I just discovered this all too late. I really enjoyed the first two seasons and was pleased to watch something with a decent plot and acting for once. Really gutted that I don't get to know where the story ends as the second series ended just as things were really beginning to escalate. Such a waste.
51 Reviews
a deep series
coolcleangreen11 March 2014
watching The Red Road is like patiently watching fog lift before your eyes. little by little we see the shape of the story and depths of these characters unveiled. father and son Kopus, Marie, Jean, and Harold are the most fascinating to discover. they are each deliciously multi-layered.
i think the direction, editing and acting are close to excellent because each scene is drawn out to perfect measure to increase tension or allow for emotional saturation. the only drawback for me so far are the segments dedicated to the star-crossed teenage lovers who may become irksome as forced interjections of sweetness in what would otherwise be a properly moody atmosphere of familial and racial turbulence.
somehow, i like the moody brooding atmosphere of this show. i'm transported by the stillness of the wide shots of woods, lakes and open fields. it's easy to become invested in the place and characters. there is no rush and i like that too. each word is measured, except of course with the character of Jean who is a force of nature in herself, so much so that her ramblings make you dizzy --awesome Julianne Nicholson. Jason Momoa and Tom Sizemore make sinister look good. Martin Henderson is a revelation for me because I have never found him to be particularly impressive. it is also so good to see Tamara Tunie in a completely different light (literally) from her drab post on L&O:SVU.
but if you're looking for weekly action, blood, profanity, sex, and breakneck speed...you won't get much of that here. meanwhile, i am enjoying the slow reveal of illicit activity, emotional disturbance and family drama. i think it's definitely a worthy watch.
i think the direction, editing and acting are close to excellent because each scene is drawn out to perfect measure to increase tension or allow for emotional saturation. the only drawback for me so far are the segments dedicated to the star-crossed teenage lovers who may become irksome as forced interjections of sweetness in what would otherwise be a properly moody atmosphere of familial and racial turbulence.
somehow, i like the moody brooding atmosphere of this show. i'm transported by the stillness of the wide shots of woods, lakes and open fields. it's easy to become invested in the place and characters. there is no rush and i like that too. each word is measured, except of course with the character of Jean who is a force of nature in herself, so much so that her ramblings make you dizzy --awesome Julianne Nicholson. Jason Momoa and Tom Sizemore make sinister look good. Martin Henderson is a revelation for me because I have never found him to be particularly impressive. it is also so good to see Tamara Tunie in a completely different light (literally) from her drab post on L&O:SVU.
but if you're looking for weekly action, blood, profanity, sex, and breakneck speed...you won't get much of that here. meanwhile, i am enjoying the slow reveal of illicit activity, emotional disturbance and family drama. i think it's definitely a worthy watch.
The Ramapough Mountain "Indians"
The_Real_Review8 March 2014
This show is based on the Ramapough Mountain "Indians" also known as the "Jackson Whites", who are a likely European/African mixed race ethnic group located in the Ramapo Mountains of Mahwah, (Northern) NJ. Their "tribal" headquarters can be found on Stag Hill Road in Mahwah. The group is currently seeking Federal recognition as a Native American "tribe" (Lenape) but so far have refused to submit to DNA testing to verify their heritage, which previous scientific investigations have shown to be baseless. They are most likely decedents of an unlikely pairing of Hessian deserters and escaped African slaves during the Revolutionary war.
While the show has both Native American and mixed race actors, in real life their appearances look closer to a mixed race heritage. For more information look up the article, "Strangers on the Mountain" from The New Yorker on March of 2010.
Their choice as a plot device is both unique and refreshing. The Ramapough "Indians" have made another recent appearance in the film; "Out of the Furnace" with Woody Harrelson's character 'Harlan DeGroat'. DeGroat (a Dutch not Native American name) is a common last name among them in real life.
Overall the show does a good job getting the setting and atmosphere right (winding mountain roads, ATVs, mountain bungalows etc...), with Momoa fitting the role well. I only wished they had actually filmed this in NJ but the Georgia mountains look spot on. Definitely worth giving it a shot, as it looks to have potential.
While the show has both Native American and mixed race actors, in real life their appearances look closer to a mixed race heritage. For more information look up the article, "Strangers on the Mountain" from The New Yorker on March of 2010.
Their choice as a plot device is both unique and refreshing. The Ramapough "Indians" have made another recent appearance in the film; "Out of the Furnace" with Woody Harrelson's character 'Harlan DeGroat'. DeGroat (a Dutch not Native American name) is a common last name among them in real life.
