I was excited for this show the moment the premise was announced, and it was well worth the wait. Like many people, I was worried an intriguing idea would be ruined and given the stereotypical CW treatment, but this is no low budget, teenie bopper soap opera. CW under new ownership is starting off with a very promising bang.
Let's start with the cast. Yes, they're all pretty and have way nicer teeth than anyone in the old west could ever dream of, but that's where the usual CW treatment ends. The acting of this cast is top notch, with off the charts chemistry from the start. Kat McNamara holds herself with the effortless gravitas befitting of a woman of Abby's stature. She's no wilting flower, but she doesn't immediately become a hardened hero following her husband's death. A capable woman tossed into the deep end, but willing to learn how to swim instead of sinking or having someone come to her rescue. Matt Barr's Hoyt toes the line between charming rogue and dangerous criminal, but you can tell that there's more than meets the eye with him. Abby may be the leading lady, but Hoyt isn't a mere plot device in her story and won't be easy to control. Our introductions to the rest of the players in Independence leave you wanting more in the best way possible. It's clear that everyone is more than what they seem (or not what they seem at all), and there's no such thing as a coincidence in Independence. Despite being a relatively new town, all of the characters have history with each other ready to be explored. We have Kate, the overlooked white dove who seems to have a finger in every pot all over town. Kai, the town's laundry man, restauranteur, and friend of Kate who found his way to Independence through deadly railroad work. Augustus, Deputy Sheriff passed over for promotion despite his years of hard work, commitment to the town, and keen eye for trouble. Calian, the Apache tracker who once worked alongside Augustus and is curious about the town, but cautious. Lucia, Hoyt's lady love and rancher's daughter with dreams beyond the ranch. And that's not to speak of our obvious villains Sheriff Davidson and Hagan. It's clear they're bad news, but we don't know yet how their deep their scheming runs and what it means for the rest of the town.
The pilot wastes no time on exposition and some may feel we don't get enough time with all the characters, but in this case the whirlwind pacing and characters dancing on and off screen after only a few lines works. It mirrors Abby's experience- thrust into a completely new life and environment after the traumatizing death of her husband. She barely has time to think and plan out her next steps, and doesn't know who she can actually trust in a town of strangers who all have their own agenda.
The production quality and cinematography is leagues beyond what we typically see on the CW. This show has more of an HBO/Showtime feel to it. Every little detail from the set to the costumes transport you straight to the old west. The town is small and dusty, smack dab in the middle of the plains. There's no out or escape for these characters, Independence is the last stop on the line. I was worried that the modern soundtrack would ruin the mood, but so far it works and has a very Baz Luhrman feel.
This is a Western that focuses on those who have never been center stage in the narrative, a refreshing twist on an old classic. Promising, and has me eager for more after only one episode. Worth checking out even if you wrote the CW off long ago.
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