensemble cast, each actor bringing depth to their roles. However, a notable missed opportunity is the relatively limited screen time of Travis Lee Eller, who plays the shopkeeper Joe Ferris. Eller's portrayal of Joe is understated yet magnetic, and his character has the potential to add significant emotional and narrative layers to the series. As the owner of a local general store, Joe Ferris occupies an essential role in the community, and his calm demeanor and shrewd business acumen could offer a unique perspective on the challenges facing the town. Unfortunately, the show doesn't give Eller enough room to fully explore Joe's character, leaving fans wishing for more of his nuanced, quietly powerful performance. A deeper focus on Joe Ferris could have provided a welcome contrast to some of the more intense, action-driven storylines, creating a richer, more rounded portrayal of life in Elkhorn.

Overall, I loved the series and sincerely hope for a season two!

I am a huge fan of westerns and for me the jury is still out on this one. Mr. Roosevelt rides off to a destination with the only directions being, "ride 40 miles due north" and miraculously rides right to it. All the provisions for this 3 day trip are in one small bag hanging from his saddle. The firewood he uses is perfectly cut with a saw. After riding for some time, he dismounts from his horse and walks away, (not tying the horse up) apparently trusting the horse not to run off and leave him stranded in middle of nowhere.

Three other riders make the same trip, and they too carry nothing with them. When the cattle arrive, the actors close to the camera are dressed to look the part, but the riders in the distance, working the cattle clearly are wearing modern clothing and hats. At the beginning of the show, guns are fired, and no one even flinches at the sound. In one episode, a single cowboy has a red-hot branding iron and is interrupted as he's about to brand a cow, who is standing up! That wouldn't end well! Roosevelt enters two fist fights without even taking off his glasses. Really?

It's the director's job to pay attention to details like these that can make a show believable. (or unbelievable.) I would think there must be someone on the set who would point these things out and try and make it a little more authentic.

Hard to understand how some reviewers rate is show a 10 !

First off I love Teddy Roosevelt's story and most people wouldn't believe he did what he actually did. From tracking down outlaws to storming San Juan Hill to exploring the Amazon but this production was just bad. Poor set design poor acting and cheesy dialog. My first peeve is the choice of Mason Beal (who?) for the lead role. In real life Teddy was a sickly child who overcame that through "living the vigorous life." This included vigorous exercise, boxing, rowing and hunting trips to name a few. He was a husky man of 5'10" 190-200 pounds not the 5'7" 145 pip squeak Mason Beal. I feel his acting occasionally hits the mark in speech type and high reedy pitch but he wasn't the weak fragile little man shown here. He radically reformed the New York police department while commissioner during a time of extreme corruption. He was a very capable man who never backed down

The acting here is categorically bad and often painful to listen to. Very stereotypical portrayals of the characters and at times very cheap backlot sets make this feel like an after school special. The antagonist Marquis de Morès is portrayed by an American actor with a horrendous French accent that borders on comical. In reality the 2 did clash occasionally, once over land rights and once over cattle sale, the Marquis did kill a cowboy in a gunfight but not over land purchases.

Elkhorn was made for the INSP cable Network which I've never heard of and it shows in production value. If you like Hallmark Channel quality production you may like this Series because his story truly is incredible. I just hope one day that story can be told by more capable hands.