‘Ransom Canyon’ Review: Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly in Netflix’s Generically Pretty, Thoroughly Bland Western Romance

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It took about the third episode of “Ransom Canyon” for me to recognize the similarity between Netflix’s latest Western-themed romantic drama and “Varsity Valley”. To clarify, this isn’t a typical prime-time soap opera, but rather a humorous take on it – much like the one featured in the “Waffle House” sketch on Saturday Night Live, where chaos unfolds in the background while the show itself is just a backdrop. Essentially, it’s a program designed to be overlooked, bland enough to easily slip out of your mind yet familiar enough that you can follow along even if it’s not really catching your attention.

Ransom Canyon, despite being a real series, shares similarities that make it seem rather repetitive. It lacks distinct features and tends to follow a predictable pattern, content with claiming only a small portion of your focus while you engage in other activities. For some, this isn’t necessarily a drawback; background shows can indeed offer value within a varied television diet. However, if you attempt to pay it more attention over time, the experience can become monotonous and dulling.

The play, penned by April Blair, unfolds following a series of heartrending events; one tragedy has just occurred, and another is imminent on the horizon. On his birthday, high school student Randall Kirkland (portrayed by Hubert Smielecki) meets an untimely end in a car crash, leaving his father, Staten (played by Josh Duhamel), reeling from loss, as he had already lost Randall’s mother two years prior. A year has passed since the accident, and Staten is just beginning to emerge from his sorrow, thanks to the compassionate and resilient help of Quinn (Minka Kelly), his late wife’s close friend, who operates the only watering hole in the peaceful Texan town of Ransom Canyon.

It’s clear from their initial interaction in a bustling room that Staten and Quinn have deep feelings for each other, hinting at a long-standing affection. However, they find themselves apart due to circumstances unclear, perhaps to prolong the will-they-won’t-they tension over the course of an entire season within the series Ransom Canyon. Similarly, the younger generation’s romantic entanglement follows a similar pattern. The virtuous cheerleader Lauren (Lizzy Green) is caught between her wealthy yet unkind boyfriend Reid (Andrew Liner) and her rough-around-the-edges suitor Lucas (Garrett Wareing).

The series also introduces numerous side-stories, such as:
1. The ambiguous investigation into what exactly transpired regarding Randall’s disappearance (Staten believes another driver was involved, causing frustration to the sheriff portrayed by Philip Winchester).
2. The underhanded strategies employed by Austin Water & Power to pressure ranchers like Staten into selling their property for pipeline construction.
3. The arrival of a secretive vagabond (Yancy, played by Jack Schumacher) who contributes to the show’s frequent scenes depicting a muscular man performing farm tasks without a shirt.

Above all, Ransom Canyon revolves around heartfelt romances. The tornado that sweeps through the town and the strife between Staten and his ex-brother-in-law Davis (Eoin Macken) serve as backdrops for moments of passion or parting ways.

Since the TV series is based on Jodi Thomas’ Texas-set romance novels, it’s understandable that relationships take center stage. However, its polished but uninspired delivery gives off an air of being conceived during a brainstorming session about the high ratings of shows like Yellowstone and Virgin River, rather than stemming from genuine passion on the part of those involved in its creation.

It’s completely acceptable, but that doesn’t mean it’s something you’d particularly look forward to. The storyline is complex due to frequent sudden shifts in character emotions and heartfelt explanations for these changes, yet straightforward as the overall outcome is always clear. The rural Texas scenery isn’t stunningly beautiful with a unique perspective or breathtaking grandeur, but it has an innocuous prettiness, like a generic picture you might find online or in a catalog.

As a fan, I can’t help but notice that the characters fit comfortably into familiar molded roles – the stoic cowboy, the slick businessman, the rebellious yet lovable rogue, and so forth. These archetypes are effortless to cheer for since they’re not intriguing enough to warrant opposing. The casting is satisfactory in this aspect. Duhamel fits seamlessly into his part, leveraging his smoky voice and resembling a less eccentric Timothy Olyphant. Kelly lends a cozy warmth to Quinn, though it feels like her talents are underutilized, as she’s primarily tasked with casting adoring glances towards Staten. Her portrayal of the spirited Texan Lyla Garrity on Friday Night Lights showcased a depth that isn’t fully explored here.

The actors in the cast don’t seem capable of giving these characters depth or personality, which might not be a reflection of their acting skills but rather the limited scope provided by the script. The writing appears to lack the subtlety necessary for character development and growth, making the residents of Ransom Canyon seem inconsistent and unpredictable. They display intense emotions in one scene, such as lamenting about tradition and allegiance, only to behave coldly towards each other in the next, before returning to express deep emotions yet again. This pattern makes them come across as fickle and emotionally volatile.

Instead of prolonged dialogues leading to unfulfilling character growth, they create storylines that are remarkably straightforward, requiring little attention to the nuances of characters’ feelings or their progression, or even recall of events from a few episodes back.

Based on how you intend to engage with it, this could either be seen as an issue or a desirable trait. If you’re seeking an immersive storyline that captures your attention for extended periods, “Ransom Canyon” may not deliver; its plainness might lose your interest within a few minutes. However, if your goal is to find some ambient noise to play while relaxing on the couch, then Staten Kirkland could certainly be your choice.

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2025-04-17 10:24