Movies

In Netflix’s ‘Ransom Canyon,’ handsome men, horses and high drama run free

BBG News

Currently available on Netflix, the home of “Virgin River” (with six seasons already out and more to come), is “Ransom Canyon.” Similar to “Virgin River,” it brings to life the novels of renowned romance author Jodi Thomas, who weaves her stories in her native Texas. The series features attractive characters amidst breathtaking scenery, adding layers of love, conflict, drama, and a hint of passion to their lives. Essentially, it seems like a promising choice for viewers.

In most series like this one, there’s usually a central pair – connected by quantum entanglement, with their mysterious interplay manifesting both far apart and up close. Regardless of where the plot takes them or what else captures their focus, it’s inevitable that they’ll eventually reconnect, at least until one character departs from the show. I’m not revealing any secrets; this pattern is part of the script.

In my thoughts, “Ransom Canyon,” created by April Blair (“Jane by Design”), frequently seems like “Majestic Canyon” to me, and there’s no one within sight who matches the majesty of Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel), a prominent rancher with brooding hair and a spicy beard. If fate has its way, his ideal partner – should he acknowledge it – is Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly). She was once a renowned classical pianist – “Leonard insists on performing Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and you, my dear, are the only one I’ve heard who does it justice,” her manager (Kate Hudson) encourages, hoping to lure her back to Manhattan – although we won’t hear much more from her than a few contemplative arpeggios.

After concluding her career at the keyboard, much like Jack Nicholson in “Five Easy Pieces,” Quinn returned home to New York when Staten’s wife, her closest friend, fell ill; she remained there after her death, as well as after Staten’s son died in a car accident. Awaiting Staten to emerge from his mourning and recognize her worth, she now cultivates lavender and co-manages a bar, or rather a “dance hall,” with bartender Ellie (Marianly Tejada). As is often the case in both fiction and reality, Staten’s brother-in-law, Davis (Eoin Macken), has been harboring feelings for Quinn; though his intentions may be questionable, he appears genuine in this affection, which makes potential conflicts even more likely, and heartbreaking.

Reid Davis, the fiery football star son of Davis, has recently been heartbroken by Lauren, the melancholic cheerleader who is the daughter of sheriff Dan Brigman and occasionally sobering-up mother Margaret. Now, Lauren is dating Lucas, a sensitive and blond guy whose father is absent, and who shares a complicated relationship with his brother Kit.

In essence, this narrative is paving the way for a dramatic unfolding. By now, you can tell it’s a tale brimming with conflicts, hidden truths, and characters in disarray. Any moment of peace might spark an argument, any gathering could escalate into a brawl or someone blurting out unwanted words. To avoid confusion, I often had to jot down relationships and connections – who was related to whom, for instance. At times, it felt like they were all part of the same family. For a while, I even mistook one character for her sister.

Currently, there’s a company named Austin Water & Power planning to install a pipeline into the vast Ransom Canyon aquifer. This company has been spending money extravagantly, but they’ve encountered two significant obstacles: Cap Fuller, an old rancher known for his cranky disposition (he lost a son previously), and Staten, who values the “60,000 acres of pristine Texas grassland” he manages and the 30,000 cattle grazing on it, and doesn’t want anything to interfere with that. (We get a glimpse of a few representatives from his herd.)

According to Staten, the world is becoming increasingly arid. He emphasizes that this aquifer plays a crucial role in supplying our wells, irrigation for crops, and water for livestock. He firmly states that he won’t allow it to be depleted without a fight.

Stepping into this warm and inviting neighborhood, I find myself – Yancy Grey (Jack Schumacher), a man with an air of mystery around him. Some might even say he’s potentially dangerous, but that name alone carries an aura of danger. He’s a man of poetry and has found his way into Cap’s employment, while also flirting with Ellie.

At first glance, she appears as a nurse who has switched to tending bar. And in some ways, aren’t they both caring professions? It’s only later that he would reveal the stories behind his scars, much like Indiana Jones did to Marion at the end of “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

This type of character, I believe, has the capacity for change through love, and there’s a hint of that potential in his gaze.

This meticulously crafted, engagingly performed TV series, consisting of 10 episodes, is now all available for your binge-watching pleasure. With its focus on complex characters and their tumultuous lives, romantic entanglements, and traditional values, you might find yourself drawn in by the charming details like hats, boots, horses, and rugged landscapes reminiscent of classic western advertisements. Plus, there’s a hint of country music and authentic dialogue like “Tell the boys to saddle up,” which adds an authentic touch that you won’t find everywhere.

Read More

2025-04-18 02:01

Previous post Marvel’s Deadliest Mistake: Fantastic Four Dooms the Entire MCU!
Next post 8 Shocking Changes in Captain America: Brave New World You Missed