15 recensioni
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 !
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 !
- gordonb-59587
- 17 apr 2024
- Permalink
4/5 stars
As a recent Theodore Roosevelt enthusiast and longstanding INSP viewer, the intriguing promo for Elkhorn caught my eye when it came out last spring. As the network had created Into the Wild Frontier, which I found both interesting and entertaining, I waited with anticipation for the series premiere. With it's availability on Tubi, Plex, Youtube, and other platforms, I've been re-watching it at my leisure to compare my initial impressions with the first viewing. On the whole, I think this easily warrants four out of five stars. To start off, I'll briefly lay out the good elements of the series.
First and foremost, I challenge anyone to do I better portrayal of Theodore Roosevelt than Mason Beals. The appearance and mannerisms befit both the available pictures and films of TR as well as what one would imagine of a citified philosophical young politician driven to the wilderness to forge himself into a new man. He is just as confident in his ability to overcome challenges as he is certain that they will arise. Since there is very little in the way of audio recordings of Mr. Roosevelt, any actor who takes on this role must find a way to interpret what we know of the bold personality, studied thoughts, and aspirations of Teddy Roosevelt. Mr. Beals does it so seamlessly that I'm surprised when I find the lines I hear are not actual quotes of Roosevelt himself. It sets a standard in my mind for any future renditions.
Bill Sewall is a compelling character all his own. Some series will tack on a close friend and then just leave him there for decoration and the occasional pep talk. Not so with Sewall. He challenges TR's idealism, voices his reservations on a matter, yet backs up his boss and offers a steadying hand as needed. Will Dow offers a view of an amiable, hapless newcomer. The newspaperman was initially a character I cringed to see and expected he'd be the charity case of the series. And yet, he did find his courage in a way that was neither rushed nor drug out. Rosie shows a young lady, uncertain of herself, thrust into a position of authority, struggling to learn the in's and out's of business management while under the thumb of her manipulative boss, Medora. We all know those who suffer a lack of confidence and find themselves dependent on an authority they don't trust but feel they can't do without. It's what makes the lancing Rosie receives from Medora during the finale so painful to watch.
The bad. In spite of the strong characters and decent pacing, there are some hiccups with the show. Primarily, shortcuts in dialogue and character development. There are times when the conversations don't make sense, as though some would rather hold onto a line by editing everything else around it to try to make it fit it rather than re-write the sequence. In particular, the romance between Will and Rosie seemed rather awkward. Without getting into spoilers, they each tell a relative that being with the other person felt like "home" in the same episode as they contemplate the plunge into marriage. Chances are that two halves of a couple will have different impressions of what marriage will entail and use different words or phrases. For example, saying they feel comfortable with the other person, they like spending time with him/her, or can imagine building a future together are all ways to describe marital anticipation. I'll try not to be too particular because, as a story aficionado, I care about details more than the casual viewer. Yet this part just felt clunky and it's not the only one. In one scene, Sewall is making a solo ride, suffers a mishap, and starts to walk his now-lame animal. He tells the horse it ought to be thanking him for leading it rather than putting it out of its misery. Then, he says, "Nothing? Okay . . . Well . . .you're welcome." The audience did not actually expect the horse to answer him, nor can I imagine Sewall himself ever would. Again, this kind of moment keeps the story from flowing smoothly. At other points, characters will be in a conversation and suddenly divert it to themselves in a way that's unrelated to the subject. This is what people with a strain of egomania do and it's almost as uncomfortable in a show as it is in real life. Maddox talking about how "there used to be a Mr. Maddox" and how she chased her drunk ex off with a cooking vessel could have been funny . . . But not when she's trying to persuade Mr. Strenuous Life Theodore Roosevelt to rest as he suffers from a life threatening illness. The characters who are the most engaging are those who go on about their business and let their personal stories emerge gradually. There are some examples of it in the show, but it's the exception rather than the rule.
And yet, in spite of the faults, this show is still worth watching. Two criteria are what puts it above three stars and into a solid four. First, I am willing to watch it a second time. Second, I'm getting more out of it the second time than the first.
