I. Introduction
With so many shows out there to watch, it’s understandable that some people may miss out on gems like Longmire. However, even for those who have discovered this show, there seems to be some confusion surrounding how many seasons it actually has. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to Longmire, breaking down every season and highlighting what makes each one unique. We also offer a season-by-season review and discuss Longmire’s evolution over its six seasons, ultimately making the case for why this show is still worth watching today.
II. The Ultimate Guide to Longmire: A Breakdown of its Seasons
Longmire is a western-themed crime drama series that debuted on A&E in 2012. The show is based on a series of novels by Craig Johnson featuring the character Walt Longmire, a sheriff in the fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming. Here’s a rundown of each of Longmire’s six seasons:
Season 1 (2012)
The first season of Longmire introduces us to Walt Longmire, played by Robert Taylor, and his team of deputies as they solve various crimes in Absaroka County. The season sets up many of the show’s ongoing subplots, including Walt’s complicated relationship with his daughter, Cady (Cassidy Freeman), and his friendship with Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips), a local bar owner and Walt’s closest confidant. Key episodes include “Pilot,” “The Dark Road,” and “Unfinished Business.”
Season 2 (2013)
The second season of Longmire delves deeper into the show’s ongoing storylines, including Walt’s strained relationship with Cady and his unresolved feelings for his late wife. This season also introduces a new antagonist, Branch Connally (Bailey Chase), a deputy who runs against Walt for sheriff. Key episodes include “Unquiet Mind,” “Party’s Over,” and “Bad Medicine.”
Season 3 (2014)
The third season of Longmire sees the departure of one of the show’s main characters and the introduction of several new ones. This season also features a more serialized storytelling approach, with several storylines carrying over from earlier episodes. Key episodes include “The White Warrior,” “Four Arrows,” and “Ashes to Ashes.”
Season 4 (2015)
The fourth season of Longmire marks a major shift for the show: after three seasons on A&E, it was cancelled, only to be picked up by Netflix for its fourth season. The new season sees Walt and his team solve a series of interconnected mysteries, all while trying to clear Henry’s name after he is accused of murder. Key episodes include “Help Wanted,” “Highway Robbery,” and “Shotgun.”
Season 5 (2016)
The fifth season of Longmire sees Walt and his team confront some of their biggest challenges yet, including a new casino opening on sovereign Indian land and the ramifications of a tragic accident. This season also sees the return of several recurring characters and brings some ongoing plotlines to a satisfying conclusion. Key episodes include “The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of,” “Objection,” and “A Fog That Won’t Lift.”
Season 6 (2017)
The sixth and final season of Longmire brings the show’s many plotlines to a close while also introducing some new challenges for the characters. Throughout the season, Walt and his team must reckon with some difficult choices and long-held secrets. Key episodes include “The Eagle and the Osprey,” “Thank You, Victoria,” and “Goodbye Is Always Implied.”
III. Is Longmire Worth the Watch? A Season-by-Season Review
Now that we’ve broken down each of Longmire’s seasons, it’s time to evaluate the show as a whole. Here’s a season-by-season review of Longmire, including the show’s overall plot, characters, and critical reception.
Season 1
The first season of Longmire is a solid introduction to the show’s main characters and setting. Critics praised the show’s gritty tone and strong performances, particularly by Robert Taylor and Lou Diamond Phillips.
Season 2
The second season of Longmire expands on the show’s mythology and relationships, but some critics felt that it lacked focus and suffered from too many subplots. However, the show’s lead actors continued to receive praise for their performances.
Season 3
The third season of Longmire is widely regarded as one of the show’s strongest, with a more serialized storytelling approach and several standout episodes. Critics also appreciated the addition of new characters and storylines.
Season 4
The fourth season of Longmire, which debuted on Netflix, is a solid continuation of the show’s storylines and themes. Critics praised the season’s darker tone and complex plotlines, though some felt that it suffered from pacing issues.
Season 5
The fifth season of Longmire is generally well-received, with critics appreciating the show’s continued exploration of its characters and themes. However, some fans and critics felt that the season focused too much on wrapping up ongoing storylines instead of introducing new ones.
