EPISODE GUIDE
There are several episode guides out there for Lonesome Dove - The Sikes Family does NOT aim to compete with those. We simply would like to have a little journal of episodes, and what makes them fun for us to watch. Beware, these may not be in order. We adhere to the "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything", so don't look for criticisms or scathing reviews here. For those who haven't seen season one, our info source Rosilyn found out that they will begin showing these, in order, beginning 12/20/99 on The Odyssey Channel. When you're done here, come visit our Episode Guide-The Outlaw Years for some real excitement!
BUFFALO BILL'S WILD WEST SHOW: This one holds a special place in our hearts as it is the first episode we have seen of Lonesome Dove on TV since May when it last aired on TNT. The best part of this one is watching the parallels between our favorite couple Newt and Hannah, and Buffalo Bill and his wife. In this episode, Newt and Hannah travel to the big city to see Buffalo Bill's show, and end up saving the day (big surprise).
BEST REASON TO WATCH: Newt in a white shirt
MOST INTERESTING HAIRDO: Definitely Buffalo Bill!
O WESTERN WIND: Newt Call finds his way to Curtis Wells and meets Buffalo Bill along the way. All of the major characters are introduced in this episode, which is one of a three part season premiere. Enjoy Hannah, Austin, Josiah, Mosby, Ida, etc.
Newt makes his famous biscuits, catches Hannah's eye, saves Ida...we could go on and on - it's action packed!
BEST REASON TO WATCH: Toss-up between Newt in a woman's bathrobe and Newt reading Walt Whitman
BEST NOSTALIGIC MOMENT: Recognizing Paul Le Mat (Josiah Peale) from his role in American Graffiti.
DOWN COME RAIN: Part 2 of season premiere. Newt and Hannah become an "official" couple. Mosby thinks he has a chance at breaking them up. Ida says goodbye to her husband for good. Mosby says things like -"that's a fine watch, how did it come to be in your sweaty possession?"
BEST REASON TO WATCH: Clay Mosby and Robert Shelby
WHEN WILT THOU BLOW: Newt and Hannah finally get Josiah's blessing. Newt spends a very important $1.00 to help Ida stay in town. Mosby gets a private viewing of Hannah in her wedding dress, and makes a few last ditch efforts to win her over.
BEST REASON TO WATCH: A tie: (1)Mosby taking a break from his bank robbery to stare forlornly out the window at the happy couple and (2) Newt's speech to Josiah asking for permission to marry Hannah
WILD HORSES: A little boy seees his parents killed. Hannah gets a chance to act maternal. Newt and little boy bond over Newt's famous biscuits. Nice twists and turns to the plot on this one.
BEST REASON TO WATCH: Mosby at his evil best.
JUDGMENT DAY: Hanging judge comes to town. Robert ends up in "jail". Newt and Austin witness a murder of their friend Little Bear. Mosby looks particularly dandified in his black outfit. He spends alot of time stealing looks at Hannah.
BEST REASON TO WATCH: Sweet moments between Mosby&Robert, and Newt&Hannah.
DUTY BOUND: Hannah and Newt have a big fight over finishing the house. Newt faces an ethical dilemma while out scouting for the army, while those who stay behind fight what they believe is a cholera epidemic. Mosby and Hannah work side by side under quarantine. Mosby shows his "human" side in this one.
BEST REASON TO WATCH: Mosby charming the socks off of the very elderly, very ill Clementine (and we think Hannah was probably pretty impressed too)
LONG SHOT: Bad whiskey kills some folks, and Newt investigates. Ida befriends a young woman on the run. We get our first look at Sweetwater, and several glimpses into the gritty show that Lonesome Dove will become in season two. Best examples - Mosby making a speech from the front porch of his Pig's Eye Saloon, and breaking the whiskey bottle in anger at Austin; Call and Mosby go toe to toe about whether he is knowingly selling poor quality liquor.
BEST REASON TO WATCH: Well.....nothing in particular stands out on this one that we can tell. If anybody has ideas, e-mail us and we'll post them.
LAST STAND: We'll call this Sweetwater: The Sequel. Austin plagarizes and gets fired from his job, and heads for Sweetwater. Hannah goes to the rescue, gets involved in a chick fight, and utters her now famous words "I'll put daylight in your liver". Buffalo Bill and his one of a kind hairdo return as he and Newt get betrayed by the Army (when will Newt learn he can't trust the army? They already messed with him once in a previous episode). Newt and Hannah argue over finishing the house (again!)
BEST REASON TO WATCH: Looking at Sweetwater is like getting to be the Ghost of Christmas Future. The only difference is...we can see what Curtis Wells will become, but we just can't stop it .
BALLAD OF A GUNFIGHTER: Our show dabbles in "stunt casting" when singer Michael Martin Murphy guest stars as a - guess what - singing guy -- not quite a good guy, not quite a bad guy. So...Newt and MMM try to pass themselves off as musicians. Meanwhile, Newt is intimated by the prospect of dancing, which allows Mosby to move in for a few extra brownie points. This has a pretty interesting plot, and you really wonder how Newt is going to get himself out of the situation that he is in with the Irish gang. Meanwhile back in Curtis Wells, Austin tries out a career as a gunfighter (LOL!) and Mosby appears to be the only one who can help him experience any kind of personal growth.
