Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years

From the very first paragraph of McMurty's original Pulitzer Prizewinner I was hooked on all things 'Lonesome Dove'. At that stage obviously I had no idea of the wealth that was to come. So, through the original Duvall/Lee Jones, to Jim Garner as Call in 'The Streets of Laredo', then prequels 'Dead Mans Walk' and 'Comanche Moon', and even the McMurtry non-authorised 'Return to Lonesome Dove' with Jon Voight. The DVDs and the books which inspired them all now have pride of place at home.

Then came 'The Series' with Scott Bairstow, Eric McCormack and the fabulous Christianne Hart which took Newt Call as its lead. Yesterday I got very sadly to the end with the final episode of 'The Outlaw Years'. This was a much grittier outing for the characters than 'The Series' and there is no doubt certain characters underwent changes which were perhaps a little unrealistic, especially Josiah and Austin Peale. That said, they suffered greatly at Hannah's death as did Call who changed completely from 'The Series' but I guess with good cause.

Although the ending left much unsaid and undone (can anyone please tell me if a follow-up was originally planned but pulled?) this was a compelling part of the 'Lonesome Dove' saga, exceptionally well produced, atmospheric and beautifully played by all especially Eric McCormack and Scott Bairstow.

If you watch the episodes in the correct order (not as on the DVD but as listed on this website) and suspend a little disbelief you will find it satisfying and enormously enjoyable.

'Lonesome Dove ' The Outlaw Years' - as with all LD titles - has great merit and I cannot recommend too highly.

this show deserved a 5 year run. It almost has a NYPD BLUE feel to it for grittiness and the way some of it is shot. A good honest feeling western, it truly picks up where the mini series left. Bairstow seems to have studied the characters from each mini series created and eloquently brought his own version to the screen. He himself is good actor if given the right role in the right show. Watching him in other shows and movies, he knows how play dark characters. If the show had progressed i think some of the episodes written later in outlaw years would have become more consistent, i think it would have also ended more coherently. Still, Any lonesome dove is worth owning

4 out 5 stars

I love the show back when it was new 22 years ago./until until lately when a cable station started running re runs of the show. and it is as good the second time around My favorite actor on the show is Mosbey. I did not like the outlaw years as much as the first year but the show, ( in my opinion) was very well made. You could almost believe it was of the time I did not like the ground always being wet when you could see out side of town the land

was very dry.. I wish it had stayed on for a few more years, I really missed the show as I am sure many other have also. It also show how hard a life many single females had it in that day...The Canada movie TV production seem to do a great job in producing and filming many of these show. I just wonder is there any chance of a new Lonesome dove series in the future. I would look forward to watching such a series, as I am sure many other

Love nearly everything about this mini-series as well as the first one. I believe, as others do, that Eric McCormack as Colonel Clay Mosby is the most interesting character in these two mini-series!

I like Scott Bairstow, but, the action scenes using a stuntman who acts like he's hiding from something are crappy. I have to deduct a couple stars for continuity/stunt quality. I'm pretty sure that these are not low budget productions so I'm just disappointed in the overall result.

Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years is the continuation of "Lonesome Dove: The Series". It is a much deeper story than it's predecessor, and is rich with character development as it follows young Newt Call. The Series is comparable to Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, while the Outlaw Years take a darker turn - one that really makes you think. Every aspect of the show is superb - so watch it already! Late nights on Odyssey Channel!