Ep 8. An Incredibly Beautiful Thing

Longmire season 1 episode 8, titled An Incredibly Beautiful Thing, is an emotionally charged and suspenseful episode that sees protagonist Sheriff Walt Longmire struggling to come to terms with past decisions while dealing with present challenges.

The episode opens with Longmire attending his daughter Cady's ballet performance, a rare moment of family joy amidst the darkness that often envelops his world. However, the joy is short-lived as Walt is soon pulled back into the harsh reality of his job when a young Native American girl's body is discovered in the woods on the reservation.

The investigation into the girl's death is complicated by the fact that jurisdiction falls under the purview of the tribal police, and Walt must balance his desire to solve the case with respecting the autonomy of the tribal police force. This tension is further complicated by the fact that Walt's longstanding friendship with Tribal Chief Mathias is put to the test as the investigation unfolds and conflicting priorities emerge.

As the investigation progresses, Longmire is forced to confront his past in unexpected ways. A confrontation with his ex-wife over her new boyfriend causes Walt to question whether he has truly moved on from their failed marriage, and an encounter with an old informant raises questions about the morality of his past actions.

Throughout the episode, Longmire's unraveling emotional state is juxtaposed with the stunning beauty of the Wyoming landscape, serving as a reminder of the fragile balance between darkness and light in the world.

An Incredibly Beautiful Thing showcases Longmire's strengths as a show that deftly weaves together crime procedural elements with compelling character development. The episode's exploration of Walt's past decisions provides a depth of nuance to his character that elevates the show from a mere procedural drama to a thoughtful meditation on the intersection of morality and justice.

The slow burn of the episode's pacing allows for a rich examination of the complex relationships between the characters, particularly the dynamic between Walt and the tribal police. Longmire treats the tribal police with respect and sensitivity, forcing Walt to grapple with the limitations of his jurisdiction and the thorny issue of sovereignty.

Overall, An Incredibly Beautiful Thing is a standout episode of Longmire's first season. Balancing emotional depth with thrilling suspense, the episode showcases the show's strengths and leaves viewers eager for more.