S03.E09: Counting Coup

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Walt is concerned by Branch's behavior. Henry has to deal with a setback during his trial.

 

[dubbel zout]

Henry has to deal with a setback during his trial.

 

Cady representing him?

 

I hope Cady got smart and has gotten a co-counsel who has actual criminal trial experience. Even if it is that law school friend who seems to have ulterior motives every time we see him.

[SimoneS]

That was one  totally entertaining wack out episode. I knew that Walt was not going to die, but I did think that he would be seriously injured. The knife came out of nowhere. Now that Ridges is dead, I really hope that was the end of Branch’s crazy episode and he starts grooming again because he looks dirty as hell.

 

Damn Henry is hardcore nearly burning down the Red Pony. I am really surprised that Malachi is not behind all of this. This leaves Nighthorse or someone who is pretending to be Walt's friend. Ruby? Ha!  I still think that Katie’s lawyer friend has got to be somehow involved . I don’t understand why Henry is being tried in Wyoming when Beck was killed in Denver. I hope the preview is not teasing us and that this story is wrapped up next week so the show can move on if we get a season four.

 

Walt having to serve Vic with the divorce papers was harsh, but he finally opened up a bit about how he feels and Vic did not think twice about signing the papers.

 

Yeah for Ferg standing up for himself. Of course, then he blew it by letting Barlow blackmail him into freeing Branch. Proving that Walt was right that he was not ready for the big desk. 

Edited July 29, 2014 by SimoneS

[JackONeill]

Damn. They managed to make up for the rest of the season right here. I wonder if they crammed some stuff into this episode because they're running out of shows. (Do we know if they planned a 10 episode season vs a 12-13?)

Ferg certainly cleared the air. Walt perhaps overreacted (but given what he's been through, maybe not.). Did like Walt clearing off the desk.

I wonder why Walt didn't at some point tell Branch he believed him re: Ridges?

Ok, so Vic and her husband are getting a divorce, and Walt wants her to stay. We all saw that coming, and most of us are upset about it.

Ruby actually had a few lines.

More tomorrow once it's all processed.

[10thmuse]

Ok, so Vic and her husband are getting a divorce, and Walt wants her to stay. We all saw that coming, and most of us are upset about it.

 

 

Not me, I am one of the Walt/Vic shippers and I CANNOT WAIT for that relationship to go further.  It's never gonna be cheesy or corny. That's not who Walt & Vic are.  And I truly think they are good together.

[SimoneS]

I cannot sleep thinking about who could be behind Martha Longmire' murder so I have come up with a list of suspects :

 

Nighthorse

Barlow

Matthias?

Omar?

Lucien (I don't really believe this, but it is possible)

 

Other than Nighthorse who is probably a red herring, I just can't think who, but it has got to be someone we encountered along the way.

Edited July 29, 2014 by SimoneS

[Dowel Jones]

It will definitively be a long time before there will be a beautiful day at the Red Pony again.  It seems most of the characters are about a half step away from a complete mental breakdown.  

So sorry, Ferg.  You were so close.  It would have been an absolute high point if he had let Branch out, then bagged Big Daddy on a charge of extortion.  Let BD explain that to Longmire when he returned. 

I have to say, Longmire is not the smartest combat tactician around, or maybe it's just his Wyoming blood.  A mounted warrior will always have an advantage over a foot soldier.  So what do you do?  You don't run away, that's pointless.  It may sound nasty, but I would shoot the horse first, to even the odds, and it's a much bigger target.  .  Longmire looked terrified during the entire sequence.

[JackONeill]

The chase at the end bothered me. He drives off in Walt's truck. Walt runs after him, like Walt thinks he can catch him. Then, all of a sudden, Ridges appears from over a hill on a horse, and Ridges is painted white. How did all that happen in ten seconds? I can maybe accept that Ridges knew Walt was coming, but how did he know where to "park" the horse?

And I agree Walt looked scared. Then again, I would have been too. Walt on a couple of occasions paused and set himself to shoot. And he hit Ridges one time, not easy with a sidearm and your target's on horseback. The knife seemed to come out of nowhere, though. And is that a knife you can open with one-hand?

