Lauren Ambrose
Wes Ramsey
Christopher Backus

Melissa Carter

TV Movie (Backdoor Pilot)
2014
Drama, War, Western
Lifetime

TV-NR

Lifetime’s “Deliverance Creek” is a TV movie that serves as a backdoor pilot (i.e. the first episode of a possible series to come, if the ratings and viewer responses are strong enough). It’s fairly entertaining, more entertaining than I expected, actually.

This is a Civil War western with a barrel full of conflicts that’s set at a fairly brisk pace. The pacing’s important because the movie doesn’t delve deeply into its themes. So the pace allows the movie to glide by without feeling too shallow. While the impact of those themes suffers as a result, the dialogue, which was just good enough to avoid embarrassment, benefits. Overall, the script doesn’t provide anything new for the genre, though. “Deliverance Creek” is simply what one would expect from a western focused on a strong female lead character. However, it does go a bit further than one might expect from Lifetime. There’s a bit more grit and violence in this movie than in other Lifetime fare.

As for the acting, it’s fine; no one embarrasses themselves. There are moments when the actors seem to be pretending, but that can be overlooked. This is especially so because of the myriad of conflicts on display. As a result, this movie doesn’t have to rely on its dialogue or character development to relay its message, thankfully.

Since this is a backdoor pilot, there isn’t a resolution to any of the conflicts, but that didn’t ruin anything. I’m sure that many viewers will look forward to what will come next (if anything does). As for me, again, this TV movie did a much better job than I expected. I wasn’t bored, and I appreciated the effort. Everything here has been done before, but that didn’t bother me much. Like in Starz’s “Outlander,” I like that there’s a palpable sense of danger along with hints of romance. This should keep many Lifetime viewers glued to their TV screens.

If they turn “Deliverance Creek” into a series, it’ll be interesting to see how they develop all of the story lines: the Civil War, women thrust into independence because their husbands are off to war or dead, the Underground Railroad, outlaws, revenge, mistrust, the complications of love during a time of strife, etc. They have a lot to choose from, so let’s hope they choose wisely.

Verdict: Somewhat Good to Good

About: (Source: dcreek)

Best-selling author Nicholas Sparks (“The Notebook,” “A Walk to Remember,” “Safe Haven”) makes his television debut as executive producer of the two-hour programming event “Deliverance Creek.” “Deliverance Creek” is a revenge drama centering on a widow and mother of three who is determined to protect her family and land at any cost during the Civil War.

Two years into the Civil War, Belle Gatlin Barlowe (Lauren Ambrose) faces uncertainty in the life before her as she attempts to defend her family’s land by any means necessary.  When the corrupt bank that runs their town pushes Belle into becoming an outlaw, the stakes become personal, setting off a chain of events that force her to question whether it’s better to be good or to survive.