Why Did Branch Leave Longmire? Complete Explanation
Who Was Branch Connally on Longmire?
Branch Connally was the deputy sheriff of Absaroka County in the TV series Longmire. He was played by actor Bailey Chase and appeared from season 1 through season 3.
Branch was the son of a wealthy local family with deep roots in the county. He was ambitious, skilled, and had a complicated relationship with Sheriff Walt Longmire. He even ran against Walt for sheriff at one point. That tension made him one of the most interesting characters on the show.
If you watched the first three seasons, you remember Branch. If you're wondering why he disappeared, here's what happened.
What Happened to Branch: The Short Version
Branch was killed off in the season 3 finale, titled "What Happens on the Reservation." He was shot during a confrontation and died in Walt's arms. It was sudden, violent, and completely unexpected for viewers.
This was the last appearance of Bailey Chase as Branch Connally. He didn't return in season 4 or any subsequent season.
Why Did the Show Kill Off Branch?
The showrunners made a creative decision to remove Branch from the story. Here's the breakdown:
- The character arc felt complete — Branch had already challenged Walt, faced consequences, and was rebuilding his relationship with his father
- The writers wanted to show that danger in Absaroka County was real and unpredictable
- Bailey Chase's contract ended and wasn't renewed for season 4
- The show was moving in a different direction narratively
There were also production and budget considerations. Longmire was a Netflix show, and like many streaming series, it periodically restructured its cast to keep things fresh or cut costs.
Was Branch's Death in the Books?
No. This is a major divergence from the source material. In Craig Johnson's novels, Branch is alive, becomes sheriff of Absaroka County, and plays a significant role in later books.
The TV show took major liberties with the source material. Branch's death is one of the biggest changes. Other characters like Vic were also introduced in the show and didn't exist in the books.
Show vs. Books: Key Differences
| Element | TV Series | Books |
|---|---|---|
| Branch's fate | Killed in season 3 | Alive, becomes sheriff |
| Branch's role | Deputy, political rival | Deputy, eventual successor |
| Vic Matheson | Main character, Walt's deputy | Does not exist |
| Cady Longmire | Lawyer, plays major role | Minimal appearances |
| Overall tone | Modern crime drama | Western mystery |
The show borrowed the characters and setting but rewrote the story to fit a TV format. If you're a book fan, the show will frustrate you in places.
Bailey Chase's Career After Longmire
Bailey Chase continued working after Longmire ended. You might have seen him in:
- Selena: The Series on Netflix
- Chicago P.D. as an episode guest
- Various film and TV projects
He's still active in the industry, just not in Absaroka County anymore.
Getting Started: Watching Longmire
Want to watch the show? Here's how to approach it:
- Start with season 1 — it sets up the core characters and Absaroka County's atmosphere
- Watch through season 3 for Branch's complete story
- Season 4 onwards focuses on Walt, Vic, and new storylines without Branch
- If you love the books, lower your expectations — treat the show as inspired by, not a faithful adaptation
- The first three seasons are the strongest, in most fans' opinions
Longmire is a solid crime drama with a unique setting. Branch's arc is worth watching, even knowing how it ends.
The Bottom Line
Branch left Longmire because the show killed him off in season 3. It was a creative choice that shocked viewers and diverged from the books where Branch survives. Bailey Chase's contract wasn't renewed, and the show moved forward without him.
Whether you think it was the right call depends on what you wanted from the show. Either way, Branch's exit was memorable — which is more than you can say for most TV character departures.