I have no problem with Walt and Vic. (Though I do wish they'd solve his wife's murder first.) I like the Vic character, but I like the one from season 1. I think she's become a little more of an aggravation in the last several shows. I've always said that the show needs a character like her: a "city slicker" so to speak. I think it helps the writers explain things. Vic can go, "what?" And Walt or someone else can co, "well, here in Wyoming . . . ". I think it can be used for humor too.

[SimoneS]

Dowel Jones, I completely agree with you that Walt should have shot the horse, but that is probably too brutal for this show and it would have tarnished his image as the ideal modern cowboy.

 

I re-watched the episode and could not tell who drove off with Walt's truck and left him there for Ridges to kill him. But from my re-watch of season one, I know that Nighthorse has a headdress like the one Ridges was wearing. 

 

I was really disappointed in Ferg. An officer of the law should never be so easily threatened. He should have arrested Barlow and thrown him right in jail with Branch, then called Lucien to tear them both a new one.

 

It will be interesting to see how the writers tackle Branch going back to work. Vic and Ferg were never fans of Branch. Now that he has attacked Vic and witnessed Ferg's humiliation, I don't see either of them being thrilled about having to work with him or trust him with their lives.  

Edited July 29, 2014 by SimoneS

[JackONeill]

Plus, where will Branch sit if he goes back to work? Ferg's old kiddie desk?

(I'm doing my best to keep thinking that there's going to be a season four, and we'll get answers to all these heady questions.)

[SimoneS]

My fingers are crossed that there is a fourth season, even it is a short one so the show can wrap things up. Alternatively, maybe Netflix or Amazon will pick up Longmire if A&E balks at a fourth season.

[dubbel zout]

The chase at the end bothered me. He drives off in Walt's truck. Walt runs after him, like Walt thinks he can catch him. Then, all of a sudden, Ridges appears from over a hill on a horse, and Ridges is painted white. How did all that happen in ten seconds?

 

Branch must have been in white warrior mode in the truck. We never saw him until he was on horseback, so that's really the only way it could have happened.

 

Walt stabbed him in the back, right? I was a little unclear about how that happened.

 

Vic and Ferg were never fans of Branch.

 

I know Ferg was always resentful of Branch because of his looks and money, but I thought it was dating Cady that really put the wedge between them.

 

Nice to see Cady getting help from someone who has actually been in a courtroom, even if I don't trust that guy at all. Poor Henry. He was screwed from the get-go.

 

I really hope Martha's murder is entirely resolved next week.

 

Ugh to Walt and Vic. That office is way too small for a romance between them. Also, there's enough resentment among the employees the way it is. Walt really wants to make things worse by getting involved with Vic?

Edited July 29, 2014 by dubbel zout

[Curious5]

Pushing the court date up is garbage IMHO.  I'm no lawyer but I'm pretty sure  the court can NOT push  the case up.  The defense has the right to a speedy trail but not the prosecution.

[Ohwell]

This has been a tough season for me to get through, and I'm actually looking forward to the finale so that they can finally tie all this shit up.  The only characters I care about at this point are Henry, Ferg and Ruth. 

 

Assuming there's another season, the minute Walt and Vic hook up is when I'll bow out. 

[Curious5]

Looked like he was stabbed in the chest.  Remember, Longmire rolled him over.  We replayed the ending but could not actually see if Walt pulled the knife out of a belt or what.  Didn't look like he was surprised at seeing the knife sticking out of Ridges.

 

I'm sure it was a setup between Nighthorse and Ridges.  He knew Walt was on his way after the call.  Nighthorse arranged the whole thing since they had enough time to have a woman sitting there as bait and Ridges painted as the Ghost.  Weak point is Ridges would have had to rely on Walt leaving the keys in his vehicle for him to take off so fast to get to the horse staked out behind the hill.

Walt can charge Nighthorse now with conspiracy of murder.  Obviously they will be able to trace that last call though it won't be needed as Nighthorse directed Walt out there.

[SimoneS]

The chase at the end bothered me. He drives off in Walt's truck. Walt runs after him, like Walt thinks he can catch him. Then, all of a sudden, Ridges appears from over a hill on a horse, and Ridges is painted white. How did all that happen in ten seconds? I can maybe accept that Ridges knew Walt was coming, but how did he know where to "park" the horse?

