The Pinkertons (2014–2015) User Reviews

An enjoyable period show with an interesting plot and interesting characters

[vincebbera · 8/10 · 20 November 2016]

As many shows my wife and i find interesting enough to watch past the first fifteen minutes this one is only one season long. At least that's all we can find. We really enjoy the characters ad the settings

Although this show doesn't have a excessive violence and has an actual plot without being simple It didn't seem to get a lot of publicity. We watch it closely and have enjoyed each episode. This show was starting to flesh out it characters and story lines before halfway through the season. Unfortunately to stay on TV you need lots of blood flying, stupid people and very simple plots so it's not hard to follow. This was a refreshing break and our only wish is more seasons.

Authentic looking, has promise

[Marlburian · 7/10 · 31 August 2015]

Last night was the first screening in the UK (I think) of "Pinkertons", on the relatively obscure Drama channel.

Not at all bad, and authentic-looking, with a fine-looking locomotive and army uniforms that appeared to be accurate. I'll wait and see if "Kate Warne" grows on me; at the moment she doesn't convince. (I was interested to discover that she actually existed and was a successful member of Pinkerton's before, during and after the War between the States – and possibly a lover of Allan Pinkerton's – though she lived only until January 28, 1868.)

William's mollycoddling from a distance by his mother grated just a little, as Jacob Blair was 30 when the episode was filmed. William would have been about 20 – though apparently he had entered the Secret Service when aged 15.

The series shows promise and I look forward to future episodes.

The Pinkertosns, 19th century trappings, 2ist century morals

[cattrina · 8/10 · 19 September 2016]

I really like this show, it is entertaining, feel-good, beautiful and somewhat authentic. What comes to the costumes and props, spot-on.

But this is meant to be 19th century America! It is Victorian era for *cks sake! Non-married men and women do NOT sleep in the same tent! I would have like at least the characters to discuss over this and resort to the 'bundling' codex. meaning something between them to prevent intimacy. That was a missionary's daughter even! And none of the people are prunes, even when it was common practice at that time period.

I do understand, that for the modern era viewer you must represent people of color different and with respect on television. It kinda little bothers me, that John gets so little hardship from the people, even though he seems the only black person in town. Do not understand me wrong, I do not WANT to see racism represented on television. But it just bothers me, for authenticity sake.

I would have assumed at least the three white guys he was imprisoned with would have remarked more on his race.

But I can look between my fingers for them to decide for more modern morals. I just wish the characters acted more prune XD it would have caused entertaining tension!

Edit: and then I saw the episode with the colonel, makes my point on the race moot

My new favorite!!

[masumikitty · 17 August 2015]

I found this show by accident, and I've been binge watching every episode online I can find!

I've finally found a detective series that seems so mature. The setting gives it that feel as well as the characters. I love how the plot doesn't seem like it's a soap opera with one twist leading to another.

The cases can be predictable and other times I was in shock. We even get to see some famous faces such as Edwin Booth and Jesses James.

The characters themselves seem like such a good match. How they didn't trust each other at first, to working perfectly in sync and fully trusting each other.

It's not a very well known show, and I don't know if it'll get another season, but if it does, I can't wait! It ended in such a cliffhanger, that I'm dying to know what happens next!!

Either end it or carry on

[slamb-91267 · 7/10 · 14 May 2019]

Decent plots. Characters were relatable. I could envision multiple spins for future episodes. I really hate when a show ends on a cliffhanger. That's just poor management at the network.

Loved it.

[tncongdon · 10/10 · 1 May 2016]

I think this was one of the best shows in years. I wish they would put it back on. I keep checking. PLEASE bring it back... I not only like westerns, I like trains, and I like old detective shows. So with the combination, I really enjoyed this show. I watched every episode that season and am really disappointed that that did not continue it. It is hard to come up with 10 lines. Just please bring it back. Most shows out there on regular TV is garbage and I see why they are bringing back some of the older shows that has morals in them and just plan life. This show was great. We need more shows like this and even more western shows and movies. Please bring it back.

