The Walt Longmire Mysteries by Craig Johnson is a book series that revolves around Sheriff Walt Longmire, a down-to-earth and honest lawman in the fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming. The series combines elements of crime, western, humor, and human drama. Walt Longmire is an experienced sheriff with a strong sense of justice, struggling with personal losses and moral dilemmas. He is assisted by his best friend Henry Standing Bear, a wise and loyal Cheyenne, and Vic Moretti, a feisty and sharp-witted female deputy from Philadelphia. Each book contains a crime case that Walt must solve, often with local and cultural influences.
It's not entirely clear how the idea for the Longmire TV series came about. However, Craig Johnson's books about Sheriff Walt Longmire quickly gained a loyal readership and positive reviews. The blend of crime, western, humor, and human depth appealed to many people, including producers in Hollywood. The unique setting in rugged Wyoming, combined with strong characters and exciting crime stories, made the books attractive for a television adaptation. Warner Horizon Television eventually developed the series, which premiered on A&E in 2012.
Craig Johnson was involved in the series and has spoken positively about how his work was translated to the screen. Although the series sometimes deviates from the books, the core of the characters and the atmosphere remain intact. Main characters like Walt Longmire, Henry Standing Bear, and Vic Moretti are present in both the books and the series and retain their core character. The setting, the fictional Absaroka County in Wyoming, and the mix of crime, western, and personal drama are strongly present in both versions. The series uses multiple story elements and crime cases from the books as the basis for episodes.
The casting of the main characters has certainly contributed to the success of Longmire. Robert Taylor plays the role of the grounded and just sheriff. His calm, thoughtful style and physical presence fit well with the character from the books. Fans appreciate his believable portrayal of a man struggling with loss, responsibility, and moral choices. Lou Diamond Phillips plays Walt’s best friend Henry, a wise and loyal Cheyenne. His portrayal is praised for the depth and respectful approach to the character. He brings humor, spirituality, and strength together in a role that is both culturally and emotionally important. Katee Sackhoff plays the feisty and sharp deputy Vic Moretti. She brings energy and complexity to her role. Her chemistry with Walt and her personal struggles are convincingly portrayed. She is often mentioned as one of the strongest female characters in the series.
However, there are also differences to discover. The series sometimes deviates from the books in terms of plot development. Some cases are adjusted or accelerated for dramatic effect. In the series, certain characters, such as Vic and Henry, are more extensively developed and receive more screen time than in some books. The books contain more humor and introspection, while the series is sometimes more serious and visually dramatic. The romantic relationship between Walt and Vic is more emphasized in the series than in the books, where this development is slower and more subtle.
The western genre has gained popularity again in recent years. Just look at all the series Taylor Sheridan has produced in recent years with the standout being Yellowstone (2018). Longmire fits perfectly among these western gems. The series is currently available in its entirety on Prime Video.