 

Unless it was a production error, there was someone else out there helping Ridges set up Walt. This second unknown person drove the truck over the hill to the right and then Ridges came charging over the hill on the left near the tree. 

 

My question is: Why did Ridges decide to participate in the scheme to kill Walt when Branch was his original target? 

 

I did roll my eyes when Branch ran out of gas on the road. He is such a train wreck. I hope that we get the chance to see him pull himself together although I don't think that he was meant to be a law enforcement officer, he should be a politician or a business man.

Edited July 29, 2014 by SimoneS

[dubbel zout]

I did roll my eyes when Branch ran out of gas on the road.

 

I loved that. I thought it worked because it was Travis Murphy's car, not Branch's. Travis seems the type not to fill up until absolutely necessary. Plus, Branch was going nearly 100 mph—that uses a lot of gas no matter how much is in the tank.

Edited July 29, 2014 by dubbel zout

[JackONeill]

I wonder how it would change things had Branch gotten there a few seconds behind Walt.  Then Branch could have killed Ridges as Walt was getting his ass kicked (by a horse).  That would have helped redeem Branch in a number of peoples' eyes.

 

First Cady, now Vic -- they both know what it's like to feel Branch's hands around their neck.  Interestingly (at least for these writers), we had a scene where Cady told Vic that.  Maybe that was deliberate on the writers' part.  To what end, I'm still pondering.

 

But, as far as "excusing" Branch -- didn't Walt concede many episodes ago that the feather found in Branch was certain to "mess him up"?  But, it seems like Walt's all down on Branch, and even said last night, "I should have given him more time off."  Well, if the Indian mojo is all that strong, I don't think taking an extra day to eat Fruit Loops is going to help.

 

Martha's murder:

 

It isn't Nighthorse.  (I thought it was cool when Walt arrested him).  It isn't Malachi.  It isn't Ridges.  It isn't the guy who was in Boston (or wherever).

 

That doesn't leave many people.  (I'm convinced it's someone we know.)  Lucien (unlikely).  But Branch's dad????????   Hmmmmmm??!??!!??

Edited July 29, 2014 by JackONeill

[jonnysokko]

For a man with many, many secrets, Nighthorse seemed to spill the beans awful quick once he was put in the cell. Surprised his lawyer wasn't already there though. Nevertheless, Nighthorse seems to still know more than he's letting on regarding Walt's wife's murder. Don't think he did it per se but he certainly knows who did IMHO.

[Curious5]

So we go back to the question...why kill  Martha?  Did Martha stumble across something in Denver about the reservation or Branch's Dad?  Why is there so much effort for a Casino?  Is it a cover up location or laundry money station in the future?  According to the previews we do know who did it.

 

Guess I'll go with Nighthorse or Barlow Connally.

[Ohwell]

I was thinking Branch's dad had her killed.  Maybe he and Martha had an affair and she threatened to expose him.  Up until now, she's been portrayed as the "sainted Martha who had cancer," but maybe she was human, like the rest of us.  I'm grasping at straws, but I'll just be so glad when this storyline is wrapped up.

 

Just saw Curious5's post, and Branch's dad killing Martha related to casino money laundering makes more sense.  

Edited July 29, 2014 by Ohwell

[fauntleroy]

Branch should have, but I knew he wouldn't, taken his dad's advice and get some sleep. And take a damn shower. Shower, sleep, nice steak for breakfast. Take a minute. Deep, cleansing breaths.

 

I wouldn't mind seeing Vic and Walt saving water by showering together in the season finale. If you're only going to bathe once a season, make it count.

 

Too bad you could see Branch getting out as soon as Walt left Ferg with "whatever you do, don't let him out"! Threats to family is such a tired...trope. ("Trope" itself is a tired word. How about cliche.)  They're all still pretty inept with the cellphones.

 

I'll be unhappy if the murderer is anybody we care about. Not a lot of possibilities left. Branch's dad is a good option.

 

I hope Henry can get his bar back and put Malachi back in jail, solve wife's murder, and show personal hygiene, in the remaining episode. Maybe everybody in a hot tub.

[dubbel zout]

I wonder how much longer Walt will go without a cellphone. It's not amusing or idiosyncratic anymore; it's completely stupid. If he'd had a cell, the news about the trailer wouldn't have been broadcast over the police band. (I know that was for plot purposes, but still.) Is there a mayor or someone who can force Walt to join the modern age?

