Ransom Canyon

This is exactly why new shows shouldn't be compared to giants like Yellowstone. Ransom Canyon has its own vibe-definitely leaning into the soap opera lane and I'm not mad about it. I grew up on Days of Our Lives, so a little melodrama now and then feels like comfort food. Honestly, some of the plot twists had me half-expecting Stefano DiMera to walk in.

Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly as the leads, the chemistry is there, no doubt, but I found myself wanting just a little more from them emotionally. His brother-in-law, Davis, is a walking red flag-a full-blown nightmare, really. There's a brief moment where you think, maybe there's some goodness buried in there, but nope. Especially once he teams up with Staten's dad, who's just another barrel of bad decisions.

There are quite a few subplots woven in-Yancy and Ellie, the teenagers (Reid, Lucas, and Lauren)-and while they played into the main arc, some of their drama didn't land for me. A bit too much going on at times.

That said, I did enjoy the show. I'd absolutely tune in for season two. I went into it with zero expectations, which honestly helped. Trying to compare it to a juggernaut like Yellowstone or even Virgin River is just setting yourself up for disappointment. And let's be real, even Virgin River has its fair share of soap-level chaos.

I haven't read the books the show is based on-maybe I will, maybe I won't. Sometimes diving into the source material ruins the fun of the adaptation.

Bottom line: This isn't Yellowstone, it isn't Virgin River, and that's okay. It has potential, there's room to grow, and I'm rooting hard for Staten and Quinn. His grief-fueled stubbornness nearly drove me to drink, but I also totally got it. Grief does that-it hardens and isolates. I just hope he softens before she walks away for good.

The thing I love about this so far is it is not trying to be Yellowstone or any similar spinoff. It is more family friendly than Yellowstone. The content is not so heavy and depressing to get through. It is just what I felt it would be, a more mellow, enjoyable story with good acting that has kept me wanting to come back for each episode.

The acting by Josh D is great for his character. I feel they could have lingered on the events in his life early on a bit longer for an emotional connection it.

The feel of the show has a mild flavor of something like Virgin River, but not nearly as Hallmark feeling as that. This show in my opinion is right down the road of what fans of a western drama are looking for. Don't go into this show looking for the grit, turmoil, intensity of Yellowstone. Come with an open mind for something enjoyable, and just a good watch.

Could've been good but something's off kilter.

The best episode was the rodeo (5?) one. And what happened to the 2nd bad ombré?

Had a few good twists but missing chemistry.

Good actors in it but maybe it's the writing...because something doesn't gel. Sadly it's supposed to be Texas but filmed elsewhere. Hard to believe some events, as in aftermath of tornado; dang, the town cleaned up fast.

Not enough dance hall scenes; only saw one act. Later scenes looked like it was just a large diner.

There was a lot of hype for this but the series didn't live up to it. Yellowstone meets Virgin River? Nah. Hallmark version of Virgin River.

It is quite slow at first, but it gets better. This show is one of them where you're not really sure at the beginning, but then it gets better as it goes on. I think it's trying to be like Yellowstone, but it's nothing like it. If you're looking for a country, cowboy vibe type of show, this isn't really for you. If you're looking for a drama with a little bit of country vibe, this is probably gonna be your new obsession. I'm not gonna spoil anything, but let's just say the first 35 mins of the 1st episode is a little bit of a snooze fest. But, i will say no more, this is a watchable series to binge.

This show is ALOT!... a lot of drama, a lot of poor choices, a lot of damaged people and a lot of hurt feelings.

This cast is mostly great, but there's something that just rubs me the wrong way and I can't figure out what.... Is it the writing? Is it the casting? Is it the character arcs? Is it poor acting? Is it a lack of chemistry?

It has so much potential.. but this is a lot of drama squeezed into ten episodes!

Like I know in real life people make poor choices and things get complicated, but this is a lot!

Individually the stories have glimmers and moments of greatness... but when they're all put together I don't know if it works? It's like the recipe isnt perfect?

I don't know, I feel perplexed... I binge watched the whole season and still have no idea if I like it or if I want more of it.

I don't know if this review helps anyone, but there it is! Haha!