In our interpretation, ‘Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War’ appears to shoehorn modern identity politics into its casting and character focus, with diverse character choices seeming primarily made for contemporary representation rather than historic fit. Several new characters’ backgrounds are highlighted more than their relevance to the plot or actual frontier skills, which feels tacked-on.

The show seems eager to subvert traditional Western masculinity and classic depictions of frontier family life, instead foregrounding ‘revisionist’ messages about gender roles and morality. Some viewers may find this a deliberate update at the expense of historical authenticity and the rugged values associated with the Old West.

Traditional views on law and community are frequently lampooned or depicted through stereotypical antagonists, while the modern moral perspective is universally upheld by the heroes. Opportunities for meaningful debate or internal conflict around these values feel notably absent, in my view.