Thicker Than Water is a poignant drama set in a breathtaking backdrop of wild horse country. In fact the show opens following a horseman riding through country so spectacular that you wish you were there until the man comes to a ridge, dismounts and aims his rifle at one of several wild mustangs gathered to water. Fortunately the horses get spooked and are saved, this time, from the horseman’s bullets. Predictably the story carries a good message about letting these beautiful wild horses live and roam instead of shooting them for sport—or converting them to dog food, which may surprise some to know is occurring all too often on ranges throughout the West.

But there’s more to this story than preserving beautiful wild horses. Big-city lawyer, Natalie Jones (Melissa Gilbert) discovers her recently deceased father, a respected judge, had been married to a rodeo queen before marrying Natalie’s mother. This startling discovery sets her off to find out about the previously unknown past of her father. As she does so, we find Natalie driving her luxury silver convertible into a small Western town where she quickly becomes involved with folks with whom she finds she has much in common. Although some of the answers seem to unfold too easily and you may find yourself knowing what’s ahead, there are enough interesting twists to keep you interested. And although we find that Jess Jarrett (played perfectly by Lindsay Wagner) is the daughter of the rodeo star and presumably the judge who never knew about her, we find later that this daughter was anything but the result of an improper liaison. So thanks Hallmark for another fine show without immorality, on or off the screen. A few inappropriately scripted words, even though somewhat tame for these times, could have easily been omitted. The cinematography is outstanding. Brian Wimmer, playing Sam, the country vet, and Lindy Newton, playing a sassy 18-year old Lulu, along with Lindsay Wagner, are the acting strengths.

Jess Jarrett, the daughter of the cowgirl, runs a small town gas station and takes in all kinds of strays. Her adoptive family includes Lulu and Sam along with a herd of wild mustangs. Natalie drops into the picture claiming to be a writer doing a story on rodeo stars. Forget that this part of the story is a little weak especially as Jess swallows it without reservation. As Natalie discovers that Jess may be her half-sister, some interesting interplays are seen—not the least of which are the contrasts in their life styles and wealth, or lack of it. And talking about lack, the wild horses lack water so Natalie and clan provide it by trucking in water every day for them. Why not just dig a well? It seems that the lease prohibits drilling new wells—and for some reason the natural springs have dried up. Hard work and DNA tests provide answers—but not before love that provides the title, Thicker Than Water. Thanks Robert Halmi, Jr., Larry Levinson, Hallmark Entertainment, and the others for another original movie that can be enjoyed without being shocked or embarrassed.

Reviewed By:  Glen Griffin
Screenplay Writer:  J.P. Martin
Producer:  Robert Halmi, Jr., Larry Levinson, Albert T. Dickerson III, and Jeff Kloss
Production Studio:  Hallmark Entertainment and the Hallmark Channel

Glen Griffin