Lonesome Dove: The Series (1994–1995) User Reviews

One of the best Western series

[cudax · 8/10 · 8 March 2024]

I absolutely love this series. I own it and all of the rest of the lonesome Dove series and movies. Coincidentally, my friend Chip and I had taken a trip from Lake Tahoe through Glacier National Park for the Huckleberry festival, then across the Canadian line into Waterton Glacier Park in the autumn of 1995, which I later found out was the same time they were filming this series! We never went all the way to Calgary or the valley just west of it where it was being filmed. We went to the town of Banff, then drove up the icefield highway all the way to Prince George where we had a bite to eat. Then continued all the way to Prince Rupert, where we boarded the ferry that took us down the inland passage to Victoria Island, where we disembarked. I drove the entire length of the island to the port at Vancouver where we continued our trip back to Lake Tahoe. Anyway back to the actual review, I absolutely love this and everything else about the Lonesome Dove books by Larry McMurtry. I highly recommend anybody of any age to watch any and all of Larry McMurtries series and movies. There is no profanity to be worried about.

How to fix the two Doves.

[eatomson · 27 August 2005]

First, I have no idea what is a spoiler for a canceled TV series that has fan-fic, an episode guide and is available on DVD, but for the sake of those who haven't seen the First Season all the way through, I will try to avoid mentioning the MAJOR EVENT IN THE LAST EPISODE. Also, I know that this comment is pointless, the show is over, but I make it for the benefit of future Westerns (no, not 'Firefly'). Lonesome Dove was changed into Outlaw Years because of low ratings caused by being too rough for the 'Little House on the Prairie' crowd, and too gentle for the contemporary taste in filmed Westerns. So they dirtied up the town, darkened the tone and lost all the viewers. The 'violence' crowd didn't give it a second chance and the fans of young love were horrified. Either approach would have worked with a little tweaking but I think the flip-flop did it in. The show should have started with the two protagonists riding into town. Young eager undomesticated Newt, hardened, power-hungry Mosby. The series then proceeds through a blend of darkened season one and Outlaw Years. End of the first season, when everyone is established, Hannah and her father come to town to start a paper. Both men fall in love, the courtship is longer, at least all season, rivalries of the two men mixed with the usual adventures, town-building etc. The idea is that gradually you would see change as the railway comes, the town develops and the men grow and mature. Over time the tone could lighten or you could have the young-love scenes set in a bright lighter-toned contrast to the darker adventures in town.

Outstanding - contains spoilers

[richard-2002 · 10/10 · 12 March 2008]

Contains spoilers…………… The original Lonesome Dove was without doubt the finest western ever made whether for cinema or television, and thus having embraced the characters from the original all LD sequels became of interest to me. Even Return to Lonesome Dove, which was not sanctioned by Larry McMurtry was a spellbinding mini-series/movie if not as good as its predecessor. The Streets of Laredo was again a welcome addition to the story, as was Dead Man's Walk – though the denouement of that one I found unsatisfactory.

Having watched the three above, and read the books I awaited Lonesome Dove – The Series with eager anticipation and have not been at all disappointed. Although at times – possibly accentuated by the start/end 1920s narration by the elder Newt – it smacked of Little House on the Prairie, it avoided going too far in that direction by hardening up the character of Newt and the story lines as the series progressed. Scott Bairstow developed Newt in line with what was thrown at him, at Hannah and the town of Curtis Wells; and having not yet watched The Outlaw Years I don't know where Newt goes next. Christianne Hirt was simply wonderful as Hannah and although I knew roughly what would happen in the final episode, the impact and shock value of the explosion were undiminished – that and the abrupt narration free ending closed the series leaving me stunned. It was probably necessary dramatically to finish in that way but I will truly miss Hannah, and the beautiful Miss Hirt..

Given the quality of production, story lines and the actors who graced Lonesome Dove the Series it should be difficult to pick out a clear 'star' of these films but for me the one who stood out even above all the other excellent cast members was Eric McCormack. His portrayal of Colonel Francis Clay Mosby was outstanding. As soon as Mosby comes on the screen your eyes are drawn to him; his controlled anger, the longing for Hannah, the power and strength of what is basically a criminal character and in the third from last episode his losses in the war are revealed helping the viewer to a greater understanding. An incredible anti-hero without whose character this wonderful series would have been diminished.

With the excellent performances, fabulous scenery and production values, and Terry Frewer's music which builds upon the original beautiful Poledouris score, Lonesome Dove – The Series is truly outstanding.

Enjoyed the series. Especially the later episodes.

[Bob-455 · 3 June 1999]

"Lonesome Dove:The Series" was in a class of itself with the writing,attention to detail of the period of which the series took place, ie: clothing, set decoration, realism. The acting was excellent for the entire cast.About midway during the series short lived history plotline changed as well as character development due to tragedy in the storyline. Ratings was probably the greatest motivator for the change. The change improved the series greatly-however the ratings remained poor,thus "lonesome Dove: The Series" was canceled.

Better than "The Outlaw Years"

[Rose-35 · 23 October 2000]

I thought it was a great show and was sorry to see it end. It was much better than the later "Outlaw Years" episodes. "The Outlaw Years" were good but I don't think they had the heart that "The Series" did. They were just more enjoyable and was very well acted. Watch both and see what you think, and although many will disagree with me, I think that "The Series" surpassed "The Outlaw Years" by a long shot.