[ElectricBoogaloo]

 

I thought it worked because it was Travis Murphy's car, not Branch's. Travis seems the type not to fill up until absolutely necessary. Plus, Branch was going nearly 100 mph—that uses a lot of gas no matter how much is in the tank.

The other reason it worked for me is that Billy Riggins isn't exactly rolling in dough. He's living at his mom's house and working at a convenience store (or gas station?) so even when he gets gas, he probably only puts in a few dollars to get where he's going for the next few days.

 

If he'd had a cell, the news about the trailer wouldn't have been broadcast over the police band.

And he would be able to call Vic or Ferg for help now that he's lying in the middle of nowhere without his car or police radio.

Edited July 29, 2014 by ElectricBoogaloo

[angelwoody]

My vote for Martha's killer goes to Branch's dad as well.

I found it weird they got Gerald McRaney for such a small, minor role but it makes a lot more sense if he's the killer. Also, he just happens to show up in the episode before the killer is unmasked, after a long absence.

With the things he was saying to Branch this episode about "whether you believe it or not, I've always looked out for you" (paraphrasing) I'm wondering if it was done to help or advance Branch's career somehow.

Edited July 29, 2014 by angelwoody

[SunnyBeBe]

Pushing the court date up is garbage IMHO.  I'm no lawyer but I'm pretty sure  the court can NOT push  the case up.  The defense has the right to a speedy trail but not the prosecution.

 

 

I am and that idea was crazy. Murder trials are scheduled many months in advance and the subpoenas for all witnesses would have already gone out. Plus it would unfairly prejudice the defense.  It's so bizarre.  Then there was the outrageous, repeat of Walt clearing the desk.  Please.. Not again.  So silly.  I felt like the actors were rolling their eyes too.  Then there's Branch who can't shoot someone two feet in front of him.  I got disgusted and changed the channel.  I'm not sure if I care enough to watch the rest. (I recorded.)  Why have they ruined my favorite show?  It's just not right.  lol  

Edited July 29, 2014 by SunnyBeBe

[ElectricBoogaloo]

I was annoyed with Branch too. He has no problem kidnapping a guy and force feeding him peyote (and making Billy Riggins an accomplice) but when the guy he's been looking for is standing right in front of him, he doesn't shoot? I actually thought he was going to shoot him at close range only to find that he was hallucinating again and shot some random guy.

[Curious5]

I'm surprised they have cell phone service.  I have AT&T and going through a small town in WI, was following a drunk driver.  Couldn't even get 911! 

 

Ever notice no one in these shows ever watch TV?

 

I thought about Walt's poor shooting and caught myself - the idea flashed through my brain that it was a ghost...just for a second.  He didn't want to shoot the horse, it lended tension to the scene and you can't shoot great after running like that.  Try it - your aim is off.

[SimoneS]

My issue is not that Walt does not have a cell phone, I actually understand that, but what I don't get is why he and the deputies do not carry satellite phones. I know someone who does a lot of work in rural counties in the northeast and midwest where there is no cell service so he and his colleagues all carry satellite phones in case of emergencies.

 

I am and that idea was crazy. Murder trials are scheduled many months in advance and the subpoenas for all witnesses would have already gone out. Plus it would unfairly prejudice the defense.  It's so bizarre.  

 

Henry's murder trial has been the weakest story of this season, imo. Walt has been in law enforcement for over 30 years. Henry is respect member of the Cheyenne Nation and a successful business man. It stretches credibility that not one experienced criminal defense attorney has offered to represent Henry. If the case is lost, the bar could be sold to pay the attorney's fees. If the case is won, payment would coming along with great publicity and enhanced reputation an no doubt free drinks in the Red Pony for life. The writers could have much done better here.

[anstar]

although I don't think that he was meant to be a law enforcement officer

I'm interested in seeing how he will continue to be a law enforcement officer after this.  Assault on a peace officer..aggravated robbery...motor vehicle theft...any other felonies I left out?   I know in the show they will probably find a way to "fix" it, but as a viewer, I can't really unsee what he's done.  Add that to the whole trial nonsense and I'm having a hard time forgiving the "license" the  writers are taking for the sake of the story.  If they wanted to have the whole thing take place locally, why say the murder happened in Denver? 

