LaMonica Garrett

LaMonica Garrett plays Thomas in 1883, working alongside Sam Elliott's Shea Brennan to guide the wagon train. His television roles also include Mike Ritter in Designated Survivor, Deputy Sheriff Cane in Sons of Anarchy, Cameron Burk in The Last Ship and Commander Bill Cox in The Terminal List. He plays Tucker in Taylor Sheridan's Lioness.

Thomas gives Garrett room to do more than look capable. His steadiness is part of the friendship with Shea, and part of what makes the group believable. He can listen to a disagreement without disappearing from the scene; you still want to know what he thinks should happen.

I particularly like how little fuss he makes of competence. Thomas has practical knowledge and uses it. Garrett lets that become a character trait rather than a succession of impressive demonstrations.

The smaller exchanges with Elliott are among the strengths of 1883. Their shared experience feels established before we arrive, leaving room for the series to show the men at work instead of explaining their bond.