Overall the show does a good job getting the setting and atmosphere right (winding mountain roads, ATVs, mountain bungalows etc...), with Momoa fitting the role well. I only wished they had actually filmed this in NJ but the Georgia mountains look spot on. Definitely worth giving it a shot, as it looks to have potential.
Good
Nixxie714 April 2014
This was a very good show with some stellar acting. Finally Momoa gets to spread his wings and do something other than take his clothes off. You want to hate Kopus (Momoa) for his complete creep factor yet you see the nice guy under the rough and tough exterior. Momoa plays creepy very well.
It's a slow build drama that allows you see the inter-workings of the characters; you get to know them. You start to see the way a story can unravel with just one tug and how even through good intentions, everything can go terribly wrong.
If you like those kinds of dramas, I suggest watching it. If you want bang bang, blow up things, and fast action, go somewhere else. This is a 6 course meal not a fast food burger drive-thru joint.
It's a slow build drama that allows you see the inter-workings of the characters; you get to know them. You start to see the way a story can unravel with just one tug and how even through good intentions, everything can go terribly wrong.
If you like those kinds of dramas, I suggest watching it. If you want bang bang, blow up things, and fast action, go somewhere else. This is a 6 course meal not a fast food burger drive-thru joint.
A season 3?
materialgirl-459054 March 2017
New to Netflix and MY GOD I just found this series on Netflix! Watched both seasons in 2 days and find there's no more episodes? PLEASE TELL ME THIS ISN'T TRUE! Love watching Jason. Story line is good. Actors are perfect. PLEASE SEND US MORE. Will there be more and when? What a cliff hanger in season 2! Seriously need more of The Red Road.
Pretty good so far
laniparker27 February 2014
I am not that familiar with Sundance's television programming up to this point, but when I learned that Jason Momoa was going to be in a dramatic series about race relations between a First Nation people and the white community I was fairly excited. For one, it seemed like Momoa would finally get an opportunity to demonstrate his acting ability. He is often characterized as a very wooden actor, but I think that is more that he is rarely given much to work with besides be big and unsettling. Secondly, it addresses racial issues that often go ignored in fiction in favor of more visible issues.
So far the acting overall is fairly good, although Julianne Nicholson's performance in the first season of Masters of Sex far outshines her work in this first episode. The direction and editing are competent. It is too early yet to tell how good the writing is going to get, but so far the show is quite engrossing and has the potential to be a great show.
In the wake of the recent wrap up of Breaking Bad and the thoroughly impressive True Detective, The Red Road may seem a bit light weight but the brief episode order (6 eps) and rather uncommon setting and perspective show a lot of promise for improvement.
So far the acting overall is fairly good, although Julianne Nicholson's performance in the first season of Masters of Sex far outshines her work in this first episode. The direction and editing are competent. It is too early yet to tell how good the writing is going to get, but so far the show is quite engrossing and has the potential to be a great show.
In the wake of the recent wrap up of Breaking Bad and the thoroughly impressive True Detective, The Red Road may seem a bit light weight but the brief episode order (6 eps) and rather uncommon setting and perspective show a lot of promise for improvement.
A Show with a lot of potential
samdwye10 April 2014
At some points during the show it seems that there can be pointless scenes and the pacing can be slow, however, the foreshadowing of several different characters and the room for future plot lines could be immense.
Character development is spread in between the range of characters and gives us a chance to see and start to like the characters in the show, either good or bad. The different characters have deep personalities and are slowly revealed in different ways which creates a really grainy patch of the morals and decision making of these characters between either their families or moral beliefs.
The Red Road leaves room for future development but barely shows what it is capable of with just the first season. this isn't the type of show that instantly sticks, this show will develop and become more and more intriguing as time passes.
Character development is spread in between the range of characters and gives us a chance to see and start to like the characters in the show, either good or bad. The different characters have deep personalities and are slowly revealed in different ways which creates a really grainy patch of the morals and decision making of these characters between either their families or moral beliefs.
The Red Road leaves room for future development but barely shows what it is capable of with just the first season. this isn't the type of show that instantly sticks, this show will develop and become more and more intriguing as time passes.
