I suppose my weakness is for a well-developed character, if I have to choose an overriding impression in film. We see so little of it, especially on the big screen. "Lonesome Dove," which I still rate as among the best of all western films I have experienced, excels in this. I found myself disturbed by Gus's death, and by his choices in life. I found myself thoroughly disliking Woodrow, though the character was riveting for its own reasons, not the least of which was Tommy Lee Jones' stoic and very believable performance.

I have "known" these people in real life in some way. I may have disliked or been disappointed by them, but I still remember them. I have known, in my own cattle ranch upbringing, the ironic humor and stoic behavior, sometimes unfathomable, of modern counterparts to these characters. McMurtry obviously knew them as well.

I frankly don't give a damn what the author's personal demons or beliefs may be. I like this stuff for the same reason many conductors still like Wagner, though they loathe the composer. It's the music, dammit!