The Sacketts is a gripping narrative that vividly captures the essence of the American West through the adventures of the Sackett brothers. This Western saga is primarily told through a two-part TV movie broadcast on May 15 and 16, 1979, which is based on Louis L’Amour’s novels The Daybreakers and Sackett. The series stars Sam Elliott as Tell Sackett, Tom Selleck as Orrin, and Jeff Osterhage as Tyrel. The cast also includes Western movie veterans such as Glenn Ford, Gilbert Roland, Jack Elam, Slim Pickens, Pat Buttram, Ben Johnson, and Mercedes McCambridge, who portrays Ma Sackett​​​​.

The plot intertwines the lives of the three brothers as they navigate through challenges and adventures in the post-Civil War American frontier. Tell Sackett finds himself embroiled in trouble after a card game goes awry, leading him into the wilderness alone. Meanwhile, Tyrel joins a cattle drive, becoming friends with Cap Rountree and Tom Sunday, a former gunfighter who becomes a mentor to him. Orrin eventually catches up with them, and together, they head towards Santa Fe, New Mexico, facing numerous adversities along their journey​​.

The Sacketts may have set a precedent for Western miniseries, being released a decade before the renowned Lonesome Dove. Despite its age and potentially modest production values when compared to modern standards, the series is celebrated for its star-studded cast and compelling storytelling, capturing the hearts of Western fans​​.

For those interested in exploring the expansive world created by Louis L’Amour, The Sacketts offers a wonderful entry point into the lives and trials of a family that embodies the spirit of the American frontier. The narrative is a testament to the challenges, hardships, and the unbreakable bond of family during the expansion of the American West.