Over the years I’ve been criticized for
some of the reviews I have done, more often than not often from those in the Christian
Community. For the life of me, I never
expected to receive some of the criticism I did, (due to language) for this
incredible series shown on the network Paramount+. This series is a prequel written by one of
the top new writers in entertainment now, Taylor Sheridan. Sheridian who
created, writes, and appears in the ever-popular Emmy winner Yellowstone
decided to do a prequel for the contemporary version of Yellowstone. 1883 is
the prequel that brings the ancestors of the Dutton’s to Montana. Season 1 of
1883 just completed and features a cast including Sam Elliott as trail boss Shea
Brennon, Tim MGraw as James Dutton, Faith Hill as James wife Margaret, and Isabel
May as their daughter Elsa Dutton among others. We also have appearances from
the likes of Billy Bob Thornton.
The group comes together as Shea and his
partner Thomas, played by LaMonica Garrett prepare to assist a group of
European Immigrants from Ft. Worth Texas to Oregon, we are introduced to Dutton
and his family who decide to ride along to provide some assistance. We see
early on that Dutton or his family is not there to work for anyone. His sole purpose
is to get to a place to settle with his family, wherever that may be. The Europeans
to be helped are blind as to everything that is about to happen and the difficulties
of what it means to be a pioneer moving west, facing bandits, Indians, and
mother nature herself. On a journey with no forgiveness, they are about to
learn the tragedies that will occur, not might occur, but will. From not being
able to swim, (the third leading cause of death from those traveling west) to
having little or no medical assistance and little knowledge on how to fight not
only the elements but the Indians and bandits along the way.
This 10-episode series ends up being one
of the best, and in my opinion the best season of television ever. If the show
continues, it has the potential to be the best series ever. I must admit, I was
not personally expecting the fine job of acting presented on the series.
Elliott is a genius as much as ever, but we also see a tremendous supporting
cast, especially including to my surprise, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and Isabel
May and LaMonica Garrett. Not since Lonesome Dove has the viewer cared so much
for the characters played on screen. We are largely drawn into the story by the
narration of the events happening on screen by the oldest child of the Dutton’s,
Elsa Dutton. We see her grow up on screen from a daughter who is innocent to a
woman, who in her own mind, becomes a cowboy. In the minds of others portrayed,
they also notice and observe that change in her life, but 1883 is about so much
more.
This series is real in so many ways, and
me saying that is one of the things that got me into some trouble with some “Christians”
as it uses real language and real-life situations, it is violent, graphic in
parts and does not water down one iota what was for many, the journey west. From
two rough and tough men, Dutton played by McGraw, and Shea played by Elliott,
we realize eventually that both men served as Captain’s during the Civil War,
one for the North and one for the South. Through their experiences both men
have seen and experienced things that while causing them to be callused in some
ways, also has them experiencing a sympathy that only they could understand.
Whether that be the loss of loved ones or having to send people into battle
where you know that unless they are toughened up they are certain to experience
death. Death is a part of life, but it is a part of life that is never easy,
especially for those who in some ways may be responsible for those who face death.
There are so many reasons to love this show,
from the well written script to the beautiful scenery but most importantly is the
story and the shows insistence to be as authentic to the times as possible. We
see the times where war and conflict is unavoidable, we see the value and pain
of love, we see a group of people who sought, and made sacrifice to a more
meaningful life. We also see that there are consequences for poor decisions,
and that sometimes bad things happen even when one makes good decisions.
In the end we all will contemplate death.
The last episode of the series is titled, This is Not Your Heaven. As the series
goes on we are left to ponder life beyond this earth. We think about what is Heaven
and how to we get there? In the thought
of Heaven, we are also made aware of the connections we had on this earth. Were
those relationships are of value, how do we honor those who go, how are we
impacted by those who leave us? Eventually, we all will face death, where will
we go with that? Will the things we’ve done on earth matter? All questions that
others have thought at some point in life. Ultimately, I considered and thought
of my own beliefs of Heaven, I thought of loved ones in my life now and those
that have gone on before me. Did I or do I make a difference in their life? Was there anything I could have, or should
have done to help point them to the answers I believe exists regarding
Heaven? I’ll be honest, thinking of
these themes, of the ones I loved the series 1883 did something pretty rare. It
had me shedding a lot of tears in the end, but along the way, experience
happiness, excitement, wonder, and questioning life along the way as I cared
about the characters on screen and those in my life it caused me to think about
and ponder. I appreciated a world where there was an amount of prejudice we see
possibility and improvement, Thomas for example the friend of Shea, the trail
boss, is an Afro American who also wears a Union uniform throughout most of the
show. Yet because of his role, the life he led and leads, there is little issues
in this part of the story. When it comes to helping keep you alive, and providing
an act of service, the viewer can see the very things that causes one to change
their attitudes and the gratitude that can be shown.
For me, 1883 was as close to a perfect
season as I’ve ever seen. Hopefully the series continues. We can still see
vital characters and how their lives progress and change. Just as in our life,
choices must be made, life in and of itself, dictates changes, some we won’t
mind, others we will hate, some that will give joy, others that will break
hearts. 1883 is about living, dying, and facing the world in front of us. Maybe
the world we face now is one of the reasons the series resonated so much for me
and others.
On a scale of 1 – 10, here is hoping to
more in the future. I give a very generous
and, in my mind, deserving of a 10.
To see the trailer of 1883 click the following link:
1883 | Official Trailer | Paramount+ - YouTube
------------------------------------------------------
For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses.
If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit.
If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.
Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org
Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com
If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal.
You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches
Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches
Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.
I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.
Blessings and thank you,
Mike Furches
To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches
Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter
Mike Furches on Faceboook.
Click to subscribe to my blog
You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:
The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg
https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers
The Movie Guys
Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
No comments:
Post a Comment