Following the massive successes of its cozy comfort series “Virgin River” and “Sweet Magnolias,” Netflix is doubling down on the genre — and giving it some Western flair — with its latest romantic drama, “Ransom Canyon.” Adapted from Jodi Thomas’ beloved book series and created by April Blair, the show is set in the fictional town of Ransom Canyon, Texas. It follows three ranching family dynasties and a community at a major crossroads. Beautifully shot and boasting a stunning cast, “Ransom Canyon” is a sexy, predictable, breezy viewing experience that delivers on its promises.
“Ransom Canyon” opens with a man on a horse. Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel) looks over the vast lands of his property before turning back toward town. Stoic and brash, the audience learns Staten is still reeling from immense loss. He works on his ranch and mostly keeps to himself, but the sole bright spot of his life is Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly), who left her life as a renowned pianist in New York City to return home to Ransom to help a friend. Though Quinn is now focused on running Gracie’s, Ransom’s dancehall and bar, with her best friend, Ellie (Marianly Tejada), her long-held feelings for Staten continue to haunt her.
As it goes in romantic dramas, Quinn has her eyes on Staten, but Davis Collins (Eoin Macken), who also happens to be Staten’s former brother-in-law, has been in love with Quinn for years. The tension between the trio escalates further when Staten and Davis find themselves on opposite sides of a proposition that would run a pipeline through Ransom Canyon and force the men to sell their respective ranches. The stakes increase after Yancy Grey (Jack Schumacher) drifts into town. Yancy finds work as a foreman on Cap Fuller’s (James Brolin) ranch, but his presence begins stirring up long-buried secrets and places Cap right in the middle of Staten and Davis’ brewing war.
Of course, the adults aren’t the only ones with considerable drama in Ransom Canyon. Cheerleader Lauren Brigman (Lizzy Greene) tries to escape the small town and the clutches of her overbearing father, Sheriff Dan Brigman (Philip Winchester). Meanwhile, her boyfriend, Reid Collins (Andrew Liner), the high-school quarterback, struggles to live up to his parents’ extremely high expectations, especially after his pristine image is threatened.
The amusing thing about “Ransom Canyon,” even more so than the Northern California-based “Virgin River,” is that every narrative and storyline is easily foreseen three and a half miles off. From the moment the show begins, viewers can predict (with enormous accuracy) how the season will end. Throughout the 10-episode first season, there are two moments of genuine shock and awe, but this didn’t make watching Quinn, Staten and the Ransom community any less enjoyable. There are several love triangles, a rodeo (bull-riding included, of course), some deaths, a mystery, lots of steamy, sweaty sex, arrests and several unsavory business deals.
The one true wild card in the entire show is Davis’ ex-wife Paula Jo (Meta Golding), who comes tornadoing into town in a silver Porsche, donning the highest-of-heeled Louboutins on her feet. While she initially seems vindictive and villainous, the audience learns everything isn’t as it appears. Paula Jo’s is one of the few storylines that remains fragmented by the end of Season 1, which leaves room for twists and turns if the show is greenlit for a second season.
When it comes down to it, “Ransom Canyon” doesn’t offer anything viewers haven’t seen or experienced on television (or between the pages of a romance novel). However, this is what makes it such a delightful watch. From the illicit affairs to the bar fights, the picturesque landscapes, and the dazzling cast, fans who adore the ruggedness of “Yellowstone” and the romantic charm of “Virgin River” will surely come rushing in to binge the series. After all, with everything happening in the world, passion, connection and true escapism are just what the doctor ordered.
“Ransom Canyon” is now streaming on Netflix.
