In spite of its lawman procedural format, Longmire delves deep into the psyche of its characters and their volatile pasts, while deftly dispatching with modern-day criminals that believe themselves above the law. Set amongst rugged mountains and lush prairie landscapes, Longmire has entranced viewers while engaging them with its twisty case of the week stories.

In addition to quality storytelling, the Longmire cast is strong, helmed by Australian actor Robert Taylor and supported by a diverse and talented ensemble consisting of Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galatica), Bailey Chase (Saving Grace), Cassidy Freeman (Smallville), and Lou Diamond Phillips (Stargate Universe). Now, the series is adding another strong cast member to the roster.

According to a TV Line report, Ally Walker is joining Longmire for Season 4. In addition to her three-season stint on FX's Sons of AnarchyWalker's prior television pedigree includes the long-running CBS drama Profiler as well as a starring role in the the 2011 Lifetime series The Protector. Walker's ability to portray vulnerability with edginess should fit right in with the tense, ferocity of Longmire's world.

Longmire was canceled after three seasons on A&E last year, but picked up by Netflix for a fourth season to wrap up the show's cliffhanger in the season 3 finale, which left the fate of Chase's character Branch Connally in jeopardy. The fourth season will also allow the series a chance to resolve over-arching storylines in the murder of Sheriff Longmire's wife.

Longmire Season 4 Ally Walker

It was a swift and savvy move by Netflix to pick up Longmire, which boasted over four million dedicated viewers. Fans were naturally dismayed over the abrupt cancellation and Netflix track record for saving canceled television shows, like it did with AMC's The Killing and Fox's Arrested Development, with passionate and vocal audiences, it was a smart decision that garnered positive publicity and support for both the show and Netflix.

Unfortunately, details of who Walker will be playing in the series are currently unavailable. We don't even know how many episodes the actress will appear in. However, given that viewers have never been given a very clear look at Walt's late wife, it's very possible that Walker could portray Walt's murdered beloved in flashbacks. Of course, it's equally probable that the actress could take on a more sinister role - as a recurring big bad or a character with connections to Walt's time in Denver.

Robert Taylor as Sheriff Walt Longmire

Netflix's willingness to take on television shows seen as unprofitable by other networks has been a boon for its business platform as it has nearly doubled its subscriber base in the past 2 years with the additions of both original content like House of Cards, Orange Is the New Black, Daredevil, Hemlock Grove, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Bloodline, as well as resurrecting shows like Arrested Development, The Killing, and now Longmire.  It also goes to show what lengths parent studio Warner Bros. Television and Warner Horizon Television will go to in order to ensure longevity for its series beyond the traditional network and cable platforms.

In the increasingly growing market and demand for online, digital content, it is reassuring to see more and more television shows having life beyond the traditional TV set limitations, subject to the whims of the Nielsen ratings system - and that Netflix is investing in talented performers like Walker, even in series that only have one more season to fill out.

Longmire season 4 will release on Netflix later this year.

Update: We made a correction to a statement about the fourth season. It has not been announced whether or not it is the final season.

Source: TV Line