Anyone watching "Texas Ranch House" on PBS?

[Knuckles]

Tweet

I really don't like reality tv shows, but I thought the "Frontier House" and this show are pretty good.

What the general feeling here about this show?   Like or no?

[McMate]

Evening Knuckles,

Sorry to say that I haven't seen the show.  I started a new job several weeks ago and I'm working second shift so I can't watch any TV.

I did want to say hello and say I hope you are enjoying.  Sorry won't be in the chat room anymore of a night.

Enjoy the show.

McMate

[Pinto Being]

Knuckles,

I don't hardly ever watch TV, but the bride told me to come in and watch the Texas Ranch House last night.  I liked what I saw.  ('Course, about 1/2 way through it she switched the channel to one of her regular shows and I went on back to my office for some readin'.  Haw! Haw! Haw!)

The scene where the young feller tied his hoss to the hitchin' rail too tight, was funny.  It wasn't funny to him, but it was to me 'cause I did the same thing years ago.  I reckon most everybody has, at one time or another.

One time, a friend of ours tied her hoss fast to the back bumper of our old VW bug whilst someone else was loadin' one of our hosses in the trailer.  The hoss that was bein' loaded spooked and backed Hell bent for leather out of the trailer.  This then spooked the hoss that was tied to the VW.  Yep -- you guessed it.  That VW was dragged backwards about 15 feet before we could cut that hoss's reins free.  YeeeeeHaw!

Will try to catch the show again.  Is it on every week?

Ride on,

Pinto

[US Scout]

Howdy Pinto!

Long time no see!  Seems I missed you at the Convention this year.  I was there but didn't see you.

Don't know about your area, but in our area they are broadcasting the entire series in four straight nights.  Last night was episodes 3 and 4.  We watched #3 and recorded #4 to watch later.  #5 and #6 are on tonight, which we are also recording as we have Boy Scouts tonight.

Our family has watched all these "historical" reality programs.  This is one of the better ones - at least the people chosen aren't as disfunctional and whiny as most who are chosen. 

The "ranch owner" (a hospital comptroller) wouldn't have lasted a year in 1867.  He fired his ramrod (a retired Army colonel) for being too tough on the cook (a NYC chef), who was lazy, slovenly, and insolent.  Then the ranch owner had to fire the cook himself for the same reasons, but then appoints one of them to replace the cook, depleting an already small number of hands to look for cattle, take care of the ranch, etc.

Most of the hands are decent enough and work hard, but the "owner" is a real weak link.  The ramrod would have been a better choice.  However, except for the "owner" the program has been informative and instructive as to how life was like to some degree back then.

[DArchangel]

The show is informative as far as it goes. But where do they get those people? Robby(the new ramrod) knows what he's doing, the cowboys work hard and try. The "cosie" was a joke and the owner (MRS  Cooke) is a hem-a-roid. Not a gun on the place. Probably a good idea. The old foreman might have shot that stupid cook. Good choice for the army. Mostly just too much ATTITUDE!

[RRio]

I have to agree with everything US Scout said. Another thing I thought was dumb was butchering 1 of the 2 roosters for one meal. Saved the other one so they would have eggs. Something happen to that last rooster, no eggs.
Should be enough game out there with out sacrificing the domestic stock. Of course, some firearms would help with that. I can't imagine a spread out on the frontier in 1867 with no firearms.
Owner needs to get off his butt and help with the cowboying, also. His spread ain't big enough for him to act like royality. But, all-in-all it's a pretty interesting show. I would much rather watch that than some of the other mindless dribble that is on TV nowadays.

[Wymore Wrangler]

I saw it this morning, the family wouldn't have had a hand on the place in 1867, and I think the Comanche would have had their hair the first night...

[Neversleeps, 13790]

Hi Pards,
I agree that the scenery, setting is great. I have a real problem that there are no guns. Instead of whining about no food,
if they had guns they could have fed themselves. In west Texas there would have been many perils to protect both themselves and the cattle from, but alas, no guns!

The filming is done in Brewster Co. of west Texas. Why make up Ft Santiago when Ft Davis was just a few miles away. Ft Davis was started in 1854.

That owner really needs some "cohones". A respectable owner/rancher would NEVER let his wife run the show.
Regards,
Neversleeps

[Pinto Being]

Howdy, right back atcha,, Scout!  Yep, missed the Convention.  The bride wanted to go, but I just couldn't swing it this year.  Would've been good to get together with you again.

Pards, I know I only saw a little bit of one episode, but it must have been the first one.  I swear that the Colonel had a hogleg holstered on his right side.

Got home late tonight and turned on the tube to see the show.  Watched a few minutes of it whilst eatin' some victuals.  Seems that ranch owner fella has some problems with the ladies of the household.  Looked like the new segundo wanted to take one of the gals ridin' with him, but not to the Commanche camp.  The rancher must've gotten his wires crossed 'cause he created a problem by tellin' the gal to go ride with the fellers.  Then the segundo got peeved...

