‘Longmire’ season 6 debate: If renewed, should there be a time jump?

We recently promised that there’d be “Longmire” story debates aplenty while we waited for Netflix to figure out what they wanted to do with the show moving forward, and we’re keeping that going today! (For the record, we would be shocked if they haven’t figured it out over the next couple of months.)

For the sake of this article, let’s go ahead and assume the renewal happens before asking the following question: Should the show take a big leap forward in time? Time jumps are effective narrative strategies for a number of reasons, with one of the biggest ones being that it helps to age up the characters with the cast. Also, it allows for you to get some narrative distance from the events of the prior season, that way there is a chance to try out a few new things and take on some narrative risks that you couldn’t do if bound completely to the story before.

With “Longmire” in particular right now, there are a few reasons that you could make a little bit of a jump, or at least one after you resolve a couple of cliffhangers.

Getting Walt’s lawsuit out of the way – Once we figure out if it’s over, getting some distance from it would be nice since one way or another, Branch’s death has defined the past two seasons on the show. Giving Longmire some distance allows him to focus more on the job.

Vic’s pregnancy – If you’re going to give her a child, it may make some sense to move ahead a year and a half or so after she gives birth and has a little bit of time at home with them.

Henry’s fate – After getting nearly killed by Malachi (pending that he even survives), it makes some sense to have him restored to some normalcy for a while. He may be doing some good as Hector, but it is coming with some major consequences.

Also, there is something to be said for just having many of these characters receive some updates in their personal lives, whether it be The Ferg’s relationship or if Vic and Travis evolve into something. Professionally, it may help to cement Cady’s practice into an operation.

What are your thoughts? Should there be a time jump? Vote in the attached poll.

For some other news when it comes to “Longmire,” be sure to visit the link here! We’ll have more, and hopefully some renewal news shortly. (Netflix.)