Season 6
The final season of Longmire received positive reviews from critics and was praised for its satisfying conclusion to the show’s ongoing mysteries. Critics also noted the season’s more introspective tone and its focus on character development.
Overall, Longmire is generally well-regarded by both fans and critics. While some seasons are stronger than others, the show’s consistent quality and strong ensemble cast make it worth watching for anyone who enjoys western-themed crime dramas.
IV. Longmire: A Binge-Watcher’s Dream
One of the advantages of watching a completed series like Longmire is the ability to binge-watch it from start to finish. But how many episodes are there in the series, and how do they break down by season?
Longmire has a total of 63 episodes spread across six seasons. The number of episodes in each season is as follows:
- Season 1: 10 episodes
- Season 2: 13 episodes
- Season 3: 10 episodes
- Season 4: 10 episodes
- Season 5: 10 episodes
- Season 6: 10 episodes
If you’re planning a binge-watching session of Longmire, it’s worth noting that each episode is roughly 45 minutes long, making it a great show to watch in large chunks. However, it’s also a show that rewards close attention to its characters and storytelling, so it’s worth taking breaks between episodes or seasons to avoid burnout.
V. How Longmire’s Evolution Over 6 Seasons Kept Viewers Hooked
Longmire underwent some significant changes over the course of its six seasons, introducing new characters and storylines while developing its existing ones. However, despite these changes, the show managed to keep viewers hooked with its compelling characters and themes.
One of the key ways in which Longmire evolved was in its approach to storytelling. While the first few seasons included mostly standalone episodes, the show gradually incorporated more serialized storytelling, with multiple plotlines carrying over from episode to episode. This allowed the show to delve deeper into its characters and their relationships, making for a more compelling and immersive viewing experience.
Another factor in Longmire’s success was its strong ensemble cast. Robert Taylor’s performance as Walt Longmire was consistently excellent, as were the performances of Lou Diamond Phillips, Katee Sackhoff, and Bailey Chase (among others). The show’s characters were complex and well-drawn, with their relationships and backstories providing much of the show’s emotional heft.
Finally, the show’s setting of Absaroka County, Wyoming, was rich with possibility, allowing Longmire to explore themes of justice, community, and the American West. Whether it was the sweeping vistas of the open plains or the claustrophobic confines of an interrogation room, the show’s setting often functioned as a character in its own right.
VI. Why Longmire Remains One of the Best Western Shows of All Time
With its compelling characters, strong performances, and rich setting, Longmire has earned its place among the best western-themed TV shows of all time. But how does it stack up against other notable shows in the genre?
For starters, Longmire is unique in its blend of crime drama and western themes. While shows like Deadwood and Hell on Wheels focused more on the rough-and-tumble Wild West of the 19th century, Longmire explores the modern-day West through the lens of law enforcement and community. This makes for a more contemporary and relevant show, while still engaging with classic western themes of justice, morality, and rugged individualism.
Longmire also sets itself apart with its strong, nuanced characters. While other shows in the genre may feature larger-than-life figures like Deadwood’s Al Swearengen or Gunsmoke’s Matt Dillon, Longmire’s characters are more complex and human. They grapple with loss, trauma, and the difficult choices that come with trying to do what’s right. This makes for a more emotionally resonant show, and one that feels more relevant to modern audiences.
Finally, Longmire’s setting of Absaroka County, Wyoming is both beautiful and meaningful. The wide-open spaces and small, tight-knit communities of the West have long been a source of fascination and inspiration to artists and writers. In Longmire, this setting functions not just as a backdrop, but as a character in its own right, imbuing the show with a sense of place and history that few other western-themed shows can match.
VII. Conclusion
Longmire is a show that rewards close attention and a willingness to engage with its characters and themes. Over the course of its six seasons, the show explored a wide range of storylines and emotions, ultimately delivering a satisfying conclusion to its many plotlines and characters. Whether you’re a fan of western-themed shows or just looking for a gripping crime drama with great performances and storytelling, Longmire is definitely worth watching (or watching again).