Well, it sounds like real life to me.  Haw! Haw! Haw!

[US Scout]

Howdy Pinto!

I believe the original foreman was carrying one of those big, cheap, mass-produced Arkansas Toothpicks that can be picked up for about $32.  I thought he was carrying a pistol myself until I got a side-shot of him and the handle was pretty obvious.  Not sure why he picked such a big worthless knife for ranch work - and I guess we'll never know since he got fired in the first episode.

 

[Frank Dalton]

After six episodes, my impression is that the character guides each person received at the beginning of the show were thrown away and not looked at a second time. Everyone acts like the owner of the ranch. Too many Chiefs and not enough Indians.

Mrs. Cooke is one of the biggest instigators of wanting to change the time period to 2006. Mr. Cooke has to live with her after the show is over. The "cowboys" all seem to have the attitude of "what's in it for me".

But then again, since we only get to see 8 hours of the 2-1/2 months, I guess PBS wants to show all of the "PMS" moments, since they know that is what people want to see, just like all the Bachelor, American Idol, Survivor, & etc. series.

[RRio]

I watched the one where they killed the rattlesnake, last night. Was very surprised to see that!

The "owner" is a real lu-lu. Too many dumb moves to even mention. I'll have to agree with Wymore, if they was to throw in Commanche problems, they'd be doomed.

Mrs. "Owner" kinda PO'ed me telling the hands, that they were not Cowboys. I'd like to know what the hell, she calls a cowboy?

The Cowboys should not be so rough on Mora, either. She is at least showing more "spirit" than the Owner or his family.

RRio

[DArchangel]

Lots of ranch daughters worked cattle. Mora has more gumption than any of the cookes. Texas bred strong tough women, see Sally Shull and Sara Bowman

[US Scout]

Caught most of the final hour last night (missed the cattle drive - but I recorded it so I can watch it later).

Overall, I enjoyed the program.  Much better done than earlier PBS historical "reality" programs, though I could do without all the whining and crap like "I'm a 21st century woman and won't be treated like this [ie, a 19th century woman]).  Seems some folks just can't drop their baggage to learn how far we have come (or regressed) in the last 100 plus years.

The "owner" was a bigger fool than I originally assessed.  He lacked honor, integrity, and loyalty - and then was upset because his hands didn't show him any respect.  He was weak-willed, indecisive, and lacked sand.  He'd say one thing and fail to follow through, or honor an earlier agreement.  He was also a moral and physical coward.  Have to admit I was surprised he was unable to keep accurate financial records for a ranch given that as a comptroller in real life (blaming the lack of computer support and/or a calculator was a cop-out).  Its sad to think that there are folks who have to work for this jerk in modern life.

I liked where the hands up and quit when he fired Jared, though I thought they should have all up and rode off after his "motivational" meeting.  Of course that would have ended the show about a month early!  Sometimes, I wonder how much of the program is "staged" for entertainment benefit.

I could hardly believe that he tried to cheat his hands when he paid off their wages by overcharging them for horses.  I almost expected him to charge them for room and board.  Worse, after the Comanche tricked him, he tried to pass off his errors in judgement to Jared. 

Its probably a good thing the cowboys weren't armed.  They have probably shot the Cookes.   

[Wymore Wrangler]

Even after the Cookes recieved their assessment for the experts, their own "reality" prevented themselves from believing that they were wrong....

[RRio]

Its sad to think that there are folks who have to work for this jerk in modern life.

He was weak-willed, indecisive, and lacked sand.

He was also a moral and physical coward.

Ya might want to add "Dishonest" to that also. I have worked for the exact same type for the past five years (4 different managers)  at a MAJOR corporation. That's what Corporate America has turned to, now.

[Marshal harpoluke]

Even after the Cookes recieved their assessment for the experts, their own "reality" prevented themselves from believing that they were wrong....

 

No Truth,

No Honisty,

No Integrity,

No Reality,

No Courage,

No Leadership,

No Guns.

This is no Reinactment, it is a fraud, sham, farse, deception, and Lie.  No sucessful ranch would be run like that.

I've been, a Cowboy, Wrangler, Blacksmithe, Cosie, and Patron.  Worked up the ranks as a boy,  Never went without gun even now.

If as a Ramrod, a hand wouldn't obey orders he hit the road right then, if'n He argued, We'd go to Knucke junction right then, No-one desrespected the Owner--Period.


This show is nothing more than New Age Revisionist Garbage.

