‘Longmire’ season 3 finale review: Do we know who killed Walt’s wife?
We’ve waited for three seasons for “Longmire” to start to reveal who is responsible for killing Walt’s wife, and with that in mind, we had some very big expectations for the finale.
However, once we got near the end of the episode, that’s when some of our anxiety really started to settle in. Were we really going to get the answers that we wanted? The show was given ten extra minutes in order to properly try to answer that question.
When it comes to Henry’s case, we spent most of the 70 minutes basically convincing ourselves that the guy was going to go back to prison. As much as we enjoyed his little jaunt with Walt to prove the existence of a certain feather, it didn’t look like it was going to matter. Luckily, Walt’s daughter proved herself to be more than capable. The official moment he was free and the plan worked was beyond emotional. It gave us everything we hoped for to see him no longer have to be on the run.
Just in case that wasn’t emotional enough, we then hen had the moment where Walt was crying in a field, feeling regret and shame over what he was about to do. Were we getting closer to the moment? It was only five minutes before the end of the episode when this happened, and we were still confused … but only briefly.
This is where Barlow Connally entered the picture. About halfway through the episode, we started to feel like he was the guilty party. Then, it was Branch of all people who finally uncovered the truth. It was Branch’s big redemption! One episode ago, we didn’t think this guy was actually going to be doing anything productive.
Unfortunately, now he may be dead. “Longmire” made a HUGE move for a show with an uncertain future, exposing Barlow as the man responsible, but also not having Walt arrest him. Instead, we have the possibility of Branch actually being dead thanks to a carefully-executed move by his father, and of the entire department in shambles. While we were skeptical in the early going about Branch’s quick turnaround, this, coupled with Henry’s release and a number of other developments tonight, make us wish season 4 was here already. Grade: A-.
What did you think about the “Longmire” finale, and were the reveals everything that you expected and then some? Let us know in the comments below.
LadyDi
August 14, 2014 @ 7:20 pm
Was wondering what was in the jar that Henry picked up off of that Wall?! Thanks for the 411 Austinmoose! Cheers for Season 4! Can’t wait!
Bluemixerclif
August 12, 2014 @ 9:24 pm
What was in the jar was Walt’s dead wife ashes!
DJW
August 7, 2014 @ 8:30 pm
We found Longmire during season 2 and fell in love with this program. Great show. It would really be a shame if it is renewed. With that finale I am really looking forward to the next season. I only wish they would warn you that the episode is going long. We missed the last few minutes. Fortunately we were able to find it at a later time so we could see what we missed… A&E also needs to start at the scheduled time rather tha 5 minutes late. It can be very frustrating . . . Especially if it goes long.
keihin
August 7, 2014 @ 7:17 pm
Barlow’s hiring of Ridges to kill Walt’s wife was more likely a power play to get rid of a potential adversary in the Sheriff’s office, replacing him with his own son. Much more about power and money than the benefit to Branch.
My guess on the ending: Barlow tried and failed to kill Branch. He managed to reload his shotgun (or pull a concealed pistol), triggered the trap as a distraction, and turned to fire on Branch. Branch, knowing his father and being very wary of him, had stepped close enough to Barlow to interfere with the shot and perhaps strike him in the head with the butt of his shotgun. We heard Barlow’s shot fired, but he missed Branch. Branch then delivers his father up to Longmire (his alternate father figure). This is an attempt to do what’s right, and wash himself free of the family’s sins. It might also gain him an offer to return as a Deputy, though I wonder whether he’d take it. I also wonder whether Walt receives this news in time to prevent him from killing Joseph Nighthorse. My guess is yes. This would keep the main hero and the main villain in place to drive the story over the next season.
Vicki
August 7, 2014 @ 3:50 am
Love this show! I’ll be so disappointed if it doesn’t return!
Trudy
August 7, 2014 @ 3:05 am
I agree with all of you. This is a fine series with superb acting, writing, and production values. It should be renewed for a fourth season because it is one of the best shows on television.