Edited July 30, 2014 by anstar

[Magic]

Although the action and pacing were better than earlier episodes this season, I agree, I am starting to loose interest in almost all the characters, at least in terms of rooting for them.

 

And even though Branch has broken a lot of laws lately, so has Walt during the entire run of this series.  Practically all the main characters are some kind of mix of evil/entitled/wacky. 

 

I will be gone if Walt and Vic hook up.  Not only the age and personality differences, but Vic is so righteous and sarcastic, it would never work no matter who were the other deputies in the office.

 

And once again, even though by rights it was Branch who should have taken down Ridges, no, it had to be Walt.  Tiresome.

 

Who was it in the reveal that was saying something like "If you can ever forgive me"?

 

 

 

[JackONeill]

I thought it was Henry who said "If you can forgive me."  Which makes no sense.

 

Like I said, I think it would have been interesting to have Branch get to the scene a few minutes after Walt and to be the one who killed Ridges and, at the same time, saving Walt.  I think that would have gone a long way to patch up things between Walt and Branch, and Branch and the world.

 

Let's not forget:  Branch was under the "spell" of Ridges.  Now, I think it's true (as said by his friend, what's-his-name) that Branch considers himself "entitled" and probably has a temper.  Then again, Walt has a temper.  How many times has he thrown stuff off desks, and that doesn't even count turning over desks.

 

Speaking of Walt and his view on desks:  That seems at odd with how "cool" he is at other times.  It strikes me as being incongruent.  And childish.  But then, though Ferg may have been right about his point, the way he voiced his feelings (and the timing) was also really off.  It's like everyone was acting like a third-grader.  And these people carry guns!?!

Edited July 30, 2014 by JackONeill

[Rosieroo]

I cannot sleep thinking about who could be behind Martha Longmire' murder so I have come up with a list of suspects :

 

Nighthorse

Barlow

Matthias?

Omar?

Lucien (I don't really believe this, but it is possible)

 

Other than Nighthorse who is probably a red herring, I just can't think who, but it has got to be someone we encountered along the way.

I am thinking it really might be Lucien.  I love the actor and the character so I'm so hoping its not him but he's given me a funny feeling all along.  The mentor being the suprise one to betray our hero is pretty standard. 

 

and Yaaay Ferg...I wish you had picked a better time but I was with you 100%.   I had to leave the room for something and heard Walt giving someone a rundown of what was going on....could not BELIEVE it was Ruby instead of Ferg when I came back in.  Don't get me wrong, Ruby deserves some 'splainin' too but Ferg JUST asked that  you utilize him more and stop having secret behind closed door meetings.....and  you sit Ruby down and explain everything to her.  I was out of the room...may have missed something. 

[chewycandy]

I looked at the imdb credits for "Ashes to Ashes." Barlow and Omar are there, but not Lucien.

[Irishmaple]

The MVPs of the episode for me were Ferg and Sean.  I was almost proud of Ferg when he finally stood up for himself, and Walt's reaction was vicious and out of proportion to the "offense".  Ferg is right.  He is the only officer in the department not caught up in solving the mystery of his dead wife, not dealing with the largely self-inflicted breakup of a marriage, not currently concussed or suffering through some major post-traumatic stress.  He's functional, and the entire department is disintegrating around him.  Go, Ferg.  Although the writers undermined his growth by having him cave in to Branch's dad. 

 

I also liked that Sean decided to salvage his dignity and get out of his marriage.  I'm convinced now that Sean loved Vic, but she was looking for some peace and a way out of a scary relationship.  He deserves better.  His final kiss-off was vindictive but the man deserved to get his shot in. 

 

Weren't Jacob Nighthorse and Branch's dad friends last season?  Why wouldn't Nighthorse warn Barlow that his son was a target?  I can't imagine he would want to make enemies of Barlow and Lucien by keeping silent while Branch is murdered by a man Nighthorse helped.  Barlow seems like a scorched earth kind of man.

[JackONeill]

Irishmaple-

 

I don't remember if Barlow and Nighthorse were friends.  I know they worked together (indirectly it seems) to get Branch elected.  But I seem to recall (perhaps incorrectly) that Barlow didn't much care for Nighthorse.

