Ep 1. The White Warrior

Walt Longmire, one of the most beloved sheriffs in the country, is back in action in season 3 of Longmire, and the first episode, "The White Warrior," finds him facing yet another difficult case in the rugged wilderness of Wyoming.

The episode opens with Longmire (played by Robert Taylor) out on a routine patrol of the county, accompanied by his trusty deputy Victoria "Vic" Moretti (Katee Sackhoff). Their peaceful ride is interrupted, however, when they come across a young Native American girl running through the woods in a panic. The girl is from the nearby Cheyenne reservation and claims that she has just seen a ghostly figure known as the White Warrior, who is said to bring death to those who cross his path.

Longmire is skeptical of the girl's claims, but he agrees to investigate further, sending Vic and another deputy, Branch Connally (Bailey Chase), to the reservation to look into the matter. While there, they meet with a Native American spiritual leader who confirms the existence of the White Warrior, and warns them that they must tread carefully if they want to solve the mystery without incurring his wrath.

As the investigation continues, Longmire and his team begin to uncover a web of deceit and betrayal that seems to be linked to the legend of the White Warrior. Longmire himself is forced to confront some unpleasant truths about his own past, as he struggles to balance his duty to uphold the law with his deep respect for the traditions and beliefs of the Cheyenne people.

Along the way, the episode also touches on other ongoing plot threads from the series, including Longmire's complicated relationship with his daughter Cady (Cassidy Freeman), who is still reeling from the aftermath of a violent attack she suffered in season 2, and his growing romantic interest in his longtime friend and confidante, Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips), who is himself dealing with some personal demons of his own.

Overall, "The White Warrior" is a taut, suspenseful episode that sets the stage nicely for the rest of the season. As always, the show's stunning visuals and beautiful shots of the Wyoming countryside are a highlight, as are the strong performances from Taylor and the rest of the cast. Fans of the series will be happy to see Longmire back on the case, and newcomers to the show are sure to be drawn in by its compelling mix of crime drama, character development, and Western mysticism.