Texas Rising: The Lost Soldier

Texas Rising: The Lost Soldier is not a known television program or mini-series from the year 2015. It’s possible there might be a miscommunication or confusion with the title. In 2015, there was a notable historical miniseries titled simply "Texas Rising" that aired on the History Channel, which could be the show in question. The description hereunder is of "Texas Rising."

Texas Rising is an ambitious historical drama miniseries that attempts to bring to life the turbulent period of the Texas Revolution and the rise of the Texas Rangers. The series, produced by the History Channel and premiering in 2015, stretches over ten hours divided into five episodes, striving to depict the events following the infamous Battle of the Alamo and leading up to the decisive Battle of San Jacinto.

In the aftermath of the Alamo, where a small contingent of Texan defenders held out against overwhelming Mexican forces under General Antonio López de Santa Anna, the miniseries tells the story of what follows—a disparate group of Texans, each driven by their shared goal of defeating Santa Anna and achieving independence for Texas.

The series is anchored by an ensemble cast bringing to life the complex figures of history. Central to the narrative is the figure of Sam Houston, played by Bill Paxton, a troubled but charismatic leader tasked with the seemingly impossible mission of uniting the fractious Texan forces. Under his command are men from wildly different backgrounds, including Deaf Smith, portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, a revered scout fighting sickness; and Lorca, an embittered survivor of the Alamo seeking vengeance.

The Mexican perspective is not ignored; Olivier Martinez’s General Santa Anna is portrayed as a formidable adversary, at times merciless, yet a politically astute ruler whose decisions are guided as much by personal ambition as by national interest.

Texas Rising delves into the formation of the Texas Rangers, a legendary law enforcement group that rose from the need to protect settlers and secure the vast, untamed territories of Texas. These early rangers included famous historic characters, such as Erastus "Deaf" Smith and John Coffee "Jack" Hays, who have become part of the lore of the American West.

Aside from the men on the battlefield, the series also illuminates the roles of women during this tumultuous time. These figures, though often marginalized by history, contributed significantly to the cultural fabric and political machinations of the era. Women such as Emily West, a woman of mixed-race heritage rumored to have been instrumental in the Texan's victory at San Jacinto, adds depth to a saga often rendered in broad strokes.

The production doesn’t hold back on visuals or action, creating a gritty atmosphere that suits the story's intense and violent nature. Cinematography captures the sprawling landscapes and adds an almost palpable sense of place, making the vast, harsh environment of Texas itself a character in the narrative. Historically inspired sets and costumes add credibility to the tone of the times, while battle scenes bring to life the chaos and brutality that characterized the conflicts of the era.

The series is not without its liberties—certain events are dramatized for effect and some characters might be composites or fictional—but the essence of the Texas Rising series is to honour the spirit of the Texan fight for freedom and the birth of a new nation state amidst the power-struggles of North America.

Texas Rising infuses its retelling of events with human emotion and a sense of individual quests for redemption, justice, and identity. As would be expected of a historical drama, the show interweaves personal drama against the backdrop of an epic struggle, highlighting the complexities of heroism, leadership, and the founding myths of the Lone Star Republic.

In conclusion, the show is a sweeping epic that aims to capture the heart and hardships of a critical period in American history. It appeals to history enthusiasts, fans of Westerns, and anyone interested in the birth of Texas as a crucible of character, battle, and nationhood. While it has been met with varied reception in terms of historical accuracy and narrative, Texas Rising undoubtedly brings a formative chapter of American history to vibrant, if not dramatized, life.