Elkhorn

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!

This is got to be the worst acting I have ever seen. I am sorry to say. It reminds me of a 7th grade play.

Yet, I keep watching this series, hoping the dialog/acting will get better.

I was brought up on "westerns" and that is what interested me in this series.

If the series is renewed for a second season, I will hope writing/acting will improve.

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 !

I enjoyed this tv series but there were some things about it that drove me nuts. The cinematography was beautiful Most of the actors did a good job with the script they had. However, a few of the actors really over did their performance to a level that was almost cartoonish. The second thing that drove me nuts was that several things in the tv series were wrong to the period in history that this series was supposed to happen. One actor had on a shirt that was not a color of dye that was available at that point. Another actress had her eyebrows razored or threaded that is so obviously not of that period. Yet, another actress wore heavy makeup up that was simply not done during that period. A letter that an actor was writing in one scene with a pen and ink bottle simply folded the letter immediately upon finishing and put in an envelope. The ink would have smudged if you don't let the ink dry back then at least a minute or two. I could go on with these errors but you get the idea. The pacing on the series was very slow which causes the viewer to lose interest. I would love to see President Roosevelt's life story done in its entirety with a better script as he was one of the most colorful and interesting Presidents.

As a recent visitor to Medora, North Dakota, I couldn't help but feel a special connection to Elkhorn, INSP's frontier drama set in the late 1800s. Walking through the town, I had the chance to see the real Joe Ferris General Store-still standing today-where Joe Ferris, the character portrayed by Travis Lee Eller, once ran a thriving business. The store, now a historic site, offers a tangible glimpse into the past and made me appreciate the character in Elkhorn even more. The show's portrayal of life on the frontier, with its stunning landscapes and intense human drama, feels all the more authentic knowing that Joe Ferris was a real figure whose legacy endures in Medora.

Travis Lee Eller's performance as Joe Ferris is one of the highlights of the show for me, and it's a role that felt ripe for deeper exploration. His portrayal of the town's quiet but vital shopkeeper is understated yet compelling. However, I couldn't help but wish the show had featured him more. Given that the real Joe Ferris General Store is still a key landmark in Medora, it seems like a missed opportunity to delve further into Joe's backstory and his importance to the community. Despite this, the series offers a gripping, well-crafted look at frontier life, and the connection to Medora's real-life history makes it even more special for fans who have walked the same streets as Joe Ferris.