Robert W. Hamlett
August 7, 2014 @ 2:11 am
I loved the finale but I hate the wait to find out what is next. I do have to note, though, that Branch’s father did not say that he paid to have Walt’s wife killed. The person he hired killed the person that killed her. I think he may have done this in hopes of keeping Walt from getting closure and keeping him off balance. I dont think we know who killed his wife.
Kodi2k6
August 7, 2014 @ 1:36 am
Best episode yet! Why do we have until next year for season 4?
Brian
August 6, 2014 @ 8:20 pm
I love this show. Didn’t watch it until this season. Watched the first two seasons on Netflix one episode after the other one weekend. As for the ending didn’t Barlow have his shotgun open over his shoulder?
pboyers
August 6, 2014 @ 4:36 pm
Longmire is the best show on TV – PERIOD! One of only a handful of truly great drama and intelligent writing for adults. I really hope it comes back for many seasons to come and I want 26 episodes per season! It deserves more promotion a better time slot and it will get many more fans. We are dying here for better programming. Please A&E, renew quickly with a lot more episodes.
Sherry
August 6, 2014 @ 4:40 am
Excellent!!! This show has it all…..even my husband,, who normally only watches sports, never misses an episode of Longmire. Looking forward to season 4!
James Silva
August 5, 2014 @ 10:30 pm
Longmire is the best show on tv PERIOD! A&E needs to promote it more and show it at an earlier time so that MORE people can watch. Do that , then watch the ratings go UP UP and way UP!
BalsterFudd357
August 5, 2014 @ 7:21 pm
Barlow basically admitted to hiring Ridges through Nighthorse…to inflict pain on the Sheriff so he would lose it and drink himself out of the office of Sheriff so Barlows son Branch would win the election in a land slide and he would have influence in the highest office in the county to which he has a LARGE stake in the Indian Casino and still have an upper hand over the Indian Tribal Council though his SON the SHERIFF and become even more wealth and powerful…
…deep breath!
Have I got that right??
I love this show!!
Angie
August 5, 2014 @ 9:48 pm
That was my conclusion also.
It seems like a far fetched plan, but the man turned out to be ruthless, especially if he killed his own son. I truly hope Branch is not dead since he did almost die once already. LOVE THIS SHOW!! A&E already cancelled The Glades, which was a good show too, I hope they don’t do the same with Longmire!
Skippy
August 6, 2014 @ 4:26 pm
Did you hear his say that he can’t make another fortune but he could make another son ?
Brett
August 6, 2014 @ 5:48 pm
Intent doesn’t equal success. It’s likely Branch saw it coming and got the drop on him.
Fan
August 7, 2014 @ 2:53 am
When the dad clicked the clay launcher Branch looked away. Hopefully he reacted fast enough, but then again they both had clayshot simiar to the Dick Cheney shooting so it’s very survivable.
Blake
August 5, 2014 @ 7:01 pm
I absolutely love this show and i dont watch TV very often.
Jeffrey
August 5, 2014 @ 7:01 pm
Loved the ending…always wondered if Barlow’s character would take a darker turn, and if he was the man “behind the curtain”. Now, I’m finding that my current favorite show might be cancelled? I think it’s time I throw in the towel, swear off TV, and move some place where I can see the “keeping up with the cardigan’s” crowd coming from a long damn way off…like Wyoming.
mr.tufts
August 5, 2014 @ 4:50 pm
One of the top five shows on television – period!
Jane Davis
August 5, 2014 @ 3:54 pm
We truly enjoy this episode and think this show has the best cast on tv. PLEASE let it continue on..Jane Davis
Lila Cox
August 5, 2014 @ 2:03 pm
It is interesting how shows that advocate slutty, trashy, immoral actions by teenagers are renewed for 2-3-4 seasons with 12+ episodes, and something that is well written and exciting to watch teeters on the brink of cancellation. Did a&e ever consider showing it at 9 instead of 10 – I bet a lot of folks who have to go to bed and do not have dvr would be watching who are not now
Jhera35
August 5, 2014 @ 2:13 pm
I agree on all counts.
