Elkhorn

Elkhorn gets 4 stars for the scenery. As for the actors, none of whom I'll admit I ever heard of, they all seem more suited to community theater than television series or movies. I've watched four episodes and the more I see, the less I like it. The actor playing Paddock, I think his first name is Nate, may be the most annoying of the bunch. I refuse to believe he actually sounds like that! It feels like he made a conscious decision to sound and look like some new version of Sam Elliott! Every time he smirks and starts speaking in that Sam Elliott drawl, I have to laugh. Not sure I can finish watching the entire series. Honestly, I'd rather watch reruns of the old T. V. westerns from the 1960's. If you want to see a new Western series with great acting and writing, you should watch 'Billy the Kid' on MGM+ It's a hundred times better than Elkhorn.

Interesting to see Teddy at this stage of his life, surrounded by the unique characters of the Badlands. We saw his development from a nerdy New York politician to a confident ranchman. Uncle Bill Sewall, his trusty right hand man from Maine, provides some organic acting and steady energy - as well as Teddy's reliable and even-keeled ranch manager Merryfield, who boasts an epic mustache. Teddy's nemesis the Marquis de Mores is extremely captivating to watch on screen, and the Marquis' right hand man, Paddock, provides some well-timed humor and dark brooding energy. Like most shows, some episodes are stronger than others, but overall, we are hoping for a Season 2!

My wife, my son, and I watched this show pretty much every week. I consider myself a history buff, so I wanted to check this one out. We got pulled into the story. The actor playing Teddy (Mason Beals) was tough when he needed to be, but also pulled off some of Teddy's quirky and nerdy traits. He looks a lot like Teddy as a young man, who was often described as "rail thin" in his younger years. The Frenchman Marquis de Morès (Jeff DuJardin) was exceptionally magnetic, sinister, and charming. The guy you love to hate. I lived in France for 2 years after college, and I enjoyed the touch of French culture and accent. I had heard of the real Marquis before, and he really was a larger than life character, and DuJardin nails it. The show as a whole felt pretty accurate. My wife was a big fan of the females on the show - the actress playing the Marquis' wife Medora (Ashton Solecki) was elegantly powerful and evil, the actress playing Rosie (Tori Griffith) was very organic, and Rosie's aunt Maddox (Stephanie Shulz) often stole the show with some biting humor. Overall, we will miss all of the great characters of Elkhorn and are really hoping for a Season 2!

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!

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!