 

 

[jrdudas]

After seeing two episodes there is one glaring practice that just destroys any attempt at authenticity.  The wife is constantly telling the husband how he should run the ranch, including how he should expect the hired hands to behave and perform.  I'm sure that there were instances in the old west where the wife ran the show, but when it came to ranching I think they were far and few between.  At the urging of the wife the husband even hires a female cowgirl who has marginal riding skills.  Now she wants to work the cattle with the male cowboys while one of the original cowboys is stuck doing the cooking.  It seems that the females (particularly the wife) on the show want to inject 21st century standards and practices with regard to womens roles into what is supposed to be an authentic depiction of life on a ranch in 1867.  Certainly there were powerful women of the time, but this show depicts all the female characters as being more powerful (influential) and more knowledgable about ranch work than all the males on the ranch.  Right or wrong, gender roles of 1867 were what they were, and for me this approach creates a "Soap Opera" atmosphere that destroys any sense of historical accuracy.

I also noticed that there seem to be no guns around.  What cowboy in his right mind would kill a rattlesnake with an axe instead of his 12 gauge.  It's true that pellets would have to be picked out if they planned to eat the snake, but I'd certainly choose that rather than taking a chance on getting snakebit.  All-in-all, it seems that the producers are more interested in creating a show that rivals the network reality shows where the personal "relationship" between the players is more important than the historical value of the story.  Personally, if I was a ranch hand working for this family my employment with them would be short-lived.  I find it most annoying that without even the most basic ranching qualifications the wife wants to ramrod the entire outfit.       


JR
 

[Presidio]

Well, I jest finished watchin' "Texas Ranch House". Man-O-Man did they have problems there. So, I'll jest list 'em in the order I saw 'em and let ya'll decide:   (FYI: I missed the first 2 episodes about Colonel and the cook)

(1) Boss didn't have full authority and control on the doings' of ranch. Too much input and wishy washy attitude. That and he didn't keep a good ledger on his trading and bartering and stock and so on...so, he couldn't give an actual tally fer his efforts at the end. Fer being a Comptroller - that's pretty bad if'n ya' can't do it with pencil and paper.  He also didn't develope the right rapport with his hired help, which caused alot of desention in the ranks. At the end, fer instance, during payday...he and Jared got at odds with each other over a horse that Jared already paid for, but was ransomed back ta' Cooke by the Commanches. Tho' Cooke paid the ransom, he should have made it clear ta' Jared at that time that he was going ta' have ta' expect ta' pay fer the horse again. Otherwise, Cooke shouldn't have waited so long and then brought up the point. Cooke was wrong in demanding payment fer the horse again then at payday, and should have wrote the loss up in the Ledger as such.

(2) Back then, the Wife didn't have a say in the management of the ranch. She took care of the house and garden.. In Mrs. Cooke's appraisal; she and her daughters and Mora didn't even do that very well either. Hence, the Fly infestation due mainly to the unwashed days old dishes and poorly stored food. The manure in front of the home should have been cleaned up by them and not left sittin' there. Whether there be men about or not. They were jest askin' fer it. Also, the women would never have run around in their "mentionables" as they did on several occasions and would never have greeted the Cowboys home dressed that way either.

(3) Ranch Hands - wasn't too impressed with them either. Especially Robby, who was constantly reminding Cooke that he wasn't being treated respectfully in the decision makin' while at the same time - he was being disrespectful of Cooke. Well, that may be so, but, the Boss may or may not ask his Foreman's opinion on management issues, and what Boss says is final with no flip flap. If'n a man don't like the decisions, he kin ride out and find work elsewheres. The Foreman always backs the decisions of the Ranch Owner, and enforces it with the rest of the Ranch Hands. The whole bunch seemed ta' have abit of a Prima-Donna attitude. I'd have fired the lot from the beginning with exception only of Shawn who seemed willing to take over the duties as "Cook". Though he wasn't experienced, I thought he did an admirable job. That and the food looked pretty good, too! I didn't see any cowboy going ta' bed hungry, or with an upset stomach, or walkin' a fast pace ta' the outhouse!

(4) Mora (sp) - Tho, I commend the efforts of a gal tryin' ta' ride trail and herd with the cowboys; it jest wasn't something that was done back then. Very rare exceptions were made ta' this, mostly when there were a shortage of ranch hands available. And only then would it be fer gatherin' the herd up at the ranch fer the trail drive...but, never being on the trail drive itself. Not even Remuda. Even tho, most of them gals back then could ride herd with the best of 'em! I do feel she did right by sticking it out and helpin' about the house with the rest of the ladies, but, she shore was carryin' a big chip on her shoulder most of the time. Can't blame her, tho. Cooke was constantly tellin' her one thing and then turnin' around and doin' things different than what he'd said he'd do fer her. Like get her on the trail with the cowboys. Another wishy-washy tactic of his.

