A&E Likes its LONGMIRE, stars Katee Sackhoff, MATRIX Agent

A&E has shown it has a soft spot for pilots starring Katee Sackhoff and a former Agent from The Matrix. After the network decided not to pick up Big Mike last month, it looked a sure thing Longmire would be picked up instead. The show will air its pilot along with nine newly ordered episodes. Longmire is based on the Walt Longmire Mystery novels written by Craig Johnson. Robert Taylor (he was one of the few Matrix Agents not played by Hugo Weaving) plays the man the show and novels are named after, Walt Longmire. He’s the dedicated and unwavering sheriff of Absaroka County. Recently widowed, he hides his pain behind his charisma and dry wit.

Katee Sackhoff in Star Wars Clone Wars Mandalorian Glory

Sackhoff plays one of Walt’s deputies. Her character’s only been working with Walt for six months after working homicide in Philadelphia for five years. They two share a playful relationship, though some sexual tension may be building under the surface. Also cast in the series is Lou Diamond Phillips, Bailey Chase, and Cassidy Freeman. Chris Chulack, who is best known for his extensive work on ER, directed the pilot while Hunt Baldwin and John Coveny wrote it.

Longmire is a fantastic opportunity for Robert Taylor to break in to the mainstream. He’s an Australian actor with only a handful of film credits to his name. He most recently starred in the Australian thrillers Storm Warning and Rogue (which also starred fellow Aussie Same Worthington) in 2007 and in 2009 he starred in Coffin Rock.