 

I also can't remember the details of Nighthorse's "confession" last night.  He said at a point (when Hector was murdered) that he knew Ridges was bad news.  It's at that point he should have called someone.  I mean, he admitted he knew Ridges was a "nut" to use a lawman's vernacular (Barney Fife).  Of course, how many days ago had that happened.  Hard to tell on this show.

[Ceindreadh]

(posting from the shallow end of the pool) Branch looked all kinds of hot in his civvies. 

 Is it wrong of me to half hope that he doesn't go back to being a deputy so that he can dress like that all the time?  ;-)

[dubbel zout]

I was watching a rerun of Criminal Minds before the show, and who the main guest star but Leonard Roberts, a.k.a. Forrest Gates. It was like a mini BtVS reunion.

[kayma]

I don't know what it says about me, but this Branch is working for me. I would be perfectly happy with full episodes being Branch running around slightly crazy trying to figure things out.

 

Vic just annoys me. She's everything I don't like in women on TV - harpy, whiny, indecisive, making decisions based on who she's crushing on instead of logic and competence.

 

I really don't care who killed Martha, and Henry's entire case is so implausible I can't manage to care about that either.

Edited July 31, 2014 by kayma

[Skycatcher]

I, too, am enjoying "loose canon" Branch.  I peeked at next week's episode description, and it said something about

Branch being suspended. Is that all?

  Plus, I'm so over the "Walt's wife/Henry's trial" thing. It looks like they wrap it up next week - maybe wishful thinking on my part?   I just want to get back to the old Henry/Walt vibe.  I don't care if either is in jeopardy, sure, make that part of the drama.  But bring back the funny, the camaraderie between the two.

[Ohwell]

I do hope they lighten things up a bit next season (if there is one).  I'd love to see a road trip with Walt, Henry--maybe throw in Ferg.  Maybe take a trip to Denver or go north to Calgary.  It would be fun to see Henry and Ferg try to loosen up Walt.  I'd also like to see more of Ruth's backstory.

[fauntleroy]

I really don't care who killed Martha, and Henry's entire case is so implausible I can't manage to care about that either.

Right, me neither. We never knew the character, and she was dying anyway. (Not to be cold, but since it is a TV show, and she was a character we never saw...). And, it has been so dragged out I don't even remember the ostensible justification for killing her. To f*ck Walt up somehow. But the heat landed instead on Henry. Speaking of which, whatever happened to Charles Dutton/Fales?

 

If Malachi isn't behind the murder, how has he been able to manipulate the proceedings? If he hasn't been, how can he behave with such confidence?

 

Anyway, get it over with and move on. I wouldn't go so far as to say wasted the season, but it hasn't been much fun. Walt used to be canny, figuring stuff out in a sly way. And Henry used to be unflappable like a Zen guy, and had a dry wit. Now he's just another generic angry guy screwed by the corrupt system.

[Skycatcher]

Knowing Monday night's show is the end of the season I'm feeling kinda robbed.  We've wasted a whole season on this dark murky stuff.  I think I kept watching hoping it'd all end soon, but it never did.  I'm sure there'll be another season, and hopefully TPTB read forums like this and will take note, lighten it up a bit.

[Ghost of TWOP Past]

I believe whoever drove away in Walt's SUV could be seen through the windows to have a short haircut. That means it wasn't David, leaving him free to come riding in on horseback. Don't ask me who it was, though. That whole sequence didn't make a lot of sense to me. Would David have any way of knowing Walt was coming? But if he didn't know Walt was coming, why was he hanging around dolled up as a 19th century brave on the warpath?

 

Ferg thoroughly pissed me off. Throwing a hissyfit is not the way to get anyone to respect you, and then he rolls over for Branchdaddy's threat. This guy deserves to be relegated to the grunt work.

Edited August 3, 2014 by Ghost of TWOP Past

[suomi]

I thought it was Branch (who drove away).

[Ohwell]

Ferg thoroughly pissed me off. Throwing a hissyfit is not the way to get anyone to respect you, and then he rolls over for Branchdaddy's threat. This guy deserves to be relegated to the grunt work.