The more realistic "Ozark"
jadejackleen4 January 2019
..they should have been given the chance to finish
bjarias16 October 2015
With soooo much absolute crap that's on-screen, it's a damn shame when a fairly decent program gets canceled just as it's starting to get legs. This was never going to be a mainstream show, but for those taking the time to get into it.. it was well worthwhile. Was the story a bit slow at first, and more convoluted than need be.. maybe. But it did not insult its' audience intelligence with pablum BS junk. Far from it.. and as far as the acting goes, this was as good a group as you will find in any decent TV drama today (and Julianne Nicholson was brilliant). Without a doubt the script had weaknesses, but not many ever do not. Actors that get cut off at the knees when shows get dropped are hurt the most. They pour themselves into their work, and are then forced to walk away before the job gets accomplished. Would just like to let them know their efforts were well appreciated, and it's seriously regretful shortsighted minds had control of the overall process. Bravo to those involved for those two very good seasons.
Upset this was canned!
bosstrangla19 April 2018
I may have a man crush on Momoa so this might be bias but I stumbled on this gem and can't believe that season 3 wasn't made. The acting was pretty solid, writing was really good. I don't usually watch basic cable shows because they come off pretty corny but there were very few of those moments and got pretty tricky in season 2. I didn't know it was canceled until i was almost finished watching season 2, which made it freaking horrible that i got emotionally attached for no fudging reason. Still, was great show
Good intense, dark show (minor spoiler)
movius31 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I like this show. This is a tough and gritty show. It's fairly complex, but after two episodes we have the general picture. After the first episode my wife felt it was too intense and dark, and I was on the borderline of agreeing with her – even though we generally like that type of show. But it was sufficiently engrossing that we wanted to stick with it, and, after three episodes we are glad we did.
In my view the acting is superb. Also the directing and dialogue. Sheriff Harold is caught between several rocks and hard places. At the top of that list is his wife Jean, who has significant, somewhat volatile mental issues. The "forbidden romance", Kate and Junior, is quite innocent and appealing. I hope the show makes it because I would like to see where things are going. Jason Momoa (Phillip) is as intense and engaging as in Game of Thrones. I truly hope the show makes it because I would like to see where things are going.
In my view the acting is superb. Also the directing and dialogue. Sheriff Harold is caught between several rocks and hard places. At the top of that list is his wife Jean, who has significant, somewhat volatile mental issues. The "forbidden romance", Kate and Junior, is quite innocent and appealing. I hope the show makes it because I would like to see where things are going. Jason Momoa (Phillip) is as intense and engaging as in Game of Thrones. I truly hope the show makes it because I would like to see where things are going.
Complex and troubled characters...
wildsparrow169 April 2014
The characters in this show are very layered and complex. Even Philip - as bad-a** as he is, manages to convey a troubled and vulnerable spirit. Jean wrestles with demons in her head all the while trying to keep herself - and her family together. Harold is tough as nails underneath his controlled demeanor. Junior has more on his plate than a young man his age ever should. These characters are emotional and vulnerable and it makes you care about them. The only reason I gave it 9 stars is it is sometimes hard to follow. This will not stop me. This series also contains a lot of different types of plots. Crime, love, dysfunctional families, small-town corruption, illness, losing ourselves, finding ourselves. I also find it to be unpredictable, which is refreshing.
Enjoying show, but would be more realistic if all characters were natives
lndn-4824511 April 2015
The story line is good, and there is enough action here and there to keep the show interesting. I'll keep watching.
The biggest let down is blacks in key rolls, playing natives. It just doesn't work, very unbelievable, especially heard in pronouncing words. They do not look like, or sound like natives on reserves. There are just so many talented native actors that I don't understand why blacks were brought in to play lead rolls as natives. For me this has taken away from authenticity, and realism from the series.
Other than the above noted weakness, the show is very enjoyable to watch, and I look forward to seeing how the writers go forward with development.
The biggest let down is blacks in key rolls, playing natives. It just doesn't work, very unbelievable, especially heard in pronouncing words. They do not look like, or sound like natives on reserves. There are just so many talented native actors that I don't understand why blacks were brought in to play lead rolls as natives. For me this has taken away from authenticity, and realism from the series.
Other than the above noted weakness, the show is very enjoyable to watch, and I look forward to seeing how the writers go forward with development.
Slower Than Watching Paint Dry
parapolis-128 February 2014
Made it till the end of this contrived and often confusing pilot. I can see what they have tried to envisage but it just didn't come off. I am a regular to shows such as Justified, Banshee and many others that can accomplish what this fails to on so many levels. The cast is very flat and could definitely use a few hundred hours under the watchful eye of the Stella Adler school for sure. Martin Henderson hasn't grown much as an actor since Shortland street, Still as wooden as ever, I wouldn't have been surprised to see Temuera Morrison playing a local Indian. Really hope they step up their game and get this show on the road as advertised or its the "end of the road" for this one.
