Down by the River

The death of Branch sets things in motion. There is so much guilt out there. His colleagues, including Walt, are really hurting. Vic is drinking and blaming herself, as if she curses the people she is in contact with. Walt now begins to confront the organized criminal element of the native people. So far, everyone thinks that Branch committed suicide, and Walt is on one of those quests where he stops sensing anything around him. The conclusion is quite striking. Also, keep an eye on Henry who is beginning to try to replace the man who was the source of strength to his people.

Reviewers notes humbly submitted:

1. Historians of the future may opine that the "crony capitalism" which is the hallmark of our economy these days produces little of value or true worth. One exception may be in the TV medium where it is possible, astonishingly, for a major network to drop a brilliant show like this and for an upstart delivery system like Netflix to give it new life. Maybe there is hope for Mankind?

2. Robert Taylor is tied with Anson Mount for title of Most Macho Actor in a TV drama, an award which doesn't actually exist - yet. These guys could jog home from their own vasectomies.

3. I was warned before seeing the opener that it was "weak" and blame was put on the lower budget offered by the new owner. Poppycock. If you understand the tone of the show -- the only show I consider following the British tradition, in the US, of shows like Foyles War -- then the opener always does double duty -- it has to tidy up earlier arcs and set the tone for the season. I thought it did the job pretty well.

3. The acting is astonishing. Always has been. Always will be.

After three seasons A&E dropped Longmire (and on a pretty wild cliffhanger too), but because this happened back in the time when Netflix would bring basically anything back from the dead if there was a loud enough audience, we get Longmire season 4: New and improved.

Becoming A Netflix show did noticeably change the show. Even aside from the obvious change in runtime (This episode ran about twenty minutes longer than a typical episode from seasons 1-3) there's a slight visual shift. It looks a little more modern. Not polished, it still retains that same gritty feel (side note this probably has the grizzliest dead body in the franchise). The camera takes more time on the individual moments. It helps make it feel more raw, more emotional.

It's a great start to the second era of the show. It still feels like the same show, it just feels like it's... MORE, for lack of a better phrase.

Season One: Spectacular and fresh! Season Two: Wonderful continuation! Season Three: What has happened to this show? The storylines have gone bonkers. It has become a farce, a caricature of Itself. For what reason would the writers come up with these ludicrous scenarios and off the wall character actions and reactions. Season Four: magic 8 ball say, outlook poor.

This Netflix series is a first for me. I wondered if they could pull off keeping the series holding my interest. The answer is a resounding YES. They kicked it off right where it left off on A&E and it hasn't slowed down. The show is more gripping, because there are no commercials and it's more like watching a movie. I am totally hooked and hope there will be a Season 5 and beyond!!!!!!!!!!!! The actors in this series have become a part of my life. Being from Wyoming myself, it is easy to get wrapped up in the story and almost believe its reality, when they use the names of towns in our state. The atmosphere of the sets are so real and, if you knew our state, make it feel you are really there. Thank you Netflix!!