1883 (TV Mini Series) Racing Clouds (2022) User Reviews

Suspending disbelief

[markstenroos · 8/10 · 22 February 2022]

As others have pointed out, the writers do us no favors when it comes to our ability to suspend disbelief. The sloppy sillinesses include:

1. Not believable that the Lakota men would not see two trails leading away from the massacre in opposite directions. Why go after the wagon train?

2. Not believable that a seasoned wagon master would abandon the train, riding off to find the murderers. Why not stay put until the Lakota return, explain it wasn't your people who did the killing and offer to help the Lakota track down the killers? At least you maintain strength in numbers. And what if you didn't find the killers, or the killers ended up killing Shea et al? How does that in any way keep the Lakota at bay? And, Shea tells a hired hand who does not speak Lakota to do the best he can communicating with them when the Lakota arrive back at the scene of the massacre. Really? They find their families massacred and they're going to stand there while some white guy talks incoherently? Of course, it turns out that at least two of the Lakota warriors speak English, so the settlers would have been able to communicate just fine.

3. How did the Lakota track down cookie first when he had a huge jump on the rest of the train leaving and was moving much faster than them? Wouldn't the Lakota have encountered the train before they encountered cookie?

4. Why does Elsa not spur her super fast horse Lightening on to a speed greater than a quick trot when leading the Lakota away from the train? A big deal is made about his speed in earlier episodes.

5. Gut shot with an arrow. What's that like?

6. The cattlemen massacre the Lakota women and children because they want to massacre the men, who will no doubt track them down.

Er, wha? First off, why not surprise attack the Lakota camp while the men are there? At least you'd kill some of the men. How is it better to massacre the women, putting the warriors on an enraged war footing to come after you? If you're looking for a fight, why ride 10 miles or so away from the camp? Why not lie in ambush near the camp? Made no sense at all.

The Choice to Settle in Montana... Now We Know Why!!

[PunkRocked · 9/10 · 4 March 2022]

Man, Taylor Sheridan, you got me in the gut with this episode. I'm surprised at all the negative remarks, they seem a bit unreasonable. This show is filmed beautifully, the acting is phenomenal, and the storyline connection now to Yellowstone Ranch...? I didn't see it coming. But I was indeed surprised by the wave of emotion that struck me when James and Margaret are discussing Elsa's inevitable demise. And then boom, the realization that *this* is the reason they settle in Montana, *this* is the reason they vow to never leave the land and why the Duttons will fight to protect it, generation to generation.

It also becomes clear why Elsa has been our narrator; why we as viewers are intended to develop an emotional connection with her - so we may more genuinely feel the family's pain of her loss, to fully appreciate the Dutton family's connection to the precious land where Elsa will inevitably be laid to rest. Yep Sheridan, you got me good. Not terribly uplifting but life on the Oregon trail was rough and unforgiving. This show is such a raw and realistic portrayal of those hardships. We should all revel in the perspective of what those before us sacrificed for us to have the lives we live now. Great screenwriting, great storytelling. I look forward to the future stories to come.

As if he were already mourning

[slak96u · 9/10 · 20 February 2022]

Was beginning to get a bit worried, to be honest, the prior 2-3 episodes were a bit of a letdown. The production value was still great, but the storyline went a bit off the rails. A lot of things finally come together in this episode, thankfully, and Elsa's character is handled better. She doesn't fall in love or get-some from anyone, although she does change her outfit.

Most importantly, we get an answer to the mysterious opening scene in episode 1. We also get the reason why the Dutton family settled where they settled, and why they are so adamant on never leaving. Elsa's character was rushed this first season, for a reason, for emotional impact. She had to live a lot, and experience as much as possible, for us to care about her.

Very solid episode, so many answers.

It all makes sense now..

[smitty-81181 · 10/10 · 21 February 2022]

If you are a true fan of Yellowstone and you wondered why John Dutton would rather die 100 deaths before he gives up his land, now you know. This episode is everything. Taylor Sheridan, you sir are a genius. Well done and thank you.

heartbreaking

[goetz-steve · 21 February 2022]

After a strong start and a struggling middle, this episode was phenomenal. Truly hope they do one more season of 1883. We need more of this story from this era.

Fantastic episode.

[dankojudd · 10/10 · 21 February 2022]

This show has been incredible. What a journey so far. Another spectacular episode here. Heartbreaking and sad as ever too. Taylor Sheridan sure knows how to make a show. I look forward to anything he does in the future.

Amazing

[marco_belletti · 10/10 · 21 February 2022]

Full of visceral passion,amazing. The level of acting from all the actors is masterclass. Cinematography,editing ad direction near perfection. Really beautiful..

What a show. What an episode.