Love it
brunettewarrior30 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I love this series and don't want it to end! I love how complex the storyline is. The pacing is perfect. It feels like I'm tuning in every time to see what I'll discover of each character that night.
There are many great performances from this talented cast. Momoa and Henderson play off each other so well, I don't know which side (good or bad) to root for, and I see both good and bad in each! I end up rooting for them both.
I'm hoping there will be a second season because this has quickly stolen my mind and heart. Henderson's Harold is by far my favorite character he has played that I've seen. As for Momoa, this is his best work. I feel sympathetic to his Kopus. The most surprising performance for me is that of Sizemore. Wow, just wow.
Please make more!! I can wait!
There are many great performances from this talented cast. Momoa and Henderson play off each other so well, I don't know which side (good or bad) to root for, and I see both good and bad in each! I end up rooting for them both.
I'm hoping there will be a second season because this has quickly stolen my mind and heart. Henderson's Harold is by far my favorite character he has played that I've seen. As for Momoa, this is his best work. I feel sympathetic to his Kopus. The most surprising performance for me is that of Sizemore. Wow, just wow.
Please make more!! I can wait!
More! More! More!
filmchaser5 April 2014
I was hooked after the first episode because it's what is NOT said that I keep waiting for. Aside from an amazing cast, the characters are holding back so many secrets, some old, some new, and all painfully itching to get out. There weren't enough episodes to fully disclose the depth and complexities of the relationships of all the characters who share a history all the way back to child hood. I was so relieved when Jean finally sought out Phillip to clear the air after he spent the better part of his life being punished as the bad boy he'd been profiled to be by the lies and deceptions of Harold, and by the utter betrayal of his crazy, criminal father. Each episode left me wondering who the bad guys are and who the good guys are. This is the first time I've had opportunity to see Jason Momoa in anything, and he is mesmerizing. His physicality dominates the screen, and is particularly noticeable in the presence of the pale and anxious character played earnestly by Martin Henderson, who is really good at appearing to have everything under control while he is raging under the surface for all his lost opportunities. The two men are so different, yet not so different, when it comes to moral flexibility. And even though Kopus is supposed to play the villain, he's likable. Harold, tortured with ghosts and secrets, is supposed to be the good guy, and is hard to sympathize with because he is devious. Jean is fragile and barely present, while her daughters pretty much raise themselves. Tom Sizemore is so scary it's hard to believe he's acting. I waited each week eagerly to see what was next, and I hope they approve Season 2, because 6 or 7 more episodes may tell the real story, and may give Kopus and Harold opportunities for redemption. Otherwise, all the characters seem so miserable. And we need to know who's responsible for those cancer causing sink holes in the woods. More!
Please bring this series back!
bhlt24 June 2018
Good Show That Requires a Patient Audience
Suriname869 January 2015
The show's plot is a slow burn and lacks gimmicks or quirks; straightforward storytelling with some surprises thrown in the mix, such is life. I gave this a 7 due to the mid season drag between episodes 3 and 5, which caused me to stop watching the show for 4 days. But when I watched the rest of the season, I was not disappointed. The last episode is stunning and has me eagerly awaiting the next season.
Jason Momoa is the standout on this show. He's incredibly dynamic: intense, menacing and vulnerable all at the same time. And as a sidenote, he is a physically stunning man: strikingly handsome with an amazing body. But, his performance is so good that he makes you forget how physically beautiful he is, he's really bearing his soul.
Tom Sizemore....who would've thought? Quirky, darkly-funny, and terrifying in the way that violent, unpredictable men are.
The best thing about this show is that the story lines and characters are believable and and never insults my intelligence. Hopefully they work on the pacing for season 2.
Jason Momoa is the standout on this show. He's incredibly dynamic: intense, menacing and vulnerable all at the same time. And as a sidenote, he is a physically stunning man: strikingly handsome with an amazing body. But, his performance is so good that he makes you forget how physically beautiful he is, he's really bearing his soul.
Tom Sizemore....who would've thought? Quirky, darkly-funny, and terrifying in the way that violent, unpredictable men are.
The best thing about this show is that the story lines and characters are believable and and never insults my intelligence. Hopefully they work on the pacing for season 2.
