McMurtry, here, has demonstrated perfectly his ability to get into the minds of all Americans of that time period (yep, including prostitutes and murderers) and has shed a new light on the myth of the American West. "Lonesome Dove" is a lyric soap opera about the basic goods and bads of humanity, and the always-present chance of redemption. It's characters are full-blooded and honest, the writing compelling and aware, and the action remarkably portrayed. As for westerns, "Lonesome Dove" is the best ever.