My new favorite television series!

[tammy-michelle · 10/10 · 29 November 2014]

I love this show! This is an interesting and educational television show. I found this show by accident and have not missed a week since my first viewing. The actors/actresses are great, no cheesy roles. This old fashioned setting and reality based show makes my do not miss list on television. The Pinkerton's remind me of an old fashioned Perry Mason, of course with a female in the main role. I was ecstatic to see Angus McFadyen in this series. He is an amazing actor, and extremely handsome to boot. And you have to love his accent. I was a little disappointed when I realized he isn't in every show. But it is still my new favorite!

in really bad taste

[timcurryisgod · 1/10 · 26 February 2017]

The Pinkertons were a "detective agency," read: hired mercenaries for the U.S. government protecting the ruling elite's business interest. They literally assassinated striking workers and other dissidents so that capitalist ruling class could prevail and continue to exploit the labor of the working class. Kind of in really supremely bad taste to name a TV show about detectives "The Pinkertons" and paint them as "the good guys." Really gross.

Great Show!

[laurelwillis · 9/10 · 2 March 2015]

My husband and I have fallen in love with this show! It just keeps getting better with the plots and especially the mystery is getting really good. With so many reality shows and cheesy sitcoms, I had forgotten how much I enjoy a good mystery. The casting is well done, and the characters are pretty well defined and the story flow on each show is like a good book. This show treats the audience with intelligence rather than cheesy one liners or moments every 5 seconds that try to pull your chain for either to laugh or think about sex. It's so insulting! Really, we all have much more substance to us than that. This show has intrigue, its engaging, with enjoyable characters and not to mention the set, the beautiful scenery is pleasant. I would only like to see here and there a little more defining of the characters that gives us a clear picture of say why they are doing what they are doing and makes them tick. But honestly if they never did do that I would still enjoy this show tremendously.

More ham than our local pig farmer .

[allanthephotographer · 1/10 · 5 September 2015]

The Pinkertons reminded me, and not in a good way, of those Saturday morning cinema cowboy movies where the 'bad guys' wore handkerchiefs on their faces, waved guns in the air yelling "this is a holdup", hid in full view on some rocks and took pot shots at the 'good guys' I half expected to see Gabby Hayes or Hopalong Cassidy come riding to the rescue. I'm not sure of the original nationality of the Pinkertons a fact that remains a mystery thanks to the unidentifiable accents (plural) adopted by the senior Pinkerton. Was it Scottish, Irish or maybe Scandinavian? I really can't find anything to commend this effort at a period drama. For quality drama from a similar period try Ripper Street which has its own, better characterized, Pinkerton agent. Similarly there's series three of Peaky Blinders to look forward to.

A breath of fresh air

[mjcrow · 10/10 · 2 September 2015]

I love this show. Fresh new characters, good plots and every other word is not a swear word. Non violent and period correct add to a most enjoyable show. A touch of humour also add to the fun. Way above much of the junk we are dished up with on TV today "The Pinkertons" are now under "Securitas" wing but have an admirable history of respect and fair play. The characters gel together well and are most likable. This show hits the button.It makes you think and the twists are always there. Destined for a second series I hope as it should prove popular here in the Uk as well as over the pond. As I said at the header "A breath of fresh air"

Do not pick holes with it sit back and enjoy the ride.

Show was great

[amurphy-16880 · 10/10 · 2 August 2017]

Just finish watching 22 episodes. I love it and is upset that it was not picked up. It was entertaining and interesting. Kate and will were great together. It was also a way to learn about early history of the old west. We need more shows like this. Bring it back. If not maybe a 2 hours movie starting from where will and Jesse James shoot out. Just a suggestion

Unrealistic

[woodcutter-08793 · 4/10 · 18 November 2016]

A total disappointment. I just watched the first episode. The set is nice. It did use a nice train, but even that was unrealistic. It was too clean. The Mrs. Warne character is not believable, especially during the scene where she was held prisoner by the train robbers.