Jhera35
August 5, 2014 @ 1:06 pm
The Barlow twist definitely surprised me, but I still have a lot of questions about Nighthorse and how much he knew about Martha’s death and the reason Barlow needed to hire Ridges.
I also find it surprising that Barlow, who supposedly had Vice President business cards made for Branch before he became a member of police and desperately wanted his son to follow in his footsteps, would take out Martha to help Branch become Sheriff.
Why would Barlow go that route? Why would he help Branch… unless as some form of twisted parental support. Additionally, why not take out Walt?
I still feel like viewers aren’t being shown the entire picture, which is standard for mysteries but frustrating at the same time.
I’d call this an A+ episode even though all the loose ends surrounding Martha’s and Miller Beck’s deaths weren’t tied up well enough.
Emerald
August 5, 2014 @ 1:34 pm
I doubt Barlow paid to have anyone killed to help Branch. I think he paid to inflict pain on Walt. He just told Brach it was to help him to still try and win him over. Also, I can’t remember details of the explanation of how exactly Martha died – but maybe the payment was to kill Walt and Martha got in the way? I think at the time Martha was killed, Branch was actually pretty close to Walt and Barlow was jealous of that. I think Branch shooting his dad sets up another season very well – still lots to chase down, including how much Nighthorse knew.
Jhera35
August 5, 2014 @ 2:11 pm
I also don’t think Barlow paid anyone to kill Branch… I think that was Nighthorse.
bfw001
August 6, 2014 @ 4:57 am
Martha was attacked by Miller Beck on the street after a chemo session in Denver. The mugging was to appear like it was for drug money. My open question is why did both Henry and Walt go after Miller Beck before Ridges killed him?
djrandall9
August 5, 2014 @ 11:22 am
Don’t keep us Longmire fans in suspense like A&E did last year. Announce a Season 4 and give us at least 12 episodes! The ONLY TV program I will go out of my way to watch period. Everything is superb!
Shareen
August 5, 2014 @ 5:57 am
What exactly was Branch’s dad’s motive in killing Walt’s wife? He killed her years ago in the hopes that it would lead to Branch being elected sheriff? That seems like a stretch….That’s the question I want answered He says everything he does is for his family, but how does killing her help his family?
Barbara Proctor
August 6, 2014 @ 5:19 am
I think Walt’s wife had a crusade to keep a casino from being built on the reservation. Having her out of the way would allow Branch’s father to move forward with the construction of the casino.
Longmire fan 308
August 5, 2014 @ 5:52 am
I enjoy the show & look forward to a new season. Was anyone curious who took off in Walt’s truck just prior to David Bridges attack in last weeks episode? In tonight’s finale Walt was driving it like it was never stolen/borrowed. Just curious.
Shareen
August 5, 2014 @ 5:59 am
I thought maybe Bridges stole it just long enough to get to his horse.
Llyrjet
August 6, 2014 @ 6:41 am
I think it was ridges. Several times in the finale tonight it showed Walt’s dashboard with a white hand print. I assume that came from ridges war paint.
Christine
August 5, 2014 @ 5:07 am
Great episode tonight!!! Wasn’t expecting the possibility of Branch’s dad being the person responsible for Martha’s death. Would be a shame if Branch turned up dead. Never liked his father’s character. Whatever happen to the lady that had the hots for Walt? She seemed to fall out of the picture with no exit plan. Cant wait for Season 4!!!!
bfw001
August 6, 2014 @ 4:51 am
She caught Vic staying with Walt last season. Sean was out of town on business and Ed Goreski had just threatened Vic. It was innocent, but she drew the conclusion it wasn’t. She made it clear that she was done with Walt before slamming out of Walt’s house.
