Review: Joe Pickett

The series follows the life of Joe Pickett, a Wyoming-based game warden, and his family in the small town of Saddlestring and the surrounding wilderness of Yellowstone National Park.

 

What did you like best about the series? 

There was a lot to like about this series. The characters were relatable and by-and-large well written; the location was stunning, but not overwhelming – sometimes the photography can subdue the characters and plot when the setting is this beautiful; while another “police” procedural it had enough new elements to hold my interest.

What did you like least about the series? 

I felt the female characters were a little underdeveloped and secondary. MaryBeth Pickett was a lawyer that gave up practising law so Joe could become a game warden (!), her mother picks by men for life partners, the female deputy is enthralled by the hunky outcast character, you get the picture.

Who was your favourite character in the series? 

Both Joe and MaryBeth were highly relatable, in a Robert Wagner and Stephanie Powers Hart to Hart kind of way.

Who was your least favourite character in the series? 

Without a doubt Vern, the retired game warden that recommended Joe for the job. In my opinion either the writer or the actor couldn’t decide whether he was the comedy relief or not.

What part of the story told by the series was the most powerful?

There was a B plot relating to spousal abuse that was pivotal to how some of the characters related to each other and the main plot. It was well handled with enough viewer discomfort to generate empathy without alienating us through overkill – it’s meant to be entertainment after all.

The corruption element of the plot was a bit jaded but that may be more to do with my disgust at current real life stories of corruption in every sphere of life.

If you had a chance to ask a character in this series a question, what would it be?

I’d ask the sheriff why he ever employed Deputy McLanahan. What a duffus.

If you had a chance to ask the screenwriter a question, what would it be?

Why were the Scarletts always eating when Vern arrived?

What feelings did you share with any of the characters in the series?

Joe’s frustration at being criticised for sticking to the rule of law while doing his job and not getting involved in the nod-and-a-wink culture that obviously pervaded the town.

How credible were the main characters?

Even though some of the support characters were straight from every other novel, series or movie set in this type of location the main characters were well drawn and credible.

How does actor choice contribute to the series?

The actor portraying Joe Pickett (Michael Dorman) took getting used to (bumbling like McCloud without the charm and presence Dennis Weaver brought to that role) but once I did he was the only logical choice I could see. 

MaryBeth (Julianna Guill) reminded me so much of Elizabeth Olsen that it took a while to get past that, but despite being under used as a character she was probably the most accomplished in inhabiting the character.

What were you thinking as you finished watching the series?

The sad fact that greed corrupts and is a destroyer of lives. Also that I’m looking forward to season 2!

Would you recommend this series to a friend? 

I would recommend this series and rate it a healthy 4 Stars.