We've been down this road before and to better effect but "The Outsider", a made-for-television variation on both "Shane" and "Witness", isn't at all bad. Naomi Watts, (excellent), is the Mennonite widow who takes in a wounded gunfighter, (Timothy Daly), who in turn helps her in her battle with the men who murdered her husband and naturally they fall in love, much to the displeasure of her family and community. It's fairly conventional but it's well acted and it's entertaining. The director was Randa Haines, who made "Children of a Lesser God", and a good supporting cast includes the Carradine brothers, David and Keith.

I have never seen this movie before, just found it (2016) on the western channel and have since watched it at least 50 times. I am 36 years old and normally don't like Westerns but this one caught my attention and I could not turn it off! I have NEVER been a fan of Tim Daly, don't like him in any of his current roles and find him to be rather cheesy and too preppy - BUT in this movie his portrayal of Johnny Gault was Oscar worthy. He owned this role from beginning to end and was so sexy and oozing of masculine beauty and testosterone I wasn't sure my TV could take it, was very afraid my screen would get too hot and blow up. WOW! I never knew he could give this type of commanding performance. He was riveting. I simply couldn't take my eyes off of him. Why hasn't he been cast in more roles like this? The facial scruff and fantastic clothes helped too. This wonderful movie has so many things in it that apply to real life today. I just wish that there were more Johnny Gaults out in our modern world, we need them, ( and maybe today's men should take a few lessons!) The rest of the cast were also well chosen, Naomi Watts was equally good and the chemistry she and Daly had on screen absolutely rocked! The relationship that develops between Johnny and Benjo was also very special. Just excellent!!!!

One reviewer noted that it was obvious that this was written and directed by women. I thought the same thing. After all, it is a romance, first and a western second...distant second. The cinematography is brilliant, a bit dark at times, but considering how little electric light there was in the 19th century, it's appropriate. For the most part the acting is right on. The dialog, at times a bit forced, but is well written. But overall the film is predictable, the story line, as others have noted, is all too familiar. There's a scene where Johnny Gault tells Rebecca his life story. In a violation of the classic show, don't tell, rule. All of that would have been much more powerful had it been shown in flashback. Probably the worst part was the final shootout, yes, of course, you knew there had to be one. After Johnny had claimed to be good at killin', that he had "eyes in the back of his head", he doesn't see the old sneaking up behind 'em trick. But all in all, for a romance novel, it wasn't all bad.

I really loved this movie and I find it very good for several reasons. First - it's a nice and very moving story about love, passion and prejudice. Next - the actors - the chemistry between Tim Daly and Naomi Watts is great, they make every moment, every word and gesture believable and real. It's a pity Daly doesn't get more roles like that, he is a very intelligent and talented actor with a really strong presence on the screen. And finally - the music and the camera work that make that atmosphere very intense and sensual at one time or serene and dreamy at another.A must - simple, strong and beautiful.