The Netflix Western drama series “Ransom Canyon” is brought to life by a cast that includes the seasoned star Josh Duhamel (Staten Kirkland) and the promising newcomer Minka Kelly (Quinn O’Grady). Their performances are the show’s heart, with Duhamel’s portrayal of a grieving husband and Kelly’s depiction of a struggling restaurateur particularly captivating. Despite the show’s predictability, their performances carry the series from start to finish, making it a pure delight to watch and keeping the audience captivated and invested.
Netflix
It’s based on a series of novels by Jodi Thomas, and the show’s first season is primarily inspired by the first book in the series, also titled “Ransom Canyon.” The setting is a fictional town of the same name located in the Texas Hill Country. Quinn has fallen for a guy who wants to buy Staten’s ranch, which is similar to “Yellowstone,” in everyone wanting the land. The message is the same: the land is coveted and desired by all, especially large corporations looking to expand their operations. Here, there are three ranching family dynasties all locked in a contest for control of the land; their lives and heritages are endangered by outside forces intent on destroying the ranching way of life.
The side stories in “Ransom Canyon” offer fascinating insights into the life of a rancher, showcasing the hard work and dedication required in this profession. The sacrifices made to protect livestock highlight the deep loyalty to both the land and the traditional values of the West. When a cowboy drifter arrives in town, he brings with him a troubled past that resurfaces, unveiling the demons he tries to escape. Meanwhile, Quin finds herself being courted by a wealthy city man who does not adhere to the rules. His dishonesty and hidden intentions create compelling drama in the narrative. Ultimately, the complexities of life in “Ransom Canyon” reveal that not everything is black and white.
I found Duhamel to be an interesting actor, as he portrays brooding characters well. We don’t actually see him smile until the third episode. Although Kelly is shown in romantic scenes or engaging in girl-talk conversations, she still captures your attention and fully embraces her role. As the series progresses, it becomes somewhat predictable, but when the moment finally arrives, we are ready for some chemistry and action. You will not be disappointed.
On a side note, I researched Minka Kelly after I saw her in a scene in “Ransom Canyon” with real-life boyfriend Dan Reynolds of the music group “Imagine Dragons,” which I’ve had the pleasure of seeing twice in concert. Kelly grew up under harsh circumstances as her father left the family and her mother was on the run from the law when she was only 17 years old. Kelly has written a excellent book, “Tell Me Everything: A Memoir,” (2023) which I’m reading now. Her first significant role was in “Friday Night Lights” (2006–2009).
Series Credits
Creator/ Showrunner / Executive Producer: April Blair
Director(s): Amanda Marsalis, David McWhirter, Meera Menon, Michael Offer
Writer(s): April Blair, Joe Fazzio, Paul Haapaniemi, Laura Nava, Lucas Rojas, Paul Haapaniemi
Series Regulars: Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Andrew Liner, Marianly Tejada, Garrett Warning, Jack Schumacher
Guest Stars: Philip Winchester, Meta Golding
Recurring: Kate Burton, Casey W. Johnson, Jennifer Ens, Brett Cullen, Jaren Robledo, Niko Guardado, Justin Johnson Cortez, Tatanka Means, Kenneth Miller
Sarah Knight Adamson © May 6, 2025