The Far Side of Jericho 2007

As the dust settles following the gruesome public execution of their husbands at the hands of the notorious Hangman, three widows are thrust into a desperate struggle for survival. The enigmatic Maxine (Suzanne Andrews), the fiery Claire (Judith Burnett), and the vulnerable Bridget (Lissa Negrin) must navigate their way across the unforgiving terrain of New Mexico, all while being pursued by a relentless array of foes, including the authorities, a band of vigilantes, Native Americans, and even a group of threatening Pinkerton cowboys.

Their journey is fraught with danger and chaos, highlighted by a chaotic shootout that sees them narrowly escape becoming victims of the violence surrounding them. Along the way, they face the leering glances of roughnecks in Rita’s bar, and the mocking jeers of cowboys who take delight in their husbands’ ill-fated bank heist. Compounding their troubles, some desperate suitors attempt to win their affection, further complicating an already precarious situation.

In a sinister twist, corrupt banker Van Damm (Lawrence Pressman) and Sheriff Jake (Patrick Bergin) forge a Faustian bargain to seize the stolen loot for themselves. As the widows deftly evade one pursuer after another, they begin to unearth cryptic clues that might lead them to the treasure hidden away by their husbands.

Yet, with every step, they encounter increasingly eerie apparitions of their late husbands, raising questions that only deepen the mystery they find themselves ensnared in. For Bridget, the ghostly image of her beloved “Little Jemmy” appears alongside the banker’s daughter Greta; Claire grapples with the disapproving spirit of her husband Cash; while Maxine is reminded of her own haunting truths, leading her to question what really lies ahead. As the stakes escalate, each woman must confront her own mortality and the dark secrets that have plagued their pasts.

As we delve deeper into the narrative, the story unveils the women’s unwillingness to be shackled by the oppressive norms of society. Claire’s struggles with addiction contrast sharply with Bridget’s unwavering bravery, which stems from her experience of abuse at the hands of Claire’s ruthless husband. Maxine’s fierce determination and indomitable spirit serve as a source of inspiration, helping to guide the women through the dark challenges they face.

Throughout this harrowing odyssey, they showcase incredible resilience. They rescue Claire from her abusers, take down a tormentor named John, and confront David, forcefully making him strip before they abandon him to the harsh desert. Seeking refuge in Madame Dubois’ tavern, they soon find themselves hunted once again by Sheriff Jake, who extends a tempting but treacherous offer in a misguided quest for wealth.

After Claire makes a daring escape at dawn, she reunites with Maxine and Bridget, who embark on a dangerous mission to reclaim their stolen horse. Their path crosses with “The Stranger,” an enigmatic figure also entangled in the pursuit of fortune. As their journey intensifies, they encounter formidable enemies, including Roberto, who meets a brutal fate at the hands of the Preacher’s crew, and Segundo, whom Claire bravely vanquishes amid a kidnapping attempt.

As the climax approaches under the blistering desert sun, the women must wrestle not only with external adversaries but also with their own inner demons. In a heart-stopping finale, slow-moving characters face grim fates, including Roberto, whose life slips away in the heat of battle. In a stunning display of courage, Maxine defends herself against “The Stranger” in a dilapidated cabin, ultimately emerging triumphant.

Amid a narrative rich with themes of rebellion and revenge, these women ally against the heartless foes who thrive on misery and despair. They enact justice against David, leaving his lifeless body for coyotes against the stark desert landscape, and eliminate Van Damm after a confession regarding Greta. It is Bridget, however, who delivers the final blow to The Stranger, ending their tumultuous journey.

In the wake of their climactic showdown, Maxine confronts Sheriff Jake but is temporarily delayed by “The Kid” and a band of Native warriors. A dramatic ambush unfolds, sending shockwaves through the landscape. The trio of widows, with their eyes on their goal, stumbles upon a hidden cache of gold and in a poignant moment, they lay their fallen husbands to rest alongside Greta. With heavy hearts, Maxine transfers ownership of the land to the only surviving Thornton, leaving Sheriff Jake behind and setting forth on a new odyssey. The open road beckons them, with the promise of self-discovery and unfettered freedom awaiting as they venture toward distant cities like San Francisco and Boston.

Set against the backdrop of the Wild West in the 1880s, these widows—once bound by the legacies of their notorious husbands—find themselves on a treacherous path pursued by a relentless posse obsessed with uncovering the rest of their husbands’ buried treasure. Throughout their journey, they must grapple with the primal instincts to trust, defend, and even sacrifice for one another, forging an unbreakable bond destined to lead them toward an exhilarating, albeit uncertain, future in territories both new and unknown.