stephen-1956

Having watched The Virginian growing up, I was thrilled to purchase the entire 9 series on DVD. Watching them through in 2020/2021, the stories hold up surprisingly well, the production values are excellent considering when this was made, and the speed they made them. Drury is superb as The Virginian, and Doug MaClure is equally excellent as Trampas. If you like Westerns, try and find this series on DVD or on TV re-runs. No silly stunts, no over the top computer graphics, just good acting, by an excellent cast of regulars and guests, and well written stories which often make you think. Forget the reviews on here which say this is too long as the 75 minute format give stories and characters time to develop. Easily my personal favourite Western series, and much better than 90% of Western films out there.

I loved this show when growing up and managed to recently get the entire series on DVD. Pete Duel was outstanding as Hannibal Hayes and his tragic suicide stopped a show at the peak of its success. Roger Davis stepped in but for me he was miscast and obviously others agree as the ratings dropped so the show didn't last much longer. The stories were entertaining, even after Duel's death, but the brilliant chemistry Murphy had with Duel was never the same with Davis. Looking at the show again after so long I found it has held up well and doesn't feel dated. For me it was a fine western comedy drama well worth watching if you get the chance.