Watch Larry McMurtry's Dead Man's Walk

Larry McMurtry's Dead Man's Walk is a thrilling adventure drama series brought to life by Sonar Entertainment. It is a prequel to the novel "Lonesome Dove" and is based on the original screenplay by McMurtry. The show's setting is a Wild West in Texas in the 1840s, where horse-riding bandits, lawless natives, and deadly wildlife roam, posing a threat to the American pioneers' settlement efforts.

The show's central characters are the two leads, Augustus McCrae played by David Arquette, and Woodrow F. Call played by Jonny Lee Miller, both legendary Texas Rangers. The two are very different, Call being serious and stoic, while McCrae is the opposite, a jovial and light-hearted character who often gets into trouble. Despite their differences, they form a brotherly bond which forms the backbone of the show.

The series follows these two rangers' journey as they embark on a dangerous expedition to claim the land that would eventually become the state of Texas. They are joined by a group of civilians hoping to stake their land and claim their fortune. Other characters include a group of schoolboys, whom the rangers recruit to be their guides in their journey, an old Indian tracker, and a fearless woman who joins the caravan disguised as a man.

The journey is long, and fraught with obstacles. The caravan encounters several dangers along the way, including hostile Indians, bandits, and deadly snakes. The show also doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life in the Wild West, with several graphic scenes depicting diseases and other hardships that settlers had to endure.

In addition to the journey, the series also delves into the two rangers' personal lives. We see Call trying to come to terms with the death of his son, and McCrae trying to find his place in the world as a ranger, while also coming to terms with his past. These personal struggles add depth to the characters, making the viewer invested in their story beyond the main plot.

The show's pacing is excellent, and the writing is top-notch. There are several intense and quotable scenes that make the show memorable. The acting by the cast is also worth noting, with Jonny Lee Miller's stoic portrayal of Call and David Arquette's lighthearted portrayal of McCrae being standout performances.

One thing that sets Larry McMurtry's Dead Man's Walk apart from other Westerns is the attention to detail given to the setting. The show was shot on location in New Mexico, giving it an authentic Wild West setting. The costumes and props are also impeccable, contributing to the show's immersive atmosphere.

In conclusion, Larry McMurtry's Dead Man's Walk is a must-watch for Western enthusiasts and anyone looking for an engaging adventure drama. The show's excellent pacing, writing, acting, and attention to detail make for a rewarding viewing experience. The central relationship between Call and McCrae, along with the obstacles they face on their journey, make for a memorable and emotional story that will stay with the viewer long after the credits roll.

Larry McMurtry's Dead Man's Walk is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between May 13, 1996 and on Sonar Entertainment