BEST REASON TO WATCH: Newt and Hannah - the beginning when she's getting ready for the dance, and the final scene with them together. It's just so sad....knowing how things are going to turn out for them....
WHERE THE HEART IS: Newt and Hannah have their worst fight yet over the finishing of the house. Newt goes on a cattle drive, and things turn ugly. Mosby's buddy Olivia Jessup comes to town, and they have big plans for the Pig's Eye.
BEST REASON TO WATCH: Hannah (Christianne Hirt) does some fine acting!
FIREBRAND: Newt and Hannah have problem buying a horse. Mosby decides that Hannah will see he's a better man than Newt if he wins a horse race (yes, it's time for Mosby to get a grip on reality here....). Meanwhile, Curtis Wells becomes a place of acceptance for an interracial couple.
BEST REASON TO WATCH: This episode gets an A+ for its attempt to tackle a sticky social issue, and one that happens to be near and dear to the heart of the webmistress.
HIGH LONESOME: Once again, our heroes visit Sweetwater - this time it's Newt and Austin (we never realized how many trips to Sweetwater took place!). Austin learns a lesson about accepting a ride from strangers. Newt meets the "Curtis" in Curtis Wells and ends up forced to play "name that animal sound" before he can go back home.
BEST REASON TO WATCH: Newt sports that five o'clock shadow ala Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson) in his Miami Vice heyday. Let's just say it's a very good look for him!
LAW AND ORDER: Curtis Wells gets a sheriff (who you can now see on the Gorton's Fish commercials...) Josiah and Olivia just can't quite seem to make things work..Meanwhile Hannah and Newt are the target of a land grab - gee we wonder who could be behind that?
BEST REASON TO WATCH: Mosby flirting with Mrs. Hackett (he sure has a way with those older women)
THE ROAD HOME: The "psychological" episode. Newt gets to practice his interpersonal skills with an interesting mix of folks when he hitches a ride on the stagecoach. This episode reminds us of that Hitchcock movie "Lifeboat" - it would take too long to explain why - but next time it's on cable, check it out.
BEST REASON TO WATCH: Definitely an episode for those of us who like to observe human behavior. Newt is back with the Sonny Crockett look, plus he has a pretty good hair day - guess that's because his hat is nowhere to be found!
BLOOD MONEY: Newt and Hannah try their hand at social work/parole when Hannah's ex-con boyfriend comes to town. Meanwhile, the substitute sheriff is not to be trusted, and Newt sports the layered look for the first half of the show (two coats, vest and bandana - perhaps he could model for L.L. Bean). Also, Newt says a couple of interesting things to remember when season two rolls around - (1) that he doesn't have a taste for killing and never will and (2) taking a bounty isn't right. Goodness....
BEST REASON TO WATCH: Hmmmm....not a bad episode, but no single thing clearly stands out. If anyone has suggestions, e-mail us and we'll post them.
BUFFALO BILL'S WILD WEST SHOW: Reviewed at the top of this page.
TRAVELER: An independent, mysterious woman arrives in Curtis Wells. We get our first glimpse of Luther (Bret Hart), and Hannah gets carried away in Mrs. Hackett's store. Mosby stops openly pining for Hannah, at least for an episode.
BEST REASON TO WATCH: We've said it before, and we'll say it again -- Mosby is one world class flirt. Watch him pour on the famous charm.
REBELLION: Newt ends up in Sweetwater again, playing therapist again with a father and his estranged child.
BEST REASON TO WATCH: 
Well--astute reader Brenda M. gave us this tip - she says that the best reason to watch this episode is Robert and Clay. We get to see Clay (Mosby) play amateur surgeon. Thanks Brenda!
THE LIST: One of the last three, and most definitely best three episodes of season 1. We get a little more backstory on Mosby, and events begin to unfold that will lead to some very interesting developments before the season ends for good.
THE OSCAR GOES TO.....Eric McCormack as Clay Mosby. This is by far his best performance in either season. What a wonderful talent he has! (If you're not watching him on Will and Grace, you're missing out!)
TIES THAT BIND: Newt is presumed dead. Woodrow Call re-appears in the form of Lee Majors, and father-son bonding is well....difficult. In the meantime, Hannah gets lots of help and comfort from Mosby --- a little too much comfort.
BEST REASON TO WATCH: The Sikes Family loves Woodrow Call, no matter who is playing the role!!
SNOWBOUND: The series drops its beginning and end narration - a sign that something is dreadfully wrong here. Before this episode is over you'll need a few hankies. Newt finally gets fed up with Mosby, and Hannah fights to keep her feelings in check.
BEST REASON TO WATCH: This is your last view of Curtis Wells as you now know it. Wonderful performances by all!
© 1999 s_sikes@yahoo.com
Return to The Sikes Family Lonesome Dove Page and sign the guestbook.
This page last updated 11/12/99.
This page hosted by 
Get your own Free Home Page