And this is why: Theodore Roosevelt's story is ultimately why the viewer is watching, and the series creators keep that in mind. Medora, The Marquis, and supporting characters have appropriate subplots, but the story still revolves around the man who will one day be one of the highest regarded Presidents in American history. It demonstrates a man seeking an ideal who is willing to give of himself to attain as much of it as possible. The development of TR's character as a boy in the episode Desperate Times, the reminisce of the romance with his first wife Alice in The Stranglers, coping with how to memorialize her in On the Hunt, and his penchant to find new challenges rather than wait for them to come along, is what gives this show it's meat. It's worth watching and re-watching.
What I'd like to see from a Season 2: 1. Connect the dots for the viewer. Some people watching already have some information about Teddy Roosevelt, but there are others who saw an interesting promo and tuned in. These audience members want some exploration of the man, not just the quick quotes. Fortunately, there was some groundwork laid in Season 1. Alas, because I've been reading TR's autobiography, I know some of the stories, such as the bear hunt, had more creative liberties taken with it than gleanings from the true story. This is sad because the guide who "trundled" Mr. Roosevelt had an interesting comeuppance regarding a whiskey bottle and his perception of his "tenderfoot." Sadly, this was not memorialized for posterity in the series. As far as illustrating the physical endeavors of Mr. Roosevelt, he himself described his ability as second rate in most athletic pursuits. You get the idea that he was probably a bit of a clumsy kid before he realized he needed glasses. We need some examples of how indomitable TR became. Once he realized he needed to improve in an area, he pushed himself to meet the challenge, diligently putting in work--sometimes years of it--to better himself. He built himself into a Rough Rider because he was an ordinary man who pushed himself to become as capable as possible. It's why he inspires so many people even today. Tapping more into actual events would greatly improve the interest in the series overall.
2. More episodes per season. Comparing Elkhorn to other series from INSP, the number of episodes per season is around 10. For a straightforward, anthology-type series such as Into the Wild Frontier, this works. You have historians give the backstory, combine it with reenactments of the high points, and the result is an engaging tale. For a series focusing on one person, you can't just give the highlight reel. You need more episodes to fully understand the broader scope over the long haul so writers don't feel rushed into cutting corners, especially with as many supporting characters and sub-plots as this has: the romance between Will and Rosie, the Marquis and Medora's underhanded schemes, Arthur Packard's character, Merrifield, Sewall, and so on. You either have to cut some of these out, or give your creative team more area to work. Right now it feels like everyone cobbled something together at 11pm so they could meet the midnight deadline.
Ultimately, it is a series I would recommend to others and be willing to watch a second time, in spite of its faults, which is why I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. The series has some framework for a respectable second season and plenty of untapped potential for more.
As a recent Theodore Roosevelt enthusiast and longstanding INSP viewer, the intriguing promo for Elkhorn caught my eye when it came out last spring. As the network had created Into the Wild Frontier, which I found both interesting and entertaining, I waited with anticipation for the series premiere. With it's availability on Tubi, Plex, Youtube, and other platforms, I've been re-watching it at my leisure to compare my initial impressions with the first viewing. On the whole, I think this easily warrants four out of five stars. To start off, I'll briefly lay out the good elements of the series.
First and foremost, I challenge anyone to do I better portrayal of Theodore Roosevelt than Mason Beals. The appearance and mannerisms befit both the available pictures and films of TR as well as what one would imagine of a citified philosophical young politician driven to the wilderness to forge himself into a new man. He is just as confident in his ability to overcome challenges as he is certain that they will arise. Since there is very little in the way of audio recordings of Mr. Roosevelt, any actor who takes on this role must find a way to interpret what we know of the bold personality, studied thoughts, and aspirations of Teddy Roosevelt. Mr. Beals does it so seamlessly that I'm surprised when I find the lines I hear are not actual quotes of Roosevelt himself. It sets a standard in my mind for any future renditions.
Bill Sewall is a compelling character all his own. Some series will tack on a close friend and then just leave him there for decoration and the occasional pep talk. Not so with Sewall. He challenges TR's idealism, voices his reservations on a matter, yet backs up his boss and offers a steadying hand as needed. Will Dow offers a view of an amiable, hapless newcomer. The newspaperman was initially a character I cringed to see and expected he'd be the charity case of the series. And yet, he did find his courage in a way that was neither rushed nor drug out. Rosie shows a young lady, uncertain of herself, thrust into a position of authority, struggling to learn the in's and out's of business management while under the thumb of her manipulative boss, Medora. We all know those who suffer a lack of confidence and find themselves dependent on an authority they don't trust but feel they can't do without. It's what makes the lancing Rosie receives from Medora during the finale so painful to watch.
