What an episode. Faith and Tim are phenomenal but Isabel stole the show. Had me in tears. I have a feeling this show is just getting warmed up. I cannot wait for where this story goes. Taylor Sheridan is a genius.
37 Reviews
Best episode yet
bty-6441717 January 2022
Poetry in motion
thompson1200118 January 2022
This was close to a flawless episode. Even w/o Mr. Sheridan at the helm the cinematography in this episode is beautiful. The close up shots of Elsa at the end, the reflection of the water on Elsa and her mom, capturing the almost leather like face of Sam Elliot while in distress. At the hands of a lesser production this show could be something from the CW. But everything is done with so much respect for the land and to capture that authenticity of the harshness the pioneers faced there are very few campy moments in the show despite having a 20 something y/o's love story intertwined into everything.
Mr. Sheridan unabashed appreciation for how our country developed into what it is today has never been more apparent than in 1883 through the narrations from Elsa. It's there that he shows his poetic chops and romanticizes the old west in ways that Yellowstone can not. There's so many ways a narration device could go wrong through the voice of a young woman who looks like an instagram model. But it's here where the show finds itself and gives the viewer some pause w/episode 5 pushing the narration to new heights. Elsa's enthusiasm for freedom and exploration is an absolute breath of fresh air, Ms. May is phenomenal thus far in her portrayal of Elsa and I haven't seen someone light up a TV screen as she does in a while.
I just can't help but to think how many pioneers and Native Americans died and sacrificed with the expansion west to build this country; the Oregon Trail used to be just a game to me but means a lot more now. The past 2 episodes push that painful narrative hard and it absolutely works. It's devastating to think about and makes you appreciate what previous generations did to make the way for us.
1883 has touched me profoundly.
Mr. Sheridan unabashed appreciation for how our country developed into what it is today has never been more apparent than in 1883 through the narrations from Elsa. It's there that he shows his poetic chops and romanticizes the old west in ways that Yellowstone can not. There's so many ways a narration device could go wrong through the voice of a young woman who looks like an instagram model. But it's here where the show finds itself and gives the viewer some pause w/episode 5 pushing the narration to new heights. Elsa's enthusiasm for freedom and exploration is an absolute breath of fresh air, Ms. May is phenomenal thus far in her portrayal of Elsa and I haven't seen someone light up a TV screen as she does in a while.
I just can't help but to think how many pioneers and Native Americans died and sacrificed with the expansion west to build this country; the Oregon Trail used to be just a game to me but means a lot more now. The past 2 episodes push that painful narrative hard and it absolutely works. It's devastating to think about and makes you appreciate what previous generations did to make the way for us.
1883 has touched me profoundly.
Wow
Michielroels18 January 2022
If you get too close, you will be bitten.
slak96u16 January 2022
Solid episode, a lot of character building. I feel like the show is attempting to make the viewers emotionally invested in the characters, Elsa especially. Both Isabella May and Eric Nelsen were excellent in this episode. Although, their relationship felt rushed on many levels. It says something about how good this series is, that this episode has been one of the weaker ones, considering its still very good. I'd call it an 8.
After reading some of the reviews of previous episodes, it seems as if some people want this show to be something it's clearly not. This isn't Yellowstone, it's a completely different animal. 1883's cinematography, music, direction and writing are nothing like Yellowstone.
After reading some of the reviews of previous episodes, it seems as if some people want this show to be something it's clearly not. This isn't Yellowstone, it's a completely different animal. 1883's cinematography, music, direction and writing are nothing like Yellowstone.
We're In The Land Of No Mercy Now
douglasmcbroom16 January 2022
Best episode thus far. Isabel May, and her brilliant narration (as if from a novel) and Sam Elliott, remain the standouts.
The country music stars, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, continue to hold their own.
Terrific writing and directing from series creator, Taylor Sheridan.
With the absolutely horrible endings of 'Dexter: New Blood' and 'Ray Donovan', and the finale of the brilliant new Taylor Sheridan series 'The Mayor of Kingstown' this is the only series currently worth watching.
The country music stars, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, continue to hold their own.
Terrific writing and directing from series creator, Taylor Sheridan.
