It was previously reported that "Longmire" season 5 may sport a much darker, grittier tone compared to previous seasons given the progression of the story seen in season 4 and because there are fewer restrictions now that the show is on Netflix. However, as per series writer Tony Tost, this is not true.
Fans have taken to social media to complain about the series taking a darker tone but the writer has confirmed via his Twitter page that there are no discussions to take season 5 down a darker, grittier path. As a matter of fact, Tost states that the writers are not concerned with a more violent season and instead just want "to tell a good story."
One of the leading reasons for the series to potentially go dark was due to the season 4 finale, which saw someone currently unidentified breaking into the home of Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor). It was previously suggested that this may lead to Walt starting season 5 violently by killing the home invader.
However, Tost's statements confirm that this is not going to be case and season 5 may instead follow the same tone of season 4. Season 4 was noticeably a bit darker than the first three seasons, given that the series is now produced by Netflix and is not restricted by cable television regulations, but was not a drastic change from previous seasons.
As reported by the Master Herald, Tost has also been updating fans of the series regarding the development of season 5, down to detailing the music that is playing in the writers' room. Unfortunately, Tost has not yet detailed any important key plot points that fans may look forward to in season 5.
"Longmire" season 5 currently has no official release date but it is expected to premiere this coming September, although Netflix has yet to confirm the season's actual premiere date.