[bty-64417 · 10/10 · 20 February 2022]

I am not ready for the finale as a I know it will be gut wrenching. You will get to understand why the Duttons end up in Montana. What a spectacular show.

Best episode so far

[ry1979 · 10/10 · 21 February 2022]

All questions from episode 1 get answered in this episode.

Just incredible acting from all parties here. The representation of not just your culture which was front and centre from the settlers, the native Americans and the Tennessee crew but also how a simple exchange from 2 fathers talking about their daughters was incredible.

The decision a mother and father made at the end of the episode was not only beautifully acted but gut wrenching as the viewer.

As always, Sam Elliott is incredible and the way he comforts the cowboy over a mercy killing is full of compassion with tough love.

This episode is why Taylor Sheridan is easily king of tv land right now.

Another great episode

[joealbanese-53658 · 10/10 · 21 February 2022]

I just love this show. The writing, the cinematography, the music, it always transports me to another place - a harsh and cruel place with unimaginable beauty. The characters are not stereotypes and always reveal deeper conflicting emotions. It is powerful drama done exquisitely.

This episode broke my heart

[joseesrocha · 10/10 · 22 February 2022]

Without a doubt it's the best episode so far, I've never cried watching an episode but this was an exception.

I'm looking forward to the final episode.

1883

[avalosraul · 9/10 · 21 February 2022]

1883's Penultimate episode did not disappoint. The story line and plot whatever you want to call it has shifted completely, every actor being tested. More violent interactions with the indians and the story line of the Duttons slowly starting to reveal itself making it clear that Oregon is not where they end up. Solid episode 9/10.

Ridiculous Writing

[rdbass · 7/10 · 22 February 2022]

So the Lakota Sioux have their camp right by a road used by settlers? C'mon... In a series with a lot of bad writing, this episode is one of the worst. It was filled with F bombs in a time period where that word was barely known, much less used as a catch all purjorative.

Despite that, the characters and base story line keep it good watching as does the videography.

Too much focus on Elsa

[victorianojm · 5/10 · 11 April 2022]

At this point, the show might as well just be called Elsa. And the thing is she's a mary sue at this point, she has no reason to be as good with every thing as she is. I'm getting sick of hearing her monologues too. Could have been a really good show too but if elsa doesn't die, or the focus shifts off her more often, this show ain't worth a damn.

Gripping!

[davidjhopkins-743-873433 · 9/10 · 20 February 2022]

Another stunning episode. The writers make so many good choices showing the difficulty of trying to lead when everything is unknown and every option is equally bad.

These episodes just fly by they are so engrossing.

Racing Clouds Hurt's today

[burdr · 10/10 · 20 February 2022]

Well all the Elsa haters will be happy. They only have to endure her for another episode if that. Great story getting better but the end is near. I don't know how the series or story ends but I have enjoyed it. Again, all ye whiner's begone with you... Kudos to Taylor Sheridan for a great concept and follow through.

Wow!!!

[tjfraga · 10/10 · 21 February 2022]

Great episode and clearly one of the most heart wrenching.... Hoping the next episode and final episode is just as strong!! Tim McGraw is outstanding in his role as James Dutton. Faith is also believable. The actress that plays Elsa has done a fantastic job and I think there is nothing wrong with her accent. But to me the glue that makes the show stick is Sam Elliott. He plays his character with such fearce and confidence.

Easily the best episode of the season

[seanson28 · 20 February 2022]

Be a fan of this show since the first episode, and Ep 9 ties together something we've all wondered about since. It's also dark, tense, violent, heart-wrenching, and so starkly human.

Phenomenal episode.

[ianpirie-84026 · 9/10 · 23 February 2022]

The series has been building and building, just like a Yellowstone series would. What an episode. Couldn't fault it. Elsa is brilliant especially talking with the Indians. I have no idea why the hatred of her. I'm a Brit, I love the accent when she narrates. Not annoying at all. Looking forward to the last episode.

Father, mother and daughter in the land of the dead

[gharbinour · 10/10 · 24 February 2022]

This episode was really something. I was disappointed by the previous episode, but I understand it a lot better now and why the writers wanted so much focus on Elsa and her desperate need to fall in love. She probably knew her day would come, even at an unconscious level, and this is it people, the end of Elsa.

Two specific scenes broke my heart. The scalped woman crying and fighting to stay alive and the final conversation between James and Margaret.

All in all this is surely one of the best episode of the entire series and I'm kinda sad it will end soon.

Racing Clouds > Chasing Elsa

[alternapop · 9/10 · 21 February 2022]

I really enjoyed this episode but you have to suspend a little bit of disbelief.

The first time is when they come upon the dead Indians and don't realize they made a mistake by leaving tracks until too late. Shea (Brennan), James (Dutton), and team have too much experience to make that kind of mistake. Plus if the real perpetrators had just recently been there, how are their tracks any different from 3 more horses?

