Longmire

Though the guns-n-clues antics of Longmire will be familiar to an audience weaned on police procedurals, the Wyoming setting turns out to be just as important a character as the human actors, and Western lovers will thrill to the many shots of cowboy hats, spurs, and Big Sky sunsets. This is not to discount the characters of Longmire, who cannot be dismissed by a one-phrase description as can the faces on many a cop show. These characters are knotty and complex, and think more than they say, particularly main character Walt Longmire, the very epitome of a strong, silent man who does what needs to be done without a lot of discussion.

The show is a little slow-moving, which is actually an asset to viewers who prefer character development to a plot which moves around actors like they're chess pieces. Longmire's characters are recognizably human: sometimes noble, sometimes petty, sometimes just doing the best they can in a bad situation. That these situations are criminal livens up the proceedings considerably, as does the fine acting and magical setting. This is not a show for those who like their action fast 'n' furious; instead, this is a murder mystery that's clearly taking its time setting up complex situations with realistic characters. It's a lot to chew on, but patient types who relish a show with some meat on its bones will appreciate the slow burn.