While no official plans have been announced, the possibility of a Longmire revival continues to stir excitement among fans. We've missed Sheriff Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor) since he rode off into the mountains in search of treasure, and though author Craig Johnson keeps the literary version alive with new novels each year, there's something special about Taylor's portrayal that we can't let go. If the creative team is looking for a story to bring Walt back, they might find the perfect blueprint in one of Johnson's own books.
'Another Man's Moccasins' Offers a Rich Dual Mystery
Longmire never strictly followed the novels, but it often drew inspiration from them. The show adapted The Cold Dish in Season 1's 'Unfinished Business,' Hell is Empty in Season 2's 'Unquiet Mind,' and A Dark Horse in 'A Damn Shame.' Yet one novel stands out as ideal for a revival: Another Man's Moccasins. This story weaves together two investigations—the murder of a young Vietnamese woman found in Absaroka County and flashbacks to a case Walt worked as a Marine investigator in Vietnam. The parallels between the crimes allow for a deep dive into Walt's psyche, leading him to a Crow man who may hold the key.
Of course, the TV version of Walt isn't a Vietnam vet, but that doesn't mean the story can't be adapted. Perhaps his daughter Cady (Cassidy Freeman) has taken over as sheriff, and her investigation into a mysterious death connects to Walt's early years as a lawman under former sheriff Lucian Connally (Peter Weller). This setup could bring Walt and Henry (Lou Diamond Phillips) back to investigate the older case, while Cady, Vic (Katee Sackhoff), Ferg (Adam Bartley), and the rest of the department handle the modern one. It's a structure that honors both the source material and the show's unique characters.
Why a Loose Adaptation Works Best
Longmire thrived by not being a strict adaptation. The show introduced original characters like Jacob Nighthorse (A Martinez) and Mathias (Zahn McClarnon), who became fan favorites. A faithful adaptation would have left no room for them. By taking only loose inspiration from Johnson's novels, both the TV series and the books have been able to live independent lives. Fans of one version often find themselves drawn to the other, and the differences keep both fresh. For a revival, the key is to capture the spirit of the books while staying true to the show's established world.
There's also the matter of Walt's retirement. He's probably bored, and one change the revival could make is introducing Dog—the beloved canine companion from the novels. It's a small addition that would bring warmth and continuity to Walt's new chapter. With plenty of other novels to draw from, like The Western Star and Depth of Winter, the possibilities are endless. But Another Man's Moccasins feels like the perfect starting point for a thrilling return.
For now, fans can stream Longmire on Paramount+ and revisit the series that made us fall in love with Walt and his world. And if you're hungry for more, check out our latest update from Robert Taylor on the revival's prospects. Whether the show returns or not, the legacy of Longmire endures—both on screen and on the page.