The other time is when the Indians track them all down later. There are no signs of their stolen horses. I would think the Indians are also too experienced and would've realized they had the wrong group. That's ignoring that they catch up to the cook first, who left earlier and was on a faster pace. I did think the main Indian's jovial banter seemed a bit out of place seeing that he just found his family killed. I don't think he would be so quick to laugh.

I had a feeling that somehow Elsa's connection to Sam was going to have an affect on the outcome. I was hoping that the Indians would realize they had the wrong group, perhaps talk to Elsa, then turn around to find James and the real perpetrators.

And for those who complain about the other woman being shot with an arrow yet being shot dead by the cowboy, you're missing that she was also scalped.

I realize the show is supposed to center around Elsa. However, the focus on her seems too great and her relationships move a bit too fast, even for an 18 year old. I would prefer to see a little more time spent on other characters and slow the show down a bit.

Great episode

[851222 · 9/10 · 6 July 2022]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Racing Clouds" 9th episode of 1883 was among its very best. There were great scenes of brutal violence, but thet were done realistically and not in the name of violence. Acting was great as usual but its directing, story and writing which were starts of this episode as well as great cinematography.

Overall, i will definitely going to watch a remaining episode and to see were it concludes.

I can't stop crying

[jclifford-60-636211 · 10/10 · 22 February 2022]

This is epic. I don't have the strength of character to deal with it. What an amazing episode. I don't know what to say other than this moved me unlike anything I've ever watched before. Context is obviously important but wow. I can't deal.

What Lightning?

[mossfish · 7/10 · 24 June 2022]

The actors are great. This show is filmed by the best and is amazing. The writing is awful. The chase is done at a fast trot. Miss May isn't a rider, she bounces her way across every episode. Her saddle sores would have been so bad that she would have to spend an episode or two in the wagon with ointment and unable to put pants on. I can't wait for her to die as she is unreconcilable anomaly to the time period. Even the Comanche women would have held her down and dressed her properly. She's basically naked riding past people dressed for a blizzard. And then she picks a white dress, looks like an under dress. That would not have been inconspicuous at the Fort, Mom should not have been happy with that. The attempts to slap and spank to attitude out of her every episode would have made this a comedy. Finally she would have been tied up and made into cargo. Her father would have been the only thing between her and a tar and feathering. For those that haven't seen a horse going fast it looks like the old Pony Express logo. All the timings are off, the other wagons would have been long gone and cookie would have been a third of the way to the Fort by the time she dug out and put on the best possible dress to annoy everyone.

Every trauma specialist(yes I am one) watching knows that arrow is too low to be a "Liver Shot". A kidney or ovary, yes and the intestines. Now days we would leave the arrow shaft plugging the hole until surgery, but she would have been dead long before the fort most likely. If she makes it to the fort and her insides aren't digesting themselves then the arrow must have missed everything vital and she has a chance.

Don't get me started about the Lakota, I have danced the Sundance on the Res. If they were out hunting game their camp would have been by a water source like where the thieves were found. The war paint is not for hunting game. The white face "Ghost" paint was usually for hunting white people which is why the Ghost Dance and white face was/is outlawed. Their camp is on the Oregon Trail because they are hunting what is on the Trail. They would have not stopped to talk to her under those conditions much less the normal bloodlust conditions of combat. She didn't stop anything and the Indians would have fought on or left due to the high casualty rate they sustained. I rolled it back and did a head count. There are way too many Indian survivors for all those that got shot. The larger wagon group basically decimated their attackers.

The mother says "sharecropper". Maybe she means just for the mentioned three years. These are not sharecroppers further evidenced by his commission as an officer.. Did they hide their wealth during the war and especially during the Reconstruction? The scoped rifle is/was very valuable and didn't survive three years in a Union prison so it had to be with the estate or bought later with some sort of income after he got his health back. Remember he came home at 97 pounds. Carpet Baggers would have plucked her like a chicken. A seventeen year old under those conditions would have been worked hard and known a better polite and survivable demeaner, she escaped the Reconstruction with her virginity. All of this could have been done without the saloon floozie topping. Faith Hill does a great job without being unbelievable. Isabel May could have done it without the nakedness and the whoring around. There are plenty of horse women in Texas that could have been the riding stunt double. Of course all of this could be an exaggerated oral history of the Dunton's.

A sad deterioration in otherwise itneresting series

[incomehero · 3/10 · 10 May 2022]

What is it with series writers? This one was like Game Of Thrones - grabbing you by lappels so hard that you can't stop watching ... but then after the 6th episode throwing you against the wall leaving you wondering the heck just happend to the plot?!

If you are new to this series, I'd advise you stop watching after the 5th episode, unless you like seeing how a good piece of art can be ruined completely by lazy writing...