The allure of the American West, a vast and untamed landscape teeming with both opportunity and peril, has long captivated audiences. From the sweeping vistas to the complex characters that populate its narratives, the Western genre offers a rich tapestry for storytelling. In the realm of television, few Westerns have achieved the iconic status of Lonesome Dove, Larry McMurtry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel brought to life in a memorable mini-series. Eighteen years later, McMurtry’s world expanded with Comanche Moon, a prequel that delves into the formative years of legendary Texas Rangers Gus McCrae and Woodrow F. Call. The initial segment of this mini-series, broadcast on CBS, offered a glimpse into the origins of these characters and the turbulent era that shaped them. This is a Comanche Moon review.
The first episode of Comanche Moon opens a window into a pre-Civil War Texas, a territory rife with conflict and burgeoning settlements. The narrative establishes a multi-layered storyline, intertwining the pursuits of horse thieves, the hunt for a ruthless Mexican bandit, and the relentless pursuit of the formidable Comanche war chief, Buffalo Hump. This layered approach creates a dynamic viewing experience, propelling the story forward across its initial three-night run.
The episode commences with a brief, impactful prelude depicting a Comanche uprising against Yankee troops, immediately setting a tone of violence and territorial struggle. The narrative then shifts back in time to 1858, introducing the audience to the younger incarnations of Call and McCrae. These two Texas Rangers, still honing their skills and forging their legendary partnership, are tasked with guiding Inish Scull (played by Val Kilmer), a wealthy Mexican-American War hero turned Northern aristocrat, on a perilous hunt for Kicking Wolf, a notorious Comanche horse thief.
The historical context of the era is carefully woven into the narrative. The series depicts a land where securing territory often fell to the Texas Rangers, a force comprised of a diverse and often unruly group of individuals. The portrayal of these Rangers highlights their gritty, hard-living nature, often relying on whiskey and raw courage to face the challenges of the West. The initial segment of Comanche Moon also begins to explore the complex relationships between the various factions vying for control of the Texas frontier, namely the Native American tribes, the encroaching settlers, and the Mexican bandits operating south of the border.
Beyond the action-packed pursuits and frontier conflicts, Comanche Moon also explores the personal lives of its characters, particularly those residing in the burgeoning town of Austin, Texas. Here, the audience is introduced to Maggie (Elizabeth Banks), a former prostitute with whom Woodrow Call is involved, and Clara (Linda Cardellini), Gus McCrae’s love interest. These women provide a counterpoint to the rugged world of the Rangers, offering a glimpse into the domestic sphere and the challenges faced by those left behind while their men venture into the wilderness. The complexities of these relationships, the anxieties of separation, and the uncertainty of the future add emotional depth to the overall narrative.
Adding another layer of intrigue is Inez Scull (Rachel Griffiths), the wild and uninhibited wife of Inish Scull. Her character serves as a catalyst for drama and offers a glimpse into the social dynamics and moral ambiguities of the time. The interplay between these characters creates a vibrant and engaging atmosphere, ensuring that there is rarely a dull moment in the town of Austin, even amidst the backdrop of frontier lawlessness.
While the initial segment of Comanche Moon sets a promising stage for the mini-series, it inevitably invites comparisons to its predecessor, Lonesome Dove. The original mini-series, widely regarded as one of the best of all time, established a high benchmark for Western television. The cultural landscape of television has drastically changed since the 1980s, making it challenging to replicate the same level of success. Today’s viewers have a wider array of entertainment options, and the concept of a "must-see event" mini-series has diminished in the age of streaming and on-demand content.
For viewers unfamiliar with Lonesome Dove, Comanche Moon may be perceived as simply another TV Western. However, for those with a connection to the original, the prequel offers an opportunity to revisit familiar characters and explore the origins of their legendary journey.
One of the standout elements of the initial segment is Steve Zahn’s portrayal of Gus McCrae. Zahn embodies the character with remarkable authenticity, seamlessly capturing the spirit of a pre-Civil War Westerner. His natural charisma and effortless charm serve as a captivating entry point into the story and the surrounding characters. Zahn’s comfort within the genre and his nuanced understanding of Gus McCrae’s personality make the entire viewing experience worthwhile.
Furthermore, the relationship between Gus and Clara adds a compelling emotional layer to the narrative. Their connection feels genuine and relatable, mirroring the challenges faced by many couples, even in modern times. The questions of how a relationship can survive long periods of separation and whether a free spirit can truly settle down to become a family man resonate deeply. At its core, the initial episode of Comanche Moon is fueled by the emotional dynamics between Gus and Clara.
Another noteworthy aspect of Comanche Moon is its exploration of the complex relationship between the Comanche and Mexican populations. The series provides a glimpse into the often-overlooked interactions between these groups, offering a fresh perspective on the Western frontier. This inclusion of perspectives beyond the traditional white settler narrative adds depth and nuance to the overall story.
However, the initial segment of Comanche Moon also has its shortcomings. The portrayal of the Mexican bandits, particularly the level of violence and torture depicted, feels excessive and gratuitous. The focus on shock value detracts from the character development and dramatic tension, particularly in scenes involving the capture and ransom of Inish Scull.
Additionally, Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Inish Scull may prove divisive for viewers. While Kilmer attempts to capture the eccentric nature of the character, his performance sometimes feels more suited to the stage than the screen. The character’s penchant for poetry and singing, combined with a lack of grounding in a relatable reality, may make it difficult for mainstream audiences to fully embrace him.
Karl Urban’s portrayal of Woodrow Call also presents challenges. Inez Scull aptly describes him as "too stiff," and this stiffness permeates the character’s portrayal. While the role inherently requires a certain stoicism, Call’s lack of emotional depth makes it difficult to connect with him, particularly in the initial segment. Even the revelation of his love for Maggie is overshadowed by the more compelling relationship between Gus and Clara.
Despite these shortcomings, Comanche Moon attempts to address the difficult realities faced by women during this era. The series acknowledges the objectification, abuse, and lack of agency experienced by many women. While the mini-series offers insights into both the female and Comanche perspectives, it sometimes sacrifices deeper dramatic exploration in favor of action, conflict, and genre cliches.
In conclusion, the initial segment of Comanche Moon presents a mixed bag of strengths and weaknesses. It offers stunning cinematography, compelling performances (particularly from Steve Zahn), and intriguing explorations of complex relationships. However, it also suffers from excessive violence, uneven character portrayals, and a tendency to rely on genre tropes. For devoted fans of Lonesome Dove, the prequel offers a nostalgic return to a familiar world. However, for newcomers, Comanche Moon may feel somewhat disjointed and less impactful. The intersection of the original mini-series and the prequel promises to occur in subsequent episodes, offering the potential for a more cohesive and satisfying narrative. This Comanche Moon is a must watch.