Longmire 4.01: Season Premiere “Down by the River”

Photo Credit: Lewis Jacob/Netflix

This Longmire fan has been long-suffering while waiting for the return of Walt Longmire and his Wyoming posse, and “Down by the River” was a helluva great way to start the show’s fourth season.

Longmire (Robert Taylor), standing with a shotgun on a secluded runway, is determined to murder Jacob Nighthorse (A Martinez) in cold blood once the local businessman’s aircraft lands. Instead, he’s tackled by best friend Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips) who convinces the sheriff, after a healthy struggle, that they will bring Nighthorse to justice for his part in the death of Longmire’s wife, Martha. This robust opening signifies in no uncertain terms Longmire is back with a vengeance.

SEE ALSO: The whole shooting match of Longmire posts for every season and episode, plus other fun stuff, too!

Editor's note: And the new season just keeps coming, so there will be SPOILERS!

If you’re like me, then you were waiting to see what happened between Branch Connolly (Bailey Chase), and his father Barlow (Gerald McRaney) who had appeared to get the drop on his son, because, despite Branch’s many flaws, he’s not as crooked as his pop. A shotgun blast goes off, but we weren’t in on whether father or son died. Longmire, Vic (Katee Sackhoff), and Ferg (Adam Bartley) search for Branch and eventually find his body in a river, an apparent suicide, based on the angle of the shotgun. There’s also a suicide note of sorts left on Branch’s laptop. But Longmire, literally, isn’t leaving any stone unturned as he pans the river for bird shot, looking for evidence of a homicide which he wants to pin on Nighthorse.

Been awhile since I’ve watched a show kill off a main character, and I have to say I will miss ole Branch. He was a brilliant foil to Longmire, and I had hoped we would have seen the eventual redemption of the character. But life doesn’t work that way, and the writers have taken a bold move to keep this series fresh. So, arguably, last season’s best subplot died with Branch, but now we can follow Longmire as he searches for the motive behind his deputy’s death.

In an episode with a lot of emoting (Ferg gets my triple-hanky vote), I found Vic’s reaction to running over the possum to be genuine … at first. Everyone has a breaking point, and Katee Sackhoff excels in this scene. But Vic must have transported the unlucky critter in her vehicle, because the next time we see her, she’s drinking beer, the roadkill not far from where she's sitting along the riverside where Branch’s body was found, and that seemed to be stretching it. Then, the whole part where she falls back into the water after refusing Longmire’s helping hand was goofy cliché. A minor misstep in a superb episode.

In other continuing threads, Vic is still holding a candle for Walt, though that will once again be put on ice, which doesn’t bother me. I like the stoic, laconic, mooning-over-Martha version of Walt Longmire, and I’m not so sure how much of a mushy, sentimental one I could endure. Oh, and everyone’s favorite pain in the rump, Malachi Strand (Graham Greene), has changed all the locks on Henry’s Red Pony, saying Henry will continue to be the face of the saloon, but Malachi will be holding the purse strings. Henry also seems to be considering stepping in the shoes of the late Hector by taking up the cause of helping the less fortunate. I foresee a very busy Henry, since he appears to be the glue in a lot of Longmire’s plots this season.

Oh, and what about that intimidation ending, where Nighthorse brings together the various Native American societies to send a warning to Longmire? Over the top? Someone I was watching it with thought as much, but I considered it well-executed, though it’s unfortunate their unity is stacked behind the nefarious Nighthorse.

Netflix’s production values are first-rate and it was a seamless transition from the first three A&E seasons (unlike Arrested Development, which seemed to suffer in its resurrection after Fox). One major plus is having all ten episodes at my beck and call, but even better is the fact that episodes are not limited to 45 minutes or less. Seasons 1-3's stories seemed to wrap up too quickly, mainly to satisfy commercial needs. This was especially obvious to many fans of Craig Johnson's Longmire novels, who lamented a watering-down they observed from print to film. “Down by the River” was just over an hour and the plotting seemed well-paced. So major kudos to Netflix for keeping this show pumping by giving it the money to thrive with respectability.

Now excuse me as I binge right into episode two, “War Eagle.”


Edward A. Grainger aka David Cranmer is the editor/publisher of the BEAT to a PULP webzine and books and the recent Western novella, Hell Town Shootout.

Read all of Edward A. Grainger's posts for Criminal Element.

Comments

  1. DM Yates

    Excellent review. I’m with you on everything you wrote. I love Longmire and hope Netflix will run another season. My husband and I watched all 10 episodes in a 4-day marathon. Thanks for notifying me – merridm

  2. David Cranmer

    DM Yates, Binging seems to be the most popular way to treat this season of Longmire. Lots of viewers on Facebook and Twitter are saying they watched them in a marathon. Yeah, Netflix did a superb job picking up this show and I’m hoping for more episodes as well.

  3. Mary Saputo

    Slam, bam, thank you, Netflix. What a first episode. I’ve watched 4 now and am TRYING to pace myself. I thought Netflix was the same as cable; one episode every week. I’m with you, EAG, when you said you were surprised they killed off Branch. I’ll miss him, too. SO glad I got Netflix. Now onto Bloodline but I guess that’s going to be quite a wait.

  4. David Cranmer

    [b]bitsyo8[/b], I hadn’t followed any of the media leading into the season so Branch’s death was an extra jolt. Yeah, Netflix was a godsend.

  5. Drew

    Kudos to Netflix for keeping this series going; I’m a bit disappointed in that it is available only by streaming. I am one of the rare birds who still get their Netflix via DVD, and the new season of Longmire is not on DVD, at least, yet. I am hoping they will offer it that way soon.
    I agee with your sentiment that Vic and Walt do not get involved. It’s kind of cliche, and boring. I thought that was the beginning of the downfall of Castle when Castle and Beckett got involved. Explore these interesting characters and keep the drama and mysteries flowing.