The bad. In spite of the strong characters and decent pacing, there are some hiccups with the show. Primarily, shortcuts in dialogue and character development. There are times when the conversations don't make sense, as though some would rather hold onto a line by editing everything else around it to try to make it fit it rather than re-write the sequence. In particular, the romance between Will and Rosie seemed rather awkward. Without getting into spoilers, they each tell a relative that being with the other person felt like "home" in the same episode as they contemplate the plunge into marriage. Chances are that two halves of a couple will have different impressions of what marriage will entail and use different words or phrases. For example, saying they feel comfortable with the other person, they like spending time with him/her, or can imagine building a future together are all ways to describe marital anticipation. I'll try not to be too particular because, as a story aficionado, I care about details more than the casual viewer. Yet this part just felt clunky and it's not the only one. In one scene, Sewall is making a solo ride, suffers a mishap, and starts to walk his now-lame animal. He tells the horse it ought to be thanking him for leading it rather than putting it out of its misery. Then, he says, "Nothing? Okay . . . Well . . .you're welcome." The audience did not actually expect the horse to answer him, nor can I imagine Sewall himself ever would. Again, this kind of moment keeps the story from flowing smoothly. At other points, characters will be in a conversation and suddenly divert it to themselves in a way that's unrelated to the subject. This is what people with a strain of egomania do and it's almost as uncomfortable in a show as it is in real life. Maddox talking about how "there used to be a Mr. Maddox" and how she chased her drunk ex off with a cooking vessel could have been funny . . . But not when she's trying to persuade Mr. Strenuous Life Theodore Roosevelt to rest as he suffers from a life threatening illness. The characters who are the most engaging are those who go on about their business and let their personal stories emerge gradually. There are some examples of it in the show, but it's the exception rather than the rule.
And yet, in spite of the faults, this show is still worth watching. Two criteria are what puts it above three stars and into a solid four. First, I am willing to watch it a second time. Second, I'm getting more out of it the second time than the first.
And this is why: Theodore Roosevelt's story is ultimately why the viewer is watching, and the series creators keep that in mind. Medora, The Marquis, and supporting characters have appropriate subplots, but the story still revolves around the man who will one day be one of the highest regarded Presidents in American history. It demonstrates a man seeking an ideal who is willing to give of himself to attain as much of it as possible. The development of TR's character as a boy in the episode Desperate Times, the reminisce of the romance with his first wife Alice in The Stranglers, coping with how to memorialize her in On the Hunt, and his penchant to find new challenges rather than wait for them to come along, is what gives this show it's meat. It's worth watching and re-watching.
What I'd like to see from a Season 2: 1. Connect the dots for the viewer. Some people watching already have some information about Teddy Roosevelt, but there are others who saw an interesting promo and tuned in. These audience members want some exploration of the man, not just the quick quotes. Fortunately, there was some groundwork laid in Season 1. Alas, because I've been reading TR's autobiography, I know some of the stories, such as the bear hunt, had more creative liberties taken with it than gleanings from the true story. This is sad because the guide who "trundled" Mr. Roosevelt had an interesting comeuppance regarding a whiskey bottle and his perception of his "tenderfoot." Sadly, this was not memorialized for posterity in the series. As far as illustrating the physical endeavors of Mr. Roosevelt, he himself described his ability as second rate in most athletic pursuits. You get the idea that he was probably a bit of a clumsy kid before he realized he needed glasses. We need some examples of how indomitable TR became. Once he realized he needed to improve in an area, he pushed himself to meet the challenge, diligently putting in work--sometimes years of it--to better himself. He built himself into a Rough Rider because he was an ordinary man who pushed himself to become as capable as possible. It's why he inspires so many people even today. Tapping more into actual events would greatly improve the interest in the series overall.
2. More episodes per season. Comparing Elkhorn to other series from INSP, the number of episodes per season is around 10. For a straightforward, anthology-type series such as Into the Wild Frontier, this works. You have historians give the backstory, combine it with reenactments of the high points, and the result is an engaging tale. For a series focusing on one person, you can't just give the highlight reel. You need more episodes to fully understand the broader scope over the long haul so writers don't feel rushed into cutting corners, especially with as many supporting characters and sub-plots as this has: the romance between Will and Rosie, the Marquis and Medora's underhanded schemes, Arthur Packard's character, Merrifield, Sewall, and so on. You either have to cut some of these out, or give your creative team more area to work. Right now it feels like everyone cobbled something together at 11pm so they could meet the midnight deadline.
