Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War

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.

Although there are plenty of documentaries that do the acting along the way as they're explaining the history, the pacing and overall storytelling is just really fun. It's different than other acting documentaries I've seen for that reason. I especially love how the historical context gives more support to the acting. And they really did a great job casting Wyatt Earp. He's borderline perfect. Even if he is Australian ;)

It's different than other acting documentaries I've seen for that reason. I especially love how the historical context gives more support to the acting. And they really did a great job casting Wyatt Earp.

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!!

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.

I like to think of myself as a student of History, and, I found this take of the Gunfight, to be very Informative. Nothing happens in a vacuum, and, it was interesting to see all the interlocking interests. There were many things, I did not know, and, I've seen many movies, and, other documentaries, that didn't describe all the outside impacts of this gunfight. It's definitely worth a look. Each episode, leaves you wanting to see, what happens next. Bravo, to all involved in the effort to flesh out the story. The series, could easily have been longer, because there were many things, that could have been discussed in a deeper dive.