My wife and I just finished watching the show “1883” on the Paramount streaming service. I have always loved westerns. John Wayne and Clint Eastwood were always at their best when doing a western. My favorites are the ones that do not sugarcoat the gritty, harsh, and relentless life of the pioneers, native Americans, ranchers, railroad men, gamblers, outlaws, and lawmen.
Sam Elliot, of course, did not disappoint with his amazing acting abilities. He was supported by Lamonica Garrett as his assistant, and then by the surprisingly good acting of country/Western singers Tim McGraw and his wife Faith Hill. Isabel May was the convincing (if very irritating) daughter of Tim and Faith throughout the series.
So, there was no weak acting, and the costumes/set/scenery/weaponry were fairly accurate and believable. (A rifle Tim McGraw uses was actually produced in 1885…but that is a minor problem, I suppose). The story is somewhat believable…Sam Elliot leads a band of about 100 European immigrants in a covered wagon train across the very hostile environment of the wild west to Oregon. (By 1883 you could avoid that and take a four day trip on a train from Ft. Worth, Texas to Oregon, but I guess you wouldn’t have a show in that case).
Since philosophers no longer stand on Mars Hill spouting their philosophy, but rather make movies to get their ideas across, this series does get across several ideas we need today:
This world is a hostile place, and if we don’t stick together and listen to the voice of experience (Sam Elliot), and DO what actually works…we will be in a world of hurt. So, of course people don’t listen, and they die of snake bite, bandits, native Americans, drowning, etc…
We will fall apart if we don’t practice self control, self law. Sam Elliot preaches over and over again…”if you DON’T police yourselves, then I have to police you!” Got it Sam…practice self control.
Plan for the future, and be flexible to adjust. The Europeans did not think it would be so rough, and were weighed down by furniture, oxen, and other supplies they did not need. They did NOT have skills they DID need…horseback riding, swimming (when fording a river), and shooting a firearm.
They panicked at key points along the way. Their fears took over, and more of them died (spoiler alert). No one is coming to your rescue. You are either the first responder…or the first casualty. You had better be prepared, flexible to adjust to changing threats, and train as though your life depends on it…because it does.
This show is filled with vulgar language and sexual content, so children should NOT watch it. It is, however, instructional to see exactly what lessons the writers and producer are trying to convey to this “politically correct” world we live in.
Next blog: the other messages in 1883.