Independent Lens Season 7 Episode 3 The Last Cowboy

The Last Cowboy, an episode of season 7 of Independent Lens, tells the story of the world of professional bull riding, specifically focusing on the journey of a young cowboy named Justin McBride. McBride is a third-generation cowboy from Oklahoma who aspires to become a world champion bull rider.

The episode explores the harsh realities of the sport, the risks that riders take on a daily basis, and the intense physical and mental demands of the job. We also see how riders must maintain an incredibly close relationship with their animals, as they rely on them for success in the arena.

The episode follows McBride and several other riders as they compete in the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) tour, traveling across the United States and competing in rodeos and other events. We see the camaraderie between riders, the strategies they use to prepare themselves mentally and physically, and the ups and downs of the competition.

We also get a glimpse into the lives of bull owners and breeders, who are just as invested in the sport as the riders themselves. The episode explores how these men and women work to breed the toughest, most athletic bulls possible, and how they form emotional bonds with their animals.

Throughout the episode, the filmmakers interweave interviews with past champions of the sport, who reflect on their own career journeys and offer advice to up-and-coming riders like McBride.

One of the key themes of The Last Cowboy is the sense of family that pervades the world of professional bull riding. We see how the riders form close bonds with one another, and how they rely on one another for support and encouragement. We also see how the broader community of bull riders, owners, and fans supports one another, even in times of heartbreak and loss.

The episode builds up to the championship event, where McBride and his fellow riders push themselves to the limit in pursuit of the grand prize. Along the way, we see McBride confront his own fears and uncertainties, and we see him grapple with the pressure of being a role model for so many aspiring young riders.

Ultimately, The Last Cowboy is a celebration of an intense, physically demanding sport that demands courage, skill, and perseverance. It's a fascinating look into the world of professional bull riding, and an inspiring story of one young cowboy's journey to the top.