At another scene, the Pinkertons had just figured out that they had 45 minutes to stop a train or it would be blown up. You'd expect galloping to save the people on the train. No. They trotted, casually to the next scene, where they were ambushed. Even though the opposing groups were in close proximity of each other and that the robbers were former Confederate soldiers, they couldn't hit the broad side of a barn while every shot fired by the Pinkertons hit their mark. There was hardly any cover used (except for papa Pinkerton) who used a sawed-off shot gun that did little damage.

I like this genre of movies, but this one was obviously badly directed and just unrealistic. I can't watch another one.

Western Crime show brings past to life with enjoyable characters

[unionadvanceever · 10/10 · 24 April 2017]

I recently discovered The Pinkertons through Netflix. I binge watched the entire season and was shocked to find out the show did not continue. Each actor was perfectly cast for their role just like in Gunsmoke. A western and a detective show rolled into one. It doesn't get any better than that. I love the chemistry between Kate and William. Please bring it back even if just to Netflix! We need quality shows like this.

The Plonkertons.....

[s3276169 · 2/10 · 26 April 2017]

Casting aside the fact the Pinkerton's were and I believe still are, for the most part, private security, not sleuths as such, there's still little to like here.

Lame characterizations, corny narrative, implausibly clumsy, story lines, this series has it all, if all can be called "very little".

I generally like Canadian productions but I personally found this series so dismal I only made it through half of the first episode, before walking away.

Two out of ten from me.

I like it.

[kmaloneyus · 9/10 · 17 December 2016]

I like this show. It is not mind numbing or contain morally objectionable content. There is really not much on television that you can watch with your family.

I like how the charters interact with each other. I am not sure how historically accurate it is, but, there are a lot of shows and movies that take license to write what they like.

I would compare this show to Due South - if you remember that show - Murdock Mysteries and The Republic of Doyle. Please note these are all Canadian shows! (Not a Canadian.)

I look forward to seeing more episodes on Netflix in the future.

Amazing

[rachaelman · 10/10 · 18 April 2018]

My father and I started to watch this. We both love it! We wonder when the next season will come out. Thought it has been almost 3 years since it last aired. So sad that it ended!

Utter tripe...

[sdiegotw · 1/10 · 3 November 2016]

It's amazing in the time of shows like "Breaking Bad," "Deadwood," "The Wire," "Downton Abbey," "House of Cards," etc., that a show like this can make it to air. "The Pinkertons" is just another weak show with canned scripts and poor acting. It's a crying shame that as fine an actor Angus Macfayden was in a position to even have time to do a show like this. Having seen him in "Turn," I had high hopes for this series. But his talents are wasted here. He is, of course, good in his role. But the rest of the cast suffers even worse by comparison. There's nothing gritty or genuine about this show. It's a throwback to the horrible TV shows of the 1980s and 1990s. The only thing its lacking is a freeze-frame at the end of each show where all the characters are smiling broadly.

Great show

[dirtyfred-24981 · 10/10 · 12 October 2017]

Great show! Why just one season?? And worse of all they ended with a cliff hanger. I'n now addicted to a show that seems to no longer exist.. All the characters were well played. It was a who done it with a Western flair to it. It seemed to always be Winter there in Kansas City. And then the cliff hanger between Billy the kid and William. Please bring this show back!

Remarkebly moronic show

[Man-Behind-The-Pen · 1/10 · 17 April 2017]

I started watching this show because it seemed to be interesting due to the nature of the title.

The Pilot gave me impression that it will be about the immediate post war situation, that offers many interesting plot lines due to emotions running high after the South lost the war.

Duck me I was wrong.

