If you grew up watching American soap operas, you've probably already seen Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly. Or rather, you feel like you've grown up with them, and seeing them star in a series together, after so many years, is a great feeling. Although I'm a little young to have seen those series, I've certainly seen both actors in films like "Life As We Know It" and "The Roommate," both successful in their own right. So I understand not only the excitement, but also the nostalgia, both joyful and melancholic, that one feels when seeing them on screen again.
Ransom Canyon is a romantic and dramatic western that makes you feel like you're on a Texas ranch. The series follows the residents of the town of Ransom, who may soon have to give up their beloved ranches to create something new. The plot is a predictable multigenerational saga that feels like a classic drama that will take you 100 seasons before you finally get what you want. At the center of it all is Staten, the owner of Kirkland Ranch, a stubborn man who won't sell his land, not even in exchange for advancement. On the other hand, we have Quinn, his late wife's best friend and first love, who runs the town dance hall and bar, Gracie's, and tries to maintain control.
Creator: April Blair
Stars: Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, Eoin Macken
Meanwhile, there's Davis's brother-in-law and sworn enemy, Davis, who is also in love with Quinn. Davis's son, Reid, is in a relationship with Lauren, the typical quarterback-cheerleader pairing. But Lauren is dating Lucas, another boy from school whose father abandoned him. Then there's Elie, who works at Gracie's and is good friends with Cap Fuller, the only other ranch owner who isn't willing to sell. Things get interesting when a man named Yancy Grey arrives in town and shakes things up.
I remember being surprised when I came home to see my parents eager to watch Virgin River as soon as it came out on Netflix. Although I haven't seen it, from the looks of it, I can tell the two series are quite similar, and it could be Netflix's new golden goose. Ransom Canyon is dramatically disconcerting and tremendously ridiculous, as before one super-dramatic event ends, another begins. Ah, but there's a bit of mystery amidst all the drama to quench your thirst. The series is definitely both cheesy and saucy, with plenty of romance in the air for all ages.
What really shocked me was that I was able to endure 10 episodes, despite knowing exactly where it was going and feeling like I was going around in circles. I guess that's what real entertainment is like. But, all jokes aside, I think what makes Ransom Canyon truly enjoyable are the characters and how non-two-dimensional they seem. From wanting to shove the villain's head in a toilet (don't worry, I'm not violent) to wanting to dance with the girls in the lounge, everything feels quite authentic.
The series, based on a beloved book, features a fantastic cast that delivers flawless performances. It never feels over-the-top, or like what's happening makes no sense or is too stupid to be true. Josh Duhamel is Staten, and he's the same as always: brooding, tall, and handsome. Minka Kelly is super believable as Quinn, and I just want to say that the costumes look amazing on every cast member. Also, how fun would it be if Leighton Meester made a cameo in another Netflix drama? This time not for her husband, but for a good, lifelong friend who also doubles as her stunt double.
Marianly Tejada, from One Of Us Is Lying, finally plays a character that feels age-appropriate, and she's fantastic at it. No, I don't know how they thought someone from high school could look that good. Personally, I don't remember ever seeing actor Eoin Macken anywhere, but Josh Duhamel and Jonathan Bailey look like they had a kid. Yes, what I mean is, this show has some gorgeous people, so that's reason enough to watch it. Visually, the show is stunning, and if you like Westerns, this show definitely feels like a gossip session with your high school friends. No, it'll actually make you want to go dancing at the dance.
I think Ransom Canyon knows its target audience very well and gives them exactly what they expect: passionate, adult romance, with plenty of tension, and a mix of other genres like thriller. I'll admit that 10 episodes feels a bit long, especially when we're so used to watching shorter shows that don't feel repetitive or plodding. Plus, in the end, since we're supposed to expect another season, everything feels a bit incomplete, so leaving it like that after 10 full episodes is definitely a disappointment. But that said, I still find it tremendously entertaining. Oh, and don't forget there's also a little detour in between.
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