Based on the “Walt Longmire Mysteries” written by best-selling author Craig Johnson, Longmire focuses on no nonsense Sheriff Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor) who returns to work in Absaroka County, Wyoming after the death of his wife. Assisted by his daughter Cady (Cassidy Freeman) a lawyer, best friend Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips), sheriff’s deputy Victoria “Vic” Moretti (Katee Sackhoff), and ambitious deputy Branch Connally (Bailey Chase), Walt investigates the major crimes that occur in the vast rural area.

As season three begins, the events of season two are still reverberating. Discovered shot, and badly wounded, Branch—in a peyote induced stupor—insists he was shot by a tribal mystic named David Ridges (David Midthunder), long thought to be dead. Since Branch’s tale isn’t believable, Walt decides to conduct his own investigation.

In the series biggest twist, Henry Standing Bear found himself wrongly accused of murder. False accusations fly, and Henry’s life in prison is hell. He finds himself beaten by other natives, led by former reservation police chief Malachi Strand (Graham Greene). Malachi is none-to-pleased that Henry is such good friends with Walt, and that he aided the Sheriff in his arrest. When Malachi tries to make it difficult for Henry to obtain a lawyer, Cady Longmire decides to represent him.

The series does a really good job of interlacing the season long arc with a series of standalone episodes that provide good stories, and feature the solid detective work fans of Longmire have come to expect. For instance, “In the Pines,” has the team investigating the death of a wilderness guide, while Branch’s paranoia increases as he continues as he doubles down on his search to find the mystic he believes shot him. Branch’s deterioration continues until things finally come to a head in the season finale. In my favorite episode of the season, “Population 25,” Vic and her husband Sean (Michael Moseley) find themselves kidnapped by a group of survivalists led by a fellow (Peter Stormare), who hates Walt for killing his brother years earlier.

The cast is strong, and has always appeared to have a strong rapport. Robert Taylor makes the perfect Western archetype. While Walt is a no nonsense guy, there’s no question that he cares deeply about his family, friends, and community. As his deputy, Branch Conally, Bailey Chase offers his characters increasingly downward spiral a surprising amount of emotional depth, and the always reliable Katee Sackhoff is a welcome sight whenever her Vic Moretti turns up in a scene.

Though canceled by A&E after the third season, the fourth season of Longmire is scheduled to premiere sometime in 2015 on Netflix, so it will be interesting to see where the series goes from here.

Presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, the standard DVD, 480p presentation is excellent. Contrast is reliable across the board, and colors are vibrant throughout. The image is sharp, and depth is impressive. Black levels are quite strong, despite a couple of instances of slight crush. I noticed the occasional artifact, but nothing that interfered with the overall viewing experience.

The English Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track does a fine job with the material. Low-end bass levels compliment the action scenes nicely. Dialogue is clean and clear in the center channel, while ambient sounds are handled nicely by the rears and surrounds.

English, French, and Spanish subtitles are included.

The following extras are available:

  • Longmire: The Ghost in the Storm: This 30-minute featurette has members of the cast and crew discusses the series’ characters in depth, and how the second season’s big storm will affect each of them.

 

Episodes: The White Warrior / Of Children and Travelers / Miss Cheyenne / In the Pines / Wanted Man / Reports of My Death / Population 25 / Harvest / Counting Coup / Ashes to Ashes