1. Script is bland, boring and unimaginative. There are few weak attempts at humor, they fall flat.

2. Character development is non existent.

3. Direction - bunch of monkeys could do a better job.

4. Acting is average at best.

5. Everything is repetitive and it gets old after episode 4.

6. I am no expert on wild west, but nonetheless this show looks way to clean and stunningly unrealistic. (I know it is just a TV show, but for ducks sake, make a ducking effort).

7. Filming location in the vastness of the American landscape is always the same old quarry that we can see from different angels. That is it. I can understand limited budget but nonetheless, they should have at least tried to find more diverse filming locations.

Avoid at all costs, unless you are on a night shift and you need a background noise.

Western with a modern day edge

[blondemom65 · 10/10 · 31 January 2019]

I found this on Netflix. I'm very disappointed to see it only made one season. A western with. Modern day edge. I wish #Netdlix or another network would pick it up & make more season.

I liked it a lot

[animecatgirl · 9/10 · 23 March 2018]

I thought it was fun and entertaining. I enjoyed the chemistry between the characters.

Awful throwback

[morgan-659-312842 · 1/10 · 27 December 2016]

The train was great and the initial setup looked impressively realistic but from then on it was all downhill. Pity there wasn't a real train crash rather than the metaphorical one we had to ultimately endure.This was like a poor remake of a mediocre 1950's western. The dialogue was stilted and dull, lacking any interest and completely failing to contribute to the development of the characters, such as they were, being one dimensional and very, very wooden. Little touches such as the attempts at humour in the boxing of the son's ears or giving him a female boss and just watching his pained expression were just out of touch with the demands of modern drama. It would have been better and more fun if the good guys wore white hats and the bad, black. As it was it was necessary to spend a few seconds reminding yourself that he was OK, he was naughty and he was very unpleasant but unlikely to hurt anyone. Awful.

Enjoyable

[Kericmendenhall · 9/10 · 14 September 2019]

I liked this show... just stumbled onto it in Netflix. I was bummed there was just the one season and that it ended with such a cliffhanger. I like the characters, it wasn't overly romantic or vulgar. I'm sure it's not completely accurate, but what shows ever are? I would love to see another season or more - or at least just what the writers envisioned as the result of the final episode!

No redeeming aspects to this show

[stevegill-44313 · 1/10 · 21 December 2017]

Poor acting and writing plus ridiculous plots. The show is so intent on banter and being cute that it is ridiculous. Situations are not believable. Too bad, such a great subject with so much history deserved better treatment. Pinkerton Agency was professional and serious and should not have been portrayed in this flippant manner.

If you watched the show, dis it resemble history? See below.

Pinkerton, founded as the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, is a private security guard and detective agency established in the United States by Allan Pinkerton in 1850 and currently a subsidiary of Securitas AB. Pinkerton became famous when he claimed to have foiled a plot to assassinate president-elect Abraham Lincoln, who later hired Pinkerton agents for his personal security during the Civil War. Pinkerton's agents performed services ranging from security guarding to private military contracting work. Pinkerton was the largest private law enforcement organization in the world at the height of its power.

During the labor strikes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, businessmen hired the Pinkerton Agency to infiltrate unions, supply guards, keep strikers and suspected unionists out of factories, and recruit goon squads to intimidate workers. One such confrontation was the Homestead Strike of 1892, in which Pinkerton agents were called in to reinforce the strikebreaking measures of industrialist Henry Clay Frick, acting on behalf of Andrew Carnegie. The ensuing battle between Pinkerton agents and striking workers led to the deaths of seven Pinkerton agents and nine steelworkers.The Pinkertons were also used as guards in coal, iron, and lumber disputes in Illinois, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia as well as the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and the Battle of Blair Mountain in 1921. The organization was pejoratively called the "Pinks" by its opponents.

The company now operates as "Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations, Inc. d.b.a. Pinkerton Corporate Risk Management", a division of the Swedish security company Securitas AB. The former Government Services division, PGS, now operates as Securitas Critical Infrastructure Services, Inc.