Key Takeaways:
– Before his rise to fame with Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry pitched a historical drama titled The Man From Texas.
– Taylor Sheridan, known for his hit series Yellowstone, could be the ideal choice to resurrect this forgotten pitch.
– The Roddenberry Archives revealed the ambitious pitch on the Gene-ology: A Roddenberry Podcast.
Gene Roddenberry's Strong Start in Television
Long before Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry was making a name for himself in the television landscape of the 1950s. Not only was he a writer for shows like Highway Patrol and Mr. District Attorney, but he also balanced an LAPD sergeant position with his blossoming writing career. In 1957, he ventured into a new territory by pitching a historical drama, The Man From Texas. This show was set to center around the heroic exploits of the legendary Sam Houston.
The Man From Texas: A Grand Vision that Never Materialized
Through the Gene-ology: A Roddenberry Podcast, we learn about Roddenberry's ambitious plans for The Man From Texas. This wasn't a standard Western; it aimed to be a historical epic that could span over 36 episodes a season—or even more. Incorporating sweeping and serialized narratives, the series strove to retell Houston's heroic exploits, strangely foreshadowing the future of serialized TV dramas. Despite the grand vision, the series never moved past the pitching stage.
Could Taylor Sheridan Bring The Man From Texas to Life?
Taylor Sheridan, lauded for his successful series Yellowstone, is known for spinning gripping narratives with the American West as the backdrop. These skills make him a fitting choice to breathe life into The Man From Texas. As Yellowstone prepares to conclude with its fifth season, it opens up the possibility of Sheridan tackling this never-actualized project. It could be an exciting new venture challenging the realms of historical dramas.
Yellowstone Successor on the Horizon: The Madison
Despite the impending conclusion of Yellowstone, Sheridan hasn't run out of stories to tell. The news about a new series initially called 2024 and now named The Madison has fans anxiously waiting. Kurt Russell, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Patrick J. Adams have been roped into headlining what promises to be another riveting series by Sheridan.
The Madison: A New Canvas for Storytelling
First reported by TVLine, The Madison will revolve around Stacy Clyburn, presumably played by Pfeiffer. Her family's transition from the bustling streets of New York to the expansive Montana ranch life will offer a fresh set of challenges and drama. Fans can look forward to high stakes storytelling, akin to Yellowstone's success.
As the production schedule begins this month, there's speculation about appearances from original Yellowstone characters in the new series. With the second part of Yellowstone Season 5 scheduled for November 2024, faithful viewers can rest assured that the world of captivating storytelling set against the sprawling backdrop of the American West is far from over.
In conclusion, the potential of Taylor Sheridan picking up the mantle of Gene Roddenberry's forgotten series, The Man From Texas, fuels intriguing conversations about the future of small-screen Westerns. With The Madison on the horizon, fans can anticipate more riveting narratives spun with Sheridan's signature storytelling finesse. Yellowstone is available for viewing on Peacock Premium until November 10, 2024.