Sadly, I have to agree.  I was truly disappointed in Ferg, especially considering what a great speech he gave to Walt--and then to cave in to Branch's daddy like that.  He showed why he belonged at the small desk.

[MaryPatShelby]

And, it has been so dragged out I don't even remember the ostensible justification for killing her. To f*ck Walt up somehow. But the heat landed instead on Henry. Speaking of which, whatever happened to Charles Dutton/Fales?

 

Not to mention, I don't remember the reason for the trial in a Denver murder taking place in Wyoming. I really have a bad feeling that this is all NOT going to come together in any logical way.

[DittyDotDot]

Man Branch, I feel for you. Don't you just hate it when your nemesis from the future, but not really from the future, stands right in front of you, but you can't just shoot him because the plot dictates that we chase him around for another half-hour? Don't you also hate it when you borrow a car, but drive too fast so the writer's have to have your car run out of gas so you can't get to the final scene and your moment gets stolen by the lead of the show? Gawd, it sucks to be you some days, don't it?

 

I also feel for you too Ferg. Don't you just hate it when you finally get the gumption up to stand up for yourself, but do it at the worst possible moment so you look like a five-year-old throwing a fit? And don't you just hate it even more when your co-worker gets locked up in jail and his daddy shows up to get him out, you cave because the writers really need your co-worker to get out of jail and have no better idea on how to accomplish that--like say, have his daddy just show up with a court order to release your co-worker--so you don't look like a complete asshat in the end? Gawd, it sucks to be you some days too.

 

Oh yeah, Walt...don't you just hate it when you leave your keys in your truck when you go to have a showdown with a known resourceful-and-bad guy? I also hate it when the someone steals my truck, drives off and lures me out into the open so I can have a showdown with the known resourceful-and-bad guy who just happens to have a massive advantage with not only a rifle but a horse, too. But it never sucks to be Walt Longmire, because no matter the odds, no matter the situation...you'll come out on top smelling like roses. The show is called Longmire, after all.

 

I think they really need to wrap this stuff up better, IMO.

 

 

I cannot sleep thinking about who could be behind Martha Longmire' murder so I have come up with a list of suspects :

 

Nighthorse

Barlow

Matthias?

Omar?

Lucien (I don't really believe this, but it is possible)

 

Other than Nighthorse who is probably a red herring, I just can't think who, but it has got to be someone we encountered along the way.

 

I've been saying all along that I think Martha's murder is no great conspiracy at all and probably closer to home. Maybe the person who got the ball rolling doesn't even know what ball he got rolling. I'm thinking they think they are being really clever and twisty, I guess we'll have to wait and see...oh wait, you guys already know. I'm going to go get caught up now.

 

The chase at the end bothered me. He drives off in Walt's truck. Walt runs after him, like Walt thinks he can catch him. Then, all of a sudden, Ridges appears from over a hill on a horse, and Ridges is painted white. How did all that happen in ten seconds? I can maybe accept that Ridges knew Walt was coming, but how did he know where to "park" the horse?

 

My take...Ridges called Nighthorse knowing that Nighthorse made some sort of deal to get out of jail and assuming Nighthorse was going to call Walt. So expecting Walt would show up, got himself painted and waited by his horse. Then when Walt does show up, he has someone figure a way to lure Walt out into the open. I'm not sure that stealing Walt's truck was the exact plan, but once Walt hit his mark, Ridges rides in to finish it. That's my guess anyway.

 

Speaking of Walt and his view on desks:  That seems at odd with how "cool" he is at other times.  It strikes me as being incongruent.  And childish.  But then, though Ferg may have been right about his point, the way he voiced his feelings (and the timing) was also really off.  It's like everyone was acting like a third-grader.  And these people carry guns!?!

 

Oh man, you have no idea how many times I say that. These people shouldn't be allowed wandering around unsupervised, let alone carrying firearms. Sheesh, am I ever glad not to live in that county. Well, that and the crime rate is off the charts, so I probably would be dead by now anyway.

 

If Malachi isn't behind the murder, how has he been able to manipulate the proceedings? If he hasn't been, how can he behave with such confidence?

 

I'm still wondering how Malachi ever ended up incarcerated in the first place.  If he was so damned powerful, why didn't he use his reach to keep himself out of prison. None of Henry's trial or this Malachi business makes a lick of sense to me.