Hatfields and McCoys

The most intense rivalries in history are not always pleasant, especially not those that existed in post-Civil War United States. The two families, the Hatfields and McCoys, may be a popular topic of conversation if one finds themselves in either Kentucky or West Virginia. Although, what is now a friendly feud was once very real, and it was not at all cordial. The History channel covered these historical events in a dramatized television show which soon became the TV event of the year not long after its debut. Hatfields and McCoys has even now years later, left its mark.

Hatfields and McCoys takes place at the end of the Civil War when Randall McCoy holds a grudge against ‘Devil Anse Hatfield for deserting the war, him believing it be a lost cause.

Led by cinema veterans Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton, Hatfields and McCoys takes place at the end of the Civil War when Randall McCoy holds a grudge against ‘Devil Anse Hatfield for deserting the war, him believing it be a lost cause. Once reunited following the war’s conclusion, a feud begins when the Hatfields are accused of stealing a pig from the McCoys. What then starts out as merely a resentment of one another, soon spirals into a bloody conflict that puts both families and the states of West Virginia and Kentucky on the brink of another war. It’s a true story directed by Kevin Reynolds that shows a less than proud moment between two families who would come to regret the blood spilt, and the relationships that were eventually damaged beyond repair.

The entirety of the mini-series was shot in Romania, part of it in studio, though most of it being on location. Kevin Reynold’s vision comes to life with beautiful scenic shots of the Romanian countryside, as well as adequately edited battle depictions that were accurately in line with the show’s history. The series as a whole shows off a plethora of noteworthy acting talent. Costner and Paxton are undeniably the yin and yang, Costner playing an intimidating and dominating version of the head Hatfield whilst Paxton displays a character that is begrudging and fanatically religious as the leader of the McCoys family. Matt Barr is ditzy and naïve as Johnse Hatfield, Jena Malone as Nancy McCoy is devious and cunning, and Tom Berenger is psychotic and ruthless as Jim Vance. The writing team is to thank for arranging the story and its incidents in a manner that builds tension, eventually escalating to the point of no return. Within three episodes, everyone involved worked well in accordance together for a satisfactorily finished product.

Hatfields and McCoys teaches a hard learned lesson about how far things can go when neither side of a dispute intends to yield. A situation like this, however unlikely to happen again, is moment of American history that leaves many wary of revisiting such times. With that said, the series is entertaining enough to pass the time and historical enough to gain some knowledge. Hatfields and McCoys is available for stream, rent, and purchase across multiple platforms. Watch, enjoy, but be cautious. This story is not for the faint hearted nor for the weak willed.