Kevin Costner’s The West, on History

Remember those commercials for the Time Life Old West books that hyped John Wesley Hardin shooting a man for snoring? So far, he has not appeared in this series. It is far more concerned with Manifest Destiny and the clash of cultures and civilizations than fun cowboy stuff. It is hosted by Kevin Costner, but he was obviously in a Dances with Wolves state of mind when he recorded his segments for the 8-part Kevin Costner’s The West, which premieres Monday on History Channel.

The intro to every episode starts with practically a land acknowledgement that the settlers were coming, but there were already people on the land they wanted. That is why the fourth episode (out of six provided for review), “Comancheria,” is rather refreshing, because it chronicles the rise of the Comanche Empire. They were not so peaceful either, considering they violently expelled the Navajo from their territory. From another perspective, it is also oddly satisfying to hear the Comanche recognized for their successful empire building.

Obviously, the events of Costner’s West occurred during the 19^th Century, a time when all great nations ruthlessly pursued their own interests. Just look at the wars that erupted throughout Europe. Of course, those worked to America’s advantage, because the need for quick funds prompted Napoleon Bonaparte’s sale of the Louisiana Territory to Pres. Jefferson.

Indeed, the series and its battery of commentators, including usual History Channel advisor and executive producer Doris Kearns Goodwin, do a nice job explaining the scale and the forbidding wildness of the frontier. The second episode, “Colter’s Run” conveys the boldness of the Lewis and Clark expedition, which was long feared lost. While the opening “Fallen Timbers” largely presents a narrative of American encroachment, it is refreshing to hear George Washington get credit for his tolerance and restraint with respect to the indigenous tribes. However, their alliances with the British ultimately forced him into a more “hawkish” posture.

The third offering, “Oregon Trails,” is probably harsher on missionaries than Book of Mormon. In contrast, episode five, a thorough exploration of Joaquin Murrieta’s romantic and ultimately macabre folk legend, makes “The Robin Hood of El Dorado” considerably more engaging.

Yet, “Bleeding Kansas” easily represents the second best episode, following “Comancheria.” Intriguingly, it offers a somewhat revisionist take on John Brown, who is often portrayed as a fanatic in history books, despite, ironically, being “on the right side of history.” They help explain why he did what he did and how he became a rallying beacon for abolitionists. The assembled experts also make a solid case Franklin Pierce and Stephen Douglas (author of the Kansas-Nebraska Act) might be the two most destructive politicians in American history (both Democrats).

This might be one of the few series that it is better to jump into late, with episodes four through six. It wraps up with the Johnson County War, so hopefully they do it justice too. Regardless, the limited series is always best when it examines the complexity of American history rather than trying to simplify it according to modern opinions and norms. The various talking heads do a little of both over the course of the first six episodes. Of course, Costner always looks and sounds at home on the [Open] Range. Earning a mixed recommendation, mostly for the later episodes, Kevin Costner’s The West starts airing this Monday (5/26) on History.