With the absolutely horrible endings of 'Dexter: New Blood' and 'Ray Donovan', and the finale of the brilliant new Taylor Sheridan series 'The Mayor of Kingstown' this is the only series currently worth watching.
Each episode has yet to fail, this may be the best written one yet...
curtayfan17 January 2022
From Elsa's narration and each character's individual arc's & development, to the cinematography and music...This show is incredible. After this episode it is increasingly rising in my favorite shows of all time. MUST WATCH!
Master writing
fatrollfavier17 January 2022
Starting to really like this show.
neonfiction16 January 2022
Heartache
Gretel100617 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Another great episode. I love the flirtation between Ennis and Elsa. Their brilliant smiles are illuminating and seem authentic. I was surprised at how fast their relationship progressed. It seemed really rushed. I think most young people spend time (days/weeks/months) kissing and getting more comfortable with each other before taking the next step which seems even more likely given the stronger belief of waiting until you're married in 1883. That moment sealed his fate.... I felt like I was watching a Walking Dead episode when there would be a set up of a moment of joyful happiness and then knowing that was an indication that the rug would be yanked out from under our feet and who would not be making it to the next episode. Even though it was predictable I enjoyed every moment of it.
.
.
OMFG. "Freedom has fangs. And it sunk them into me"
dave42c17 January 2022
All the suffering, losses and deaths that the immigrants had to endure this season were tragic and sad.
But this finally hits home to one of the main characters. Incredible writing and acting brings this amazing season (so far) to a new level of devastating, heartfelt tragedy.
Had to stop several times to write this short review. You'll understand why after watching this episode.
But this finally hits home to one of the main characters. Incredible writing and acting brings this amazing season (so far) to a new level of devastating, heartfelt tragedy.
Had to stop several times to write this short review. You'll understand why after watching this episode.
I liked it but...
stubby196918 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Loving the scenery, backdrop and story. TS is amazing!
Loving most of the acting.
Having a hard time with some of the dialogue; it's like most of them are talking around mouthfuls of marbles.
NOT loving trying to incorporate 2022 social mores into a story that aspires to be a realistic depiction of the late 1800s in the unbroken American west. This is an era that saw dating (courting) couples be daring if they were to kiss, for Pete's sake; and Elsa moves from a couple of kisses to full blown sex? Hardly, her mother would have killed her. Saving yourself for marriage was the definitive expectation, and if she winds up pregnant, NO one would have wanted damaged goods. Not only that, I'm ticked at the fact she hooks up with the first male she meets, a young cow poke. Yes, that's a great future there. Sorry, was really lovin the show but this made me mad.
Loving most of the acting.
Having a hard time with some of the dialogue; it's like most of them are talking around mouthfuls of marbles.
NOT loving trying to incorporate 2022 social mores into a story that aspires to be a realistic depiction of the late 1800s in the unbroken American west. This is an era that saw dating (courting) couples be daring if they were to kiss, for Pete's sake; and Elsa moves from a couple of kisses to full blown sex? Hardly, her mother would have killed her. Saving yourself for marriage was the definitive expectation, and if she winds up pregnant, NO one would have wanted damaged goods. Not only that, I'm ticked at the fact she hooks up with the first male she meets, a young cow poke. Yes, that's a great future there. Sorry, was really lovin the show but this made me mad.
Raw. Powerful. Thought provoking.
gina_gemini20 January 2022
This episode deserves a lengthy standing ovation. I haven't seen writing and performances of this caliber in a long time. Isabel May is showing some serious acting chops, this girl can go places.
The land has no mercy and there is no hand holding in this show either. It's a thrilling ride. Only those who can endure it will last till the end.
The land has no mercy and there is no hand holding in this show either. It's a thrilling ride. Only those who can endure it will last till the end.
Excellent, with one issue
laughing_cat16 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Another terrific episode, powerful and poignant with some harsh lessons. My one gripe is that one of the European characters I could've sworn died in the previous episode somehow resurrected again in this one. This time the person stayed in the background and had no lines, but appeared enough to make me think..."huh???"
AWESOMENESS AT ITS BEST
aleks-marinov-128-56525117 January 2022
Just finishing part 5...