All in all...the show was pretty good. I mean, here we have taken 21st century idea folks and put 'em back in the 19th century fer 2 1/2 months. Without the real advantage of knowing anything about ranchin' and the ways of the Old West idealogy. Couldn't expect anything but problems ta' arise outta that. But, given a chance and with a little more effort ta' get along and get it done attitude...I think that they would have made a successful ranch come Spring. But, unfortunately, personal feelings and toe steppin' had already taken root and the ranch was doomed ta' fail.

Mr. Cooke - Begineers Luck on the cattle sale. Need ta' work on yer people skills and stand by your decisions and own up ta' them when ya' make 'em and not be swayed. Right or wrong.
Mrs. Cooke and Daughters - Leave management alone and keep personal opinions ta' themselves and tend the home.
Mora - Count yerself lucky ya' got ta' ride Remuda.
Robby - Gotta give respect ta' earn respect.
Shawn - Keep on a cookin'! May not be what ya' likes ta' be doin', but, you'll get yer chance soon enough.
As fer the rest - Remember, Boss owns and runs the ranch. His decision is unquestionable, right or wrong. If'n ya' got a problem and can't get it settled with him personally...don't drag it out in the bunkhouse or on the trail. Jest pack up and head on out.

[Blue Steel Traveller]

Blue Steel Magnolia and I have watched all of these PBS shows (Frontier House, Colonial House etc) and the problems on Texas Ranch house are all the same problems they have had on the other shows.  The people picked for these do not immerse themselves in the time period.  They keep wanting to bring the 21st century into the time period and it just does not work. As for the Comanche issue, Magnolia and I watched the "Searchers" the next night and both agreed that we would have been kicked off the show as we would have played the Comanche issue like was done in the "Searchers". The first question to the chief would have been "are you my guest or my prisoner?  Choose your answer carefully".

Or maybe we wouldn't have asked any questions at all and just taken Jared and the horses back by force. 

[RRio]

(2) Back then, the Wife didn't have a say in the management of the ranch. She took care of the house and garden.. In Mrs. Cooke's appraisal; she and her daughters and Mora didn't even do that very well either. Hence, the Fly infestation due mainly to the unwashed days old dishes and poorly stored food. The manure in front of the home should have been cleaned up by them and not left sittin' there. Whether there be men about or not. They were jest askin' fer it. Also, the women would never have run around in their "mentionables" as they did on several occasions and would never have greeted the Cowboys home dressed that way either.

(3) Ranch Hands - wasn't too impressed with them either. Especially Robby, who was constantly reminding Cooke that he wasn't being treated respectfully in the decision makin' while at the same time - he was being disrespectful of Cooke. Well, that may be so, but, the Boss may or may not ask his Foreman's opinion on management issues, and what Boss says is final with no flip flap. If'n a man don't like the decisions, he kin ride out and find work elsewheres. The Foreman always backs the decisions of the Ranch Owner, and enforces it with the rest of the Ranch Hands. The whole bunch seemed ta' have abit of a Prima-Donna attitude. I'd have fired the lot from the beginning with exception only of Shawn who seemed willing to take over the duties as "Cook". Though he wasn't experienced, I thought he did an admirable job. That and the food looked pretty good, too! I didn't see any cowboy going ta' bed hungry, or with an upset stomach, or walkin' a fast pace ta' the outhouse!

I agree with everything you stated, especially those lazy assed women at the "big house". Absolutely no reason for the fly infestation except laziness. I was also absolutely appalled by them wearing their "unmentionables" in view of the hands, and anybody else, for that matter.

City slickers.

On your third section, I agree with you, but had Robbie not been there, the total thing would have been an complete failure. Robbie was the only reason that Cooke had any measure of success.

As for the Comanche issue, Magnolia and I watched the "Searchers" the next night and both agreed that we would have been kicked off the show as we would have played the Comanche issue like was done in the "Searchers". The first question to the chief would have been "are you my guest or my prisoner?  Choose your answer carefully".

Or maybe we wouldn't have asked any questions at all and just taken Jared and the horses back by force. 

I believe had I been the chief, I could have had a whole lot of fun with those pilgrams. Had they taken him prisoner, I guarantee because of their lifestyles, he could have escaped and then we could have had some real fun then. Imagine their reaction to find a couple of arrows planted in their front door the next morning.

[Big John Denny]

Well, I sat through all eight episodes of the show. I also sat through Colonial House and Frontier House. I do believe I won't bother to watch the next one they may come up with. As most have pointed out none of the players ever really take on the time period involved. It's a fact that men were in charge back then (don't tell your wifes that still applies today, it could get you hurt).

I am firmly convinced there is no way to accurately portray the lifestyle of a bygone era without using professional historical reenactors, who at least know how to do things right. Heck, the guys builing the corral and cattle chute didn't even know how to hold a hammer properly.

I think the show would have been a lot better if the ranch owner had been single. The wife and other ladies seemed to always be pouring gas on a fire.

I kept hoping it would get better, but it never did.