10 Longmire Scenes From the Show That Made Book Readers Furious

It’s common for TV shows based on book series to make changes – what works on the page doesn’t always translate to the screen. Usually, these adjustments improve the show. However, many fans of Craig Johnson’s books disagree when it comes to the TV series Longmire. Despite running for seven seasons and having a large number of episodes, the show still upset a lot of Johnson’s dedicated readers.

Fans repeatedly expressed their disappointment with several changes in the show, whether it was a sudden plot twist or a character acting out of line. These complaints continued even after Netflix revived the series following its cancellation by FX.

Any Longmire Scene Showing Walt’s Hatred of Modern Technology Went Too Far

Both the books and the TV series show Walt as someone who dislikes modern technology. In the books, this wasn’t a big deal because cell phones weren’t as common or reliable, especially in remote Wyoming. However, the TV show decided to emphasize Walt’s dislike of technology, making it a more central part of his character.

While the premise might have seemed good initially, considering the show took place in the early 2010s, the idea that anyone would refuse to use basic tools like cell phones or the internet—especially when things got tough—felt unrealistic. Throughout the series, Walt could have easily solved problems with a phone, but his insistence on going without quickly became more annoying than funny.

Not Many Book Fans Cared About Barlow Connally’s Death

Besides Jacob Nighthorse, Barlow Connolly stood out as one of the most dangerous villains in Longmire. Many viewers considered him the show’s most evil antagonist. However, fans of the original books struggled to connect with the character because he wasn’t part of the source material. They found it difficult to feel any investment in someone who hadn’t been established in the novels.

It’s hard to create a meaningful emotional response when a large part of the audience doesn’t care about a character, particularly if that character felt unnecessary to begin with. While a villain’s death is often intended to be powerful or satisfying, in this case, many book fans simply felt relieved to see a major change from the source material resolved.

Vic and Walt’s Romance in the Series Finale Came Too Late

Fans of Longmire suspected a romantic connection between Vic and Walt from the start, and it seemed inevitable. However, their relationship was remarkably slow to develop. Though they shared their first kiss in Season 5 and became intimate in Season 6, it wasn’t until the very end of the series that they officially became a couple.

The long delay in bringing the couple together frustrated many viewers, particularly since the books showed them getting together much earlier. The books also delved deeper into their relationship, making the show’s slow burn feel like a significant misstep and a disservice to both the characters and the audience.

The Outcome of Jacob Nighthorse’s Character Arc Was Underwhelming

Similar to the character of Barlow, Jacob Nighthorse was created specifically for the series. However, while he had more depth than the other villain, many book fans still didn’t fully embrace him as a main antagonist. The show deviated from the source material by making Nighthorse a key player and creating conflict with Walt, which wasn’t present in the original books. Though the show could have redeemed him with a strong storyline, even dedicated viewers felt his arc ultimately ended disappointingly.

Many viewers were disappointed with the way Nighthorse’s story concluded, feeling it didn’t offer the redemption his character deserved. They criticized the lack of emotional depth shown for him and felt the final episodes were hurried and unbelievable. However, even a different outcome wouldn’t have satisfied fans of the original book, as the show had already significantly deviated from the source material with Nighthorse’s storyline.

Ferg’s Attempt to Stand Up for Himself Came at the Worst Time

A welcome change in the Longmire series was giving a much larger role to Archie “Ferg” Ferguson, a minor character in the original books. However, many viewers were let down to find that Ferg was mostly used as the target of jokes. While his clumsiness often led to playful teasing, some fans felt that Walt’s behavior towards him was occasionally too harsh.

In the Season 3 episode “Counting Coop,” Ferg tries to assert himself and ask Walt for more respect and meaningful work, but it doesn’t go well. This happens at a particularly bad time – Walt is already stressed out after a problem with his deputies. Instead of being understanding, Walt reacts angrily, making the situation worse. While this could have been a significant moment for Ferg’s character, the unfortunate timing leads to a disappointing outcome.

Cady Longmire Enabled the Kidnapping of a Young Boy

The TV series differs from the books in one key way: Walt’s daughter, Cady, works as a lawyer in Wyoming instead of Philadelphia. This change was made so she could have more face-to-face interactions with her father. However, many viewers weren’t happy with how her character was developed. While portrayed as a capable lawyer with personal struggles and a tendency to act impulsively, Cady crossed a line for many when she helped Catori kidnap one of her sick students. This act significantly impacted how viewers perceived her.

Okay, so I get why Cady felt compelled to help this kid, but honestly, I was really scratching my head at her next move. Why didn’t she just call the authorities, or at least tell Catori to go straight to the hospital? Even with her somewhat shaky moral compass on Longmire, Cady usually tries to do the right thing legally. So, to see her actively not stop something that could completely derail her career felt incredibly frustrating and, frankly, a little unbelievable.

Lucian’s Fate Was an Insult to What the Books Did with Him

Lucian Connally was a well-loved character in the books, with readers appreciating his loyalty and his strong, yet just, personality. Sadly, the TV show’s portrayal of him doesn’t quite measure up. While the book version gets a satisfying conclusion, the show wasn’t as generous to his storyline.

Lucian admitted to Walt that he had killed Tucker Bagget, but resisted being arrested. Later, when confronted by Walt again, he chose to end his own life by falling off a cliff instead of going to jail. Many book fans felt this was a terrible fate for such a well-loved character and a disrespectful way to handle his story, believing he deserved a better outcome.

Walt Shouldn’t Have Assaulted Henry Standing Bear

While Henry Standing Bear wasn’t a major character in the original stories, the books showed a strong friendship between him and Walt. However, the TV show often portrayed Walt in a way that made their friendship seem unbelievable. One incident in Season 5, in particular, was especially jarring and highlighted how unlikely their connection had become.

Walt’s behavior was shockingly violent. After falsely accusing his friend in the pilot, his reaction to learning about Henry’s vigilante activities was completely over the top. He started a fight in Henry’s bar, physically attacking his friend and disrupting everyone inside. This outburst wasn’t just impulsive anger; it revealed that Walt wasn’t the loyal friend he initially seemed to be.

One Instance of Walt’s Behavior Towards His Daughter Was Unforgivable

The books portray Walt as a loving and involved father to Cady, even though they live far apart. The TV show, however, often presents him as a much more distant and flawed parent. In Longmire, their relationship is tense because Walt frequently prioritizes his work and instincts over connecting with Cady, and he struggles to express his emotions. This comes to a head in Season 5 when Cady finally confronts Walt, accusing him of endangering everyone around him with his obsession with the Nighthorse case.

Many viewers point to Cady’s line, “I wanted to count on you,” as a particularly frustrating moment. Even people unfamiliar with the original story found his reaction upsetting, especially considering what his daughter had already experienced – it felt like his need to be right overshadowed everything.

Martha’s Origin Story Was Changed for the Worst

A consistent element between the Longmire books and the TV show is how the death of Walt’s wife, Martha, affects him. In the novels, Martha dies of cancer, a straightforward event that deeply shapes Walt’s character. However, the show complicates this backstory in a way many viewers find unnecessary and it’s become one of the most debated changes from the source material.

Many viewers believed this alteration fundamentally changed Walt’s personality and the series’ overall mood. They felt it was an unnecessary attempt to add drama, proving that simplicity often works best.

2025-10-23 21:19