Ultimately, it is a series I would recommend to others and be willing to watch a second time, in spite of its faults, which is why I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. The series has some framework for a respectable second season and plenty of untapped potential for more.
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!
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.
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.
- davepaul-94034
- 20 nov 2024
- Permalink
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!
- mitchellsams
- 3 ago 2024
- Permalink
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.
- dhull-09816
- 22 lug 2025
- Permalink
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.
- ambischoff1
- 6 lug 2024
- Permalink
First off, I've always been interested in TR. I've read many things about his life in politics. But, what also fascinated me was his"free spirt" he always showed and presented beyond just politics.
So, with the lose of his beloved wife and mother on the same day, and his " free spirit" and determination he presented in all my reading of what he did after those great losses, I was fascinated and intrigued by what his decisions after. GOING WEST.
I thought what a great story that would be. And, yes, Elkhorn is that story. Sure, I realize the budget on the production of Elkhorn was modest and the story itself deserved more. But, Bravo for this story.
Very well cast, scripted and directed. Kudos to Michael Ojeda, the director for getting the most from his cast. We're well paced.
Thank You for the story Dan Blair.
So, with the lose of his beloved wife and mother on the same day, and his " free spirit" and determination he presented in all my reading of what he did after those great losses, I was fascinated and intrigued by what his decisions after. GOING WEST.
I thought what a great story that would be. And, yes, Elkhorn is that story. Sure, I realize the budget on the production of Elkhorn was modest and the story itself deserved more. But, Bravo for this story.
Very well cast, scripted and directed. Kudos to Michael Ojeda, the director for getting the most from his cast. We're well paced.
Thank You for the story Dan Blair.
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.
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.
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!
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!
- brianbarden
- 20 nov 2024
- Permalink
INSP previously the PTL (Praise The Lord) network admittedly tried to make a family friendly western style drama with source material they should have left alone. I'm sure there was a salary cap on actors. As such, maybe they should have paid for a little better. As for story lines, they should have at least tried to bring up more truthful stories. The dialog is that of a community playhouse. The contrived drama is a bit much. The characters didn't match up with real history. There are too many anachronisms as well. Now, if you are here just to watch a breezy community playhouse production from let's say a bed and breakfast hamlet in an obscure Vermont hamlet set in North Dakota, you've come to the right place. Teddy wasn't a sniffling little self righteous brat when he arrived in North Dakota. He would have been murdered or kidnapped one second outside of NYC for parts unkonwn if he were like this childish character actor. Marques de Morés, while a real barnacle to society and his socialite wife, and also a good duelist, didn't have this many bad encounters with Teddy. His real beef, maybe or maybe not pun intended, was with the stockyard owners in Chicago, which turned him very antisemitic. Real life people, like E. G. Paddock and Arthur Packard have no history of the way they were portrayed here. Just too many false dramatical writing liberties. Other than maybe reading a couple pamplets from the state park and wikipedia articles, maybe INSP should have done a little more research. If INSP wants to make family friendly westerns like the 50s and 60s fodder that was so popular, either stick to make believe cowboys or try to stick closer to the reality of the characters.
- wingthwong
- 10 gen 2025
- Permalink
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!
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!
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!
- thomashenck
- 4 ago 2024
- Permalink
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.
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 was really looking forward to this series. It was something that could be interesting.
However, the casting was a big miss. The acting was extremely poor by several characters.
The casting of Teddy Roosevelt was the downfall of the series. Even a better lead actor with poor acting might have made the series passable due to the scenery and story.
Yes Teddy Roosevelt was sickly and thin as a child and young adult. But to have very short actor with a weak voice portray a 5 ft 10 inch man is ridiculous. Hard to imagine this is Teddy Roosevelt at any age.
The scenery is good and the story is interesting.
However, the casting was a big miss. The acting was extremely poor by several characters.
The casting of Teddy Roosevelt was the downfall of the series. Even a better lead actor with poor acting might have made the series passable due to the scenery and story.
Yes Teddy Roosevelt was sickly and thin as a child and young adult. But to have very short actor with a weak voice portray a 5 ft 10 inch man is ridiculous. Hard to imagine this is Teddy Roosevelt at any age.
The scenery is good and the story is interesting.