Ed Harris is back on the small screen, and this time, he's bringing his A-game to Paramount+’s Dutton Ranch. After a less-than-ideal experience on the first season, Harris is ready to take on a new challenge, and it seems like the showrunners have taken note of his concerns. The Oscar-nominated actor, known for his intense performances in films like Apollo 13 and The Truman Show, is set to return for Season 2, and this time, he's determined to make the most of his role.
A Misleading Start
Harris's journey with Dutton Ranch began with a bang, or rather, a misleading start. In an interview, he revealed that he felt misled about the nature of his character, Everett McKinney, and his role in the show. According to Harris, he was led to believe that he would be one of the four main characters, but that wasn't the case. This led to a mid-season frustration that almost made him leave the show.
"Midway through this first season, I was ready to go, I said, 'Get me the f*ck out of here,' to tell you the truth. Because I didn’t feel like I was being used… I felt a little bit misled,” Harris said. This is a common frustration faced by many actors, where the initial pitch and vision for a project don't always align with the final product. It's a delicate balance between creative freedom and staying true to the show's vision.
A Change at the Helm
The recent change at the helm of Dutton Ranch, with the departure of Chad Feehan and the appointment of Benjamin Cavell as the new showrunner, was largely due to Harris's concerns. According to sources, the underutilization of Harris's character played a significant role in this decision. It's a testament to the power of an actor's voice in shaping the direction of a show, and it's refreshing to see that Harris's input was valued.
A Song Cut Short
One of the most intriguing details from Harris's interview is the deleted scene from one of the first episodes. He recalled a moment where he was told he would get to sing, but the scene was ultimately cut. "One of the things they told me before I signed on, they said, 'Hey you get to sing.' You’re in the bar, right? So there’s a scene in there… I’m talking to Kelly at the bar and Cole comes in and says 'Okay, Everett, C’mon it’s your turn.' I walk up to the mic and they cut it. They cut the song out…. F*ck you people," Harris said with a laugh. This highlights the creative decisions that often go into shaping a show, and how even small details can have a significant impact on the final product.
A Fresh Start
With the new showrunner and a fresh start, Harris is determined to make the most of his time on Dutton Ranch. He's already been picked up for Season 2, which is slated to begin production in January. According to sources, Harris has a two-year deal, which includes an option for a third season. This is a positive sign for the show, and it's clear that Harris is committed to seeing it through to the end.
A New Chapter
Dutton Ranch is a neo-Western drama that has already captured the hearts of many viewers. With Harris's return and the new showrunner at the helm, it's set to become an even more compelling show. As Harris puts it, "When I watched this season, and it’s fine, and I thought it’s pretty good. I felt fine about what I did in it, and it seemed like I was relatively important to the story, but the doing of it did not feel that way." This is a powerful statement, and it's clear that Harris is committed to making the most of his time on the show.
In my opinion, Dutton Ranch has the potential to become a classic, and with Harris's return, it's set to become an even more compelling story. It's a testament to the power of an actor's voice and the importance of creative freedom in shaping a show's success. As viewers, we can only hope that the show continues to evolve and captivate us with its unique blend of drama and western flair.