This is the second time I give the 10 to a show.
My first one was True Detective season 1 and only!
Sorry folks, no GoT, no Breaking Bad, nor them Sopranos, ffs.
The cast, the story, the scenery, the cinematography... Everything is pure gold, just like the True Detective was (to me).
The message is getting too long. So, the short version: GO, WATCH IT!
This is the second time I give the 10 to a show.
My first one was True Detective season 1 and only!
Sorry folks, no GoT, no Breaking Bad, nor them Sopranos, ffs.
The cast, the story, the scenery, the cinematography... Everything is pure gold, just like the True Detective was (to me).
The message is getting too long. So, the short version: GO, WATCH IT!
Solid. human portrayal of the hardships
lor_11 July 2023
Having crossed the river and heading west of Texas, the pioneers have issues of morale among the survivors, with McGraw creating some order among them by force, while Elliott's stern decisions on who remains eligible to stay with the wagon train are not negotiable.
This episode has Sheridan making clear that the hardships of the early travelers west in America of the 1800s were real and brutal, so he avoids the sugar-coating of the usual depiction. I imagine if a true story about the Donner Party were ever to be filmed, he'd be the man to do it.
It's balanced against Elsa's budding love story. A romantic respite with a cowboy, but more realistic than usual in depicting a "first time". Elsa's wildfulness is not really disobeying her mother, but gives an indication of future heartbreak in store for them.
Action picks up with a skirmish with ruthless bandits, who kill many of the settlers who were left behind and then face our heroes with their first true test for survival. The gun battles on horseback are well-staged, concise and believable, leading to a taste of frontier justice.
This episode has Sheridan making clear that the hardships of the early travelers west in America of the 1800s were real and brutal, so he avoids the sugar-coating of the usual depiction. I imagine if a true story about the Donner Party were ever to be filmed, he'd be the man to do it.
It's balanced against Elsa's budding love story. A romantic respite with a cowboy, but more realistic than usual in depicting a "first time". Elsa's wildfulness is not really disobeying her mother, but gives an indication of future heartbreak in store for them.
Action picks up with a skirmish with ruthless bandits, who kill many of the settlers who were left behind and then face our heroes with their first true test for survival. The gun battles on horseback are well-staged, concise and believable, leading to a taste of frontier justice.
One thing is a bit far fetched.....
hpringnitz11 March 2022
You have an daughter who looks as good as Isabel May and you don't have the sex talk with her before she is 18 years old? In 1883, that girl would've been married with at least 2 kids when she turned 18! 21st century morays don't fit in the 19th century.
But overall, I am loving this show!
But overall, I am loving this show!
Her innocence stripped. Goosebumps.
amazingharun19 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The first two episodes had me almost clapping for at the level of film making but this episode has taken the cake for everything.
Superb superb superb writing, cinematography and acting. Watching the dramatic end of this episode it is almost easy to forget the development of elsa and ennis throughout it and even the speech james gives to ennis. A coming of age moment for the young man...gone and at the cost of the elsa's innocence.
The shoot out scene at the end was a bit underwhelming but that isn't what warrants my 10/10.
Superb superb superb writing, cinematography and acting. Watching the dramatic end of this episode it is almost easy to forget the development of elsa and ennis throughout it and even the speech james gives to ennis. A coming of age moment for the young man...gone and at the cost of the elsa's innocence.
The shoot out scene at the end was a bit underwhelming but that isn't what warrants my 10/10.
AMAZING SHOW
mamaw746920 January 2022
Elsa a downer
southgatekid17 January 2022
Predictable
muchobliged23 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The moment they had sex, I knew he was going to die in the very same episode. He had to, because everything was too perfect, she was too perfect, the moment was too perfect. Ofcourse he was a virgin too, telling his story of how he couldn't get it up in front of a prostitute because he didn't love her. That's a sweet guy. Losing her virginity was beautiful and perfect, because that's how these things go on the trail, at least for her. And then he dies, so she can finally become the real, mature woman carrying serious emotional baggage, like she was always meant to be, staring into the sunset, thinking meaningful and poetic thoughts about life and the prairy.
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