The Cowboy War : La Saga O.K. Corral

As a TOURGUIDE in Arizona that visits Tombstone often, I was fascinated by the pauses during the programs re-enactments while listening to Ed Harris' explanation of the backstories and politics that were involved with the situation. It was fascinating, surprising, and eye-opening - if not jaw dropping.

Most of us know the Wyatt Earp/Tombstone story and have probably seen the 1993 Kurt Russell/Val Kilmer TOMBSTOME film...This is not a Glamorized Hollywood movie. It's much like a documentary, where the backstory and "dots" connected were jaw dropping at times. It was quite the Spiderweb. You'll watch this and recognize the parallels consistent with today's corruption in the media, with Politicians, and big businesses.

I promise you, you will sit up in your chair, put your hand over your forehead and realize, WOW...SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE!

I've recommended this to my entire team of Tour guides, and they agree - It's very informative, entertaining, fascinating and very WELL DONE!

My great-great grandfather was a Texas Ranger in Bell County, Texas during the 1870's. He participated in what is believed to have been the last known battle against the Comanche Indians near present day San Saba, Texas. His photograph used to be on display at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, Texas.

I have always been absorbed by stories of Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, the James gang...etc. I have read books on those subjects and watched all the documentaries, tv shows, and movies. I've visited Tombstone, Arizona and walked inside the OK Corral. I even visited Jessie James's family home in Missouri. But nothing I've seen or read was as entertaining or informative as "Wyatt Earp and The Cowboy War". It does a deep dive into everything the movies and books never seem to accurately or sufficiently cover. I learned things I never knew before.

It is narrated by Ed Harris, who I'm a big fan of. The reenactments are great and are filmed in a very dramatic and entertaining way. The casting, directing and acting is very well done. I also thought the music and narration were both top notch. I couldn't stop watching it and was sad when ended.

When clicking play on a title like this you settle in to learn some history, spoken by a dry cowboy sounding narrator and a series of academics who don't seem like they'd last 5 mins in the west and then finally the occasional cut scene which.... well. Yeah.

From the moment this series starts you can tell things are going to be different. The slick editing, great music and scenes which frankly wouldn't look out of place in "Deadwood", Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War pulls you in and keeps you there.

It feels like watching The Defiant Ones for the first time, knowing that what you are watching is redefining a genre.

Ed Harris's narration is spot on, casual and humorous, keeping the story going in a nearly 'telling you over a beer' kind of a way. Meanwhile the cut scenes are lavish, cinematic and captivating.

The guy who plays Wyatt Earp (Tim Fellingham) is the perfect casting to counter Ed's chilled vibe as he blasts his way through the west with a quick draw and a chilling stare. Surrounded by a great supporting cast they bring this little known and vastly complex story to life in a way that feels new and bang on the times.

This docudrama about the West, and more particularly, Tombstone and the Earps, is one of the best written, if not the best written, stories about what really happened. Through multiple sources looking at multiple aspects, we get a full idea of what was happening. How London to New York to Washington to Arizona all come into play between the Civil War, the railroad, the stagecoach, cattle, the newspapers, etc. Is a wonder. Marvelous writing and homework on the part of the producers and writers. It's literally like nothing you've ever seen before.

Why not a 10? Well, it's the acting. The acting isn't up to a 10 level. Everything else is, so that's why it gets a 9. The acting isn't bad, but when everything else is perfect, it could use a slight boast.

Love the buildup to the gunfight and the story of the aftermath. A piece of history that is normally unheard. Presents the characters as they were, not as popular history paints them. And Ed Harris's narration is the best I have ever heard. A thoroughly enjoyable series.

I love it when stories continue on and show what is historically accurate and where the characters end up. I was unaware that this tale was far more involved than the dime store novel version. I enjoyed every episode, the ending of one leaving you wanting more. This was the perfect series to binge watch, which I did while recovering from Covid. It also opened up a desire to learn more about each character. Kudos to Netflix for a wonderful job!!