1883 -Righto, here we go!

A prequel to 'Yellowstone,' '1883' follows the Dutton family as they flee poverty in Texas and embark on a journey through the Great Plains to seek a better future in Montana.

OMG. OMG. OMG. OMG

Righto, here we go…

I gather you must think, she either loves this or hates it. Well, guess what?

I grew up watching Westerns. Most of them I can’t even remember their names, but I do remember some pretty shocking moments, due to the portrayal of American Indians. I don’t recall seeing them do much, bar kill and scalp people. What a terrible representation that was. Things have changed, thanks to Taylor.

Look, yes, of course, I’m a Yellowstone fan, HOWEVER, that doesn't mean, I'm going to love 1883, just because I love Yellowstone, right!

I’m bringing it up because ----> I don’t like Westerns. In fact, I nearly didn't watch Yellowstone because of certain aspects of it.

Why? I’m an animal lover (vegan) so anything that may show any form of animal cruelty (yeah I know it’s only make-believe - tut tut) but it still upsets me and I don't go out of my way to see it, But, But, But, Taylor Sheridan wrote this show and I thought, OK Yellowstone rocks, let's see what this is all about.

The reason is the story is fascinating and the acting sublime.

Wow, he sure knows how to cast his shows.

As a Writer, Creator you have an incredible understanding of what your character is like. I don’t know if Taylor knew what his ‘characters’ were going to look like, or if he had dreamed about them, but he certainly knew their essence, their demeanour, their character, the depth of their soul, bloody hell Taylor, you've done it again.

I recall reading an article about character development that went into another wonderful show, Shitz Creek ---> 93% Rotten Tomatoes. The creators spent months on each individual 'character' months, before even starting to write the show. That’s what it takes to nail it.

Let’s start with @faithhill. 

Margaret Dutton

Don't shoot me, however, living in Australia, Country Music isn't a massive genre here, certainly not like Nashville (no disrespect to Australian Country Singers) it’s just nowhere near as huge as in the USA.

I’d heard of Faith and seen photos of her on the internet etc and she always came across as very sweet and wholesome and most of all, approachable. I literally had no baseline to her, so was really open to seeing what she had.

She really is talented, incredibly talented. She was stripped bare and not for one second did I not believe her. She really impressed me. The toughness she had to portray along with being a caring loving yet frustrated mother was beautifully done. I’d watch her in anything moving forward. There is one particular scene where Fatih’s character, Margaret Dutton gets drunk on a porch with Rita Wilsons - character - Carolyn.

Man, she did this so well. With all due respect to Rita, I think Faith outperformed Rita in these scenes.

I say this because Faith was so natural and nuanced in her performance that I didn’t for one second think she was, 'Acting’.

Rita on the other hand whilst doing a terrific job simply didn’t come across as 'natural’ as Faith, for me. I later read that Faith and Rita are really great Mates. Maybe that's why it was so natural and believable.

Side note: Micheal Cane is one of my favourite Actors he’s the best-drunk actor in the business. In 1973 Michael played the role of Alcohol Professor Frank in Educating Rita. I mean, to all actors out there who haven’t seen this film, I’d highly recommend you get on this ASAP, it’s a master class in acting. When asked about his technique, he said, 'when you’re drunk, you try and act sober, right? you don’t act drunk, do the opposite' or something along those lines?

Can I ask you, how many times, have you been drunk, but you’re trying to keep it together? I know I certainly have. Well, that is Michaels's approach.

No one else comes close. (well, Faith did damn well) If you don’t believe me, just watch it, even if it’s a short clip on youtube. Total Masterclass.

James Dutton

Moving along to the lead character, James Dutton - Tim McGraw. Again not aware of who Tim is, in fact, I knew him as Faith's husband. I had seen him in, The Blind Side yet had no idea how famous and successful he was as a Country Star. I thought he was an actor with a small part in the movie, yet, what I did see of him, he stood out. I thought he was so believable.

Tim - keep your hair dark! It works for you.

The dark and swarthiness of James' character truly is really irresistible. Whilst his look was ruggedly handsome and swarthy, so was his emotions and soul.

His strength and protectiveness and mannerism were admirable. I’d like to have had him as my Father back in those days. As an audience member, I felt 'safe' when he was around, in whatever situation the family and the immigrants found themselves in. I had this deep sense of they’ll be safe. So as an actor Tim- you’ve done your job mate.

Again, just a beautiful realistic gorgeous performance Tim gave us throughout the entire season. And to cast Tim and Faith together was genius, the chemistry was outstanding, in all the right places. I mean, kudos to Taylor, he wrote James Dutton's character so perfectly, and Tim brought that vision to life. Not for one moment did I not believe Tims's performance.

There is one other character I wish to talk about, but she needs an entire blog for herself.

Binge-worthy scale.

You’re gonna need it.

Liza with a Z - 100%

Series Casting By

John Papsidera...(10 episodes, 2021-2022)👏👏👏