‘Longmire’ season 6 debate: Should there be a new deputy?

Before we dive too deep into our latest “Longmire” debate piece, let’s start with a reminder: Netflix hasn’t renewed the series officially for a sixth season just yet. Kudos to all of the viewers out there who are making the hashtags and fighting the good fight; eventually, we may hear an announcement one way or another. We never want to be too greedy beyond just hoping for one additional season, but with the way season 5 ended, we do certainly think there is a need to continue the story.

One thing that could take place in said new season is mentioned back in the title: There is certainly room for someone else in the Sheriff’s Department. Remember here that for the first few seasons, we had Walt, Vic, Branch, and The Ferg all working together. Since the death of Branch, we really haven’t had a full-time replacement.

Do we understand why the show is moving along with this at a fairly-glacial pace? Certainly so, given that the last thing that they want to do is give off the impression that they are trying to replace Bailey Chase’s character. They’ve spent enough time in the aftermath of his death, however, that it may not feel like that anymore. We do also wonder if Zachary was meant to be the guy to fill his shoes, and for one reason or another, getting him around full-time just didn’t happen. Barry Sloane’s been working elsewhere, and he did not even appear during season 5.

Could Eamonn end up working for the Sheriff full-time in season 6? We wouldn’t be opposed to it, mostly because we think he’s a fun presence and in terms of his view of the world, he’s incredibly different from Walt Longmire. He’s got a little bit of a Millennial energy to him even if he’s a little older than that, and we’re pretty darn sure that one of the things Walt hates the most is Millennials (at least in our mind).

As for casting someone else for a new deputy, that could also be fun just in terms of getting someone else on board with their own unique energy and personality. The biggest reasoning for introducing someone in this vein to the show is that you’re trying to create a new dimension and shake up the show a little bit. It’s not that we need a shake-up right now, but you don’t want to wait until you get to the point that you do. Otherwise, there’s a problem, and there’s no telling if you will be able to get yourself out of this situation.

Do you want to see a new deputy on season 6? Vote below, and be sure to check out more of our “Longmire” coverage today! (Photo: Netflix.)