  6. David Cranmer

    [b]Drew[/b], I’m hearing quite a few people saying they don’t get the streaming service. A shame since this is the best season to date. I grabbed a month of Netflix for free (trial basis) just to watch Longmire. Not sure if you can do that since you already have Netflix.

  7. Adele

    I’ve loved Longmire and was so glad Netflix picked it up. We’ve been pacing ourselves and have only gotten to episode 6 but loving this season so far!

  8. Rhonda Clark
  9. longmire dvd set

    hi thanks for the information

  10. Peter Nosko

    I see people posting on other episodes late in 2021, so I’m not the only one watching this now (and me for the first time). I love this series. It got a little slow in the middle of S2, but S3 was so damn good. But I have an issue with this episode. I don’t think it was realistic to be counting shot pellets– never mind the fact that nearly all were retrieved from Branch’s head during the autopsy. He was shot at point-blank range! I would not have expected more than a few to be found, nor so much of his head to remain intact. Am I alone on this?

  11. fortnite horror map codes

    Excellent review. I’m with you on everything you wrote. I love Longmire and hope Netflix will run another season. My husband and I watched all 10 episodes in a 4-day marathon.

  12. fortnite aim course codes

    DM Yates, Binging seems to be the most popular way to treat this season of Longmire. Lots of viewers on Facebook and Twitter are saying they watched them in a marathon. Yeah, Netflix did a superb job picking up this show and I’m hoping for more episodes as well.

  13. how to unblur course hero

    I’ve loved Longmire and was so glad Netflix picked it up. We’ve been pacing ourselves and have only gotten to episode 6 but loving this season so far!

  14. ghd sports apk -- download

    Thanks a lot for sharing this information.

  15. Supra FR Legends

    Excellent review. I’m with you on everything you wrote. Thanks a lot for sharing this information.

  16. ultraman legend of heroes apk download

    Thank you for quality content. Worth sharing this content!

  17. Spotify iOS - spotifymod

    Sheriff Walt Longmire is back on the job after a long hiatus and is determined to solve a crime that has been plaguing the town of Absaroka. When a body is discovered near a river, Walt must put together the pieces of the puzzle to uncover what really happened. With help from his deputies Vic and Henry, Walt must search for clues, interview suspects, and uncover the truth behind the mystery. Along the way, Walt encounters some familiar faces, as well as some new ones, that will help him in his investigation. With a potential murderer on the loose and time running out, Walt must act fast to find justice for the victim.

  18. Apktreee

    Thanks for providing such a piece of valuable information.

  19. Ricky

    Thank you for quality content. Worth sharing this content!

  20. Spots Lover

    Spotify is the largest music streaming platform in the world. Using Spotify you can listen to your favorite songs on Spotify Premium without paying any penny

  21. Vegamovies

    I am also looking for this information. Maybe they can help me here. I really want to know how I feel safe if I use social networks.

  22. APKWA

    Exciting start to Longmire’s fourth season with a bold move in killing off a main character, but still keeping the series fresh with new plots and threads.

  23. Spot Sungs

    This post helps me a lot and gain my knowledge. Keep on posting such a valuable pieces of information on your blog. Thanks a lot.

  24. Alight Motion Crack

    This Post is so worthfull! It really help me out whenever I will apply it in my blog.

  25. Igtools net

    This article was read by me! I hope you will keep providing such posts for everyone to read! thank you.

  26. Best In Chennai

    Thanks for the amazing information.

  27. luluboxapk

    I learn a lot from this post and am greatly helped. Continue to write such insightful articles on your blog. You’re welcome.

  28. Eric Editor

    I love your videos and enjoy each bit of transition as well as the fantastic hard work

  29. ludo star old version

    Hello, this has been my one of the best articlesludo star old version to read. Thanks a lot for sharing this information.

  30. ClaudeBerry

    very good article very valuable if you need help I have a suggestion you can use Mod with smart support applications that will help you in your work

  31. Mxplayer aio zip

    Awesome information. Keep sharing such type of information.

  32. akterja

    i like your blog

  33. Anonymous

    For those seeking an alternative to pricey Minecraft game, the Spotify Plus Plus APK brings that option. This modified version of Minecraft allows users all of its features for free – providing a great way to access their favorite paid features.

  34. Rummy Wealth

    If you own an Android device, you may play Rummy with the Rummy wealth Apk. Join our online card game, and you may play in the convenience of your own home, all while having the chance to win cash prizes.

  35. Rummy Modern

    Rummy Modern has become increasingly popular as a variant of this classic card of the game in recent years.

  36. Nix Injector

    Awesome information. Keep sharing such type of information.

  37. igpanelnet

    Get free followers, likes and views easily with ig panel net.

  38. instazero

    Great article, it’s very educational and unique. Please keep us updated on any updates.

  39. carxstreetapk

    For Android users, the Rummy Wealth Apk offers an exciting opportunity to enjoy the game of Rummy. With our online card game, you can indulge in the comfort of your own home while having the thrilling prospect of winning cash prizes. Join our vibrant community and experience the thrill of strategic gameplay, engaging challenges, and the chance to earn rewards. Download the Rummy Wealth Apk today and embark on an exhilarating Rummy journey right at your fingertips.

  40. Mayank Shukla

    Ultimate.
    Content of this article are very informative and useful for everyone.
    Thanks for sharing such a nice article.

Comments are closed.