Hits the nail on many heads
rockyjackaida7 March 2014
This story has depth, history and complexity. I love it. It's well acted and it's evolving. It doesn't show you it's hand so quickly.. you're going to have to keep watching. What's wrong with that? Does everything have to be a fast food happy meal? Don't you like to be served in courses sometimes? Anyway I really like this show and look forward to more. This story has enormous potential and they could take it so many different directions. It doesn't push homosexuality .. how refreshing. It doesn't push any politics .. wow nice. Aren't we all sick to death of manipulative political agendas? It's about human experience and intense personal, social and family relationships. It's set up so you can put yourself in the place of each character. You aren't seeing the story unfold from the eyes of one character only. I like that because it allows you to imagine what it's like to be each person.
If paint drying is more interesting to you dude then go watch your paint dry and let the adults watch TV. Thanks
If paint drying is more interesting to you dude then go watch your paint dry and let the adults watch TV. Thanks
I watched both seasons and there is no ending!!!
marlat-111228 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I was really taken by the story and characters. I wat he's both seasons and then discovered there were no more. They never made an ending, there was no closure. How ridiculous!
If you want to waste your time, feel free the story was great, but with no conclusion, you'll feel empty and let down.
Pretty good show - typical those shows I like get cancelled
kassdo5 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Came across show by accident - the story intrigued me becuase of my familarity with New Jersey and Lenape. The show is entertaining and Jason Momoa acting is passable. Some reviewers commenting have their racial sensitivity radar beeping with the silly and trendy comments about the diversity of actors playing Native Roles. They do not understand the back story about people with native bloodlines trying to get tribal status recognizition with BIA after the tribe has been assimilated. In northern NJ mountains, there is a group called The Jackson Whites. Thier bloodline is traced back to 1700s and made up of Native Tribes, escaped black/free slaves and English military deserters. Google that group for cool history - but the current cast covers all shades and ethnicities thatmake up the current tribe. And there is a history of mistrust between the Jacksons, Lenape and Rampapo and the whites settlers that moved into those mountains. TV story is factual and amazing, all within 60 miles of NYC.
Miserable, Unpleasant, and Depressing
dianerpessler-461643 July 2015
There appears to be a trend in cable television drama that if a program is as unpleasant, ugly, nonsensical, and nihilistic as possible, viewers will feel they must try to understand its true greatness. With characters that are a long-winded as they are long-suffering, they must surely be saying something significant. Unfortunately, not true. Sometimes the human suffering and psychic pain is only felt by the audience while the characters go through meaningless motions. Empty words and soulless characters abound on The Red Road and the drama is as overcooked as the dialog and acting. Not to say the actors don't behave as if their suffering is real. It may well be. That of the audience certainly is authentic.
Why I'm late ? This show is pretty decent
nonsensefans2 May 2021
While everyone having a crush on Jason Momoa, I was all into how good looking and perfect Martin Henderson is !! He does a great job, the character and performance are top notch.. making me want for more ! I discover this show so late & now there's no more seasons, how come they've cancelled it.. It was worth watching, pretty thrilling, good pace.. deserves more for sure.. I need more Harold Jensen.
The Red Road boasts amazing performances!
vrallan18 March 2014
First off, The Red Road is an amazing production! SundaceTV really out-did themselves with this show! The story quickly picked up and is ripened every episode, with as mentioned earlier, amazing performances! This leads me to my next point; Jason Momoa - coming off Game of Thrones and Bullet To The Head, he is delivering some great acting. Momoa's character of an ex-con, and a family man creates depth in not only the character, but his acting as well! Not to forget, Martin Henderson is delivering amazingly as well - a caring officer and also a family man. Overall, The Red Road is a must watch due to the performances, the writing and the story itself. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a great and long- running series!!
Intriguing plot, great cast
Bron000017 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
OK, I'm hooked. Like other reviewers, I like the slow, brooding intensity of the plot and the gradual peeling back of the characters' personalities. At the core of the plot are universal themes of love and betrayal; good and evil and that things are not as they appear. In the beginning, it's pretty clear who's the bad guy and who's the good guy – even the characters themselves have made up their minds about what happened to Jean's brother. But Jean's descent into mental illness and Harold's efforts to protect her from herself parallels the blurring of people's perception and reality. I was a fan of Julianne Nicholson from August Osage County and Masters of Sex, but I have to say that Jason Momoa (as Phillip) and Martin Henderson (as Harold) are both superb. In the beginning, the former is a scary sociopath (one look from him and you'd kiss your remaining days goodbye); the latter is the penultimate squeaky clean cop and good dad, trying to hold his family together. Then the truth begins to reveal itself and by episode six, the definitions of "good" and "evil" are no longer so clear cut and you're not so sure about what you thought you knew. What is clear is that people do extraordinary things to protect themselves and the people they love. I can't wait for Season 2.
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