Bonnie
August 5, 2014 @ 4:29 am
wonderful season ender – season 4 newel should really be a no brainer.
Drax The Destroyer
August 5, 2014 @ 4:29 am
Great season finale! I hope that Branch got the better of his father and didn’t get killed. But if he did, he died redeemed. Can’t wait for season 4!!! And Walt’s revenge!
SunnyinFL
August 5, 2014 @ 4:18 am
I’ve started reading the Longmire books. Good fare & the TV series does not really follow the books’ story lines, so it’s not redundant.
Jum un Houston
August 5, 2014 @ 6:26 pm
I have read all the books and highly recommend them. Read them in order to get the full development of the characters. Available on Kindle.
SunnyinFL
August 5, 2014 @ 11:08 pm
Yes, I am reading them in order – I do always like to do that. I don’t have a Kindle (or any tablet/e-reader) yet, so I’ve been getting them out of the library. Apparently there are other folks who have gotten interested because I’m on the waiting list for #4. Hopefully, it won’t take too long!
Kalalau
August 5, 2014 @ 4:13 am
Great end to the season! Please be back with season 4 soon.
OnTheElk
August 5, 2014 @ 3:59 am
The only reason I watch A&E is to watch Longmire. Too bad more fans of TV crime dramas haven’t found it yet. Great writing, solid acing performances.
Gladys
August 5, 2014 @ 3:44 am
Hurry up with season 4
Billy
August 5, 2014 @ 3:40 am
Looking forward to season 4
Burg
August 5, 2014 @ 3:38 am
Awesome job on the finale. Hope for a season four!
Lou Stefano
August 5, 2014 @ 3:37 am
Great episode, great season! Loved how they tied up the ‘Henry’ trial and Martha’s murder, but left open ends for next season. Bring’em Back!!
Communi-Fan
August 5, 2014 @ 3:36 am
This is such a great show. I loved how it tends to be fairly low key, relative to many other cop shows, and yet can still offer
fantastic drama, pulse-pounding action and emotional catharsis. I love that it can do case of the week episodes while still having small, multiple episode arcs, as well as season and series-long arcs. Great writing! I’d love to see more of Peter Weller’s character, Lucien Connally.
I hope Branch isn’t dead, but it seems like he might be and sometimes great characters have to die to advance a story….of course it could be his father who was shot, so…..
Cindy Pierce
August 5, 2014 @ 3:34 am
I simply don’t watch television, with the exception of Monday nights. Finale did not disappoint. Looking forward to Season 4!
J and B
August 5, 2014 @ 3:26 am
A really good show and we would hate to see this series end. We can’t imagine this show ending. Please don’t be stupid. This is a good series. Keep it going!!!!!!
kickyourace
August 5, 2014 @ 3:26 am
Great show. Excellent writing and acting. Of course we won’t get a 4th season.
redapple2
August 5, 2014 @ 3:26 am
Lingerie needs to come back. Who was shot? Branch,Barlow.. NEeds to be more episodes.
Bob
August 5, 2014 @ 3:24 am
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Best television in a long time. Feel dumb for asking, but what was in the jar Henry took out of the rocks at the end?
austinmoose
August 5, 2014 @ 3:35 am
I believe that was how hector would get his”jobs”. I think Henry will start doing what Hector would do because of the guilt he feels about Hectors death
Kate11208
August 5, 2014 @ 4:06 am
I thought it was Hector’s ashes, but could be the job jar.
james
August 5, 2014 @ 3:24 am
I so love longmire and hope they keep this t.v show going.
Douglas Henning
August 5, 2014 @ 3:23 am
Katee tweeted something about S4 already but my guess is they told her to reserve her before officially announcing… A&E wouldn’t end another show with a main character in mortal danger would they…..ie Glades… Matt seems to have landed OK though on USA Network.
Billy Rayburn
August 5, 2014 @ 3:19 am
Season 4 NOW