"Ransom Canyon" is sappy throwback romance series

Chemistry between Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly makes Ransom Canyon worth watching

Screenwriter April Blar brings her talents to Netflix to adapt Jodi Thomas's book series Ransom Canyon. The ten-episode series is based on the first book. Blair writes three episodes of the show, while other writers include Joe Fazzio, Paul Haapaniemi, Laura Nava, and Luca Rojas. Amanda Marsalis directs the first two episodes, while other directors include David McWhirter, Meera Menon, and Michael Offer.

Set in the Lone Star State, amidst the mesas of the Texas Hill Country, "Ransom Canyon" focuses on three ranching family dynasties locked in a struggle to control the land. Their lives and legacies are threatened by outside forces intent on destroying their way of life. Stoic rancher Staten Kirkland (played by Josh Duhamel) is at the center of this conflict, healing from a heartbreaking loss and seeking vengeance.

Staten's primary foe is his brother-in-law, the greedy Davis Collins (Eoin Macken), while his mentor is Cap Fuller (James Brolin). He also has a support system in the eyes and heart of failed singer Quinn O'Grady (Minka Kelly), a longtime family friend and owner of the local dancehall. As the battle to save Ransom wages on, Yancy Grey (Jack Schumacher), a mysterious cowboy, drifts into town, dredging up secrets from the past in his connection to Cap and catches the eye of Quinn's business partner Ellie (Marianly Tejada).

I initially noticed the poster for Ransom Canyon and, not being familiar with the books, expected it to be similar to Yellowstone. However, within the first twenty minutes of the show, my expectations changed completely. It turned out to be a romantic series, led by Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly.

The classic trope of will they or won't they involve Staten and Quinn is the show's crux, with Duhamel and Kelly eschewing solid chemistry. The writers don't necessarily tap into a lust-filled angle but focus on their longtime friendship. They both want to go deeper but don't dare to jump. There's a side story involving Davis, who is also competing for her affections.

I was also invested in the storyline for the characters of Cap, Ellie, and Yancy Grey, with all of the actors who portray their characters delivering solid performances/ The one storyline I wasn't that fond of involves the teen characters as it just seems forced and took me out of the moment with the stronger storylines,

Nevertheless, the strength of our leads should ensure the show finds an audience, and hopefully, we get a second season.

Final Grade: B

Ransom Canyon begins streaming on Netflix today.