Netflix’s “The Abandons” Rides into a Crowded Western Landscape - But Does It Find Gold?
The Western is back, fueled by the void left by Yellowstone and Netflix’s aspiring push into the genre. But does Kurt Sutter’s latest,The Abandons,strike a chord,or get lost in the dust? Initial reactions are…mixed,to say the least. This review dives deep into the series, analyzing its strengths, weaknesses, and what it signals for the future of Westerns on streaming.
A Rocky Start: Critical Reception & Initial Performance
The Abandons arrived with a importent marketing push, boasting 50 million trailer views. Though, the critical response has been largely underwhelming. The show’s tonal shift – from sutter’s gritty biker world of Sons of Anarchy to a 1850s Oregon Trail saga – feels jarring to many.
Critics have pointed to a reliance on familiar tropes without offering much innovation. The Guardian lauded the “visually stunning” cinematography, while Time magazine delivered a scathing review, calling it “everything wrong with TV in 2025.” Currently holding a 42% Rotten Tomatoes score, it significantly underperforms compared to recent Western successes like Godless (94% RT) and The English (89% RT).
Early viewership numbers show 12 million hours watched in its first 72 hours,falling short of the blockbuster performance of Squid Game 2. While dedicated fans are buzzing on social media with #TheAbandons, its long-term survival in December’s crowded streaming landscape remains uncertain.
The Story: A Family on the Run, a Genre Under Scrutiny
The series follows the Ellis family – led by Cynthia (Lena Headey) and Ben (Emilio Estevez) – as they navigate the treacherous Oregon Trail, fleeing a violent past and seeking a new life.Their journey is fraught with peril, encountering Irish immigrant struggles, the anti-Catholic fervor of the know-Nothing Party, and the brutal realities of frontier life.
Though,The abandons struggles to fully grapple with the complex themes inherent in the Western genre. While it touches upon colonialism and the darker side of Manifest Destiny, it often prioritizes revenge narratives over deeper reflection. This reluctance to fully engage with the past context feels like a missed opportunity, especially given the success of shows like 1883 (89% RT) in confronting these issues.
visual Spectacle & Strong Performances
Despite its narrative shortcomings, the Abandons undeniably excels in its visual presentation. Filmed in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island, the series convincingly portrays the rugged beauty and harshness of the Oregon Trail.
Here’s what stands out:
* Cinematography: Director Cherie Nowlan captures stunning imagery – mist-shrouded forests, rushing rivers, and dusty trails.
* Production Design: From authentic period firearms to mud-caked wagons and meticulously crafted western boots, the attention to detail is impressive, evoking the atmosphere of Deadwood.
* Score: Lorne Balfe’s music blends customary folk instruments with ominous strings, creating a compelling soundscape.
* Action Sequences: Episodes 3 and 5 deliver genuinely thrilling moments,including a visceral saloon brawl and a tense courtroom standoff.
Lena Headey delivers a compelling performance as Myra, a fractured and steadfast matriarch. Emilio Estevez provides a solid, grounded presence as Ben. The cast’s chemistry is a definite highlight, and a key reason why many viewers are finding the series engaging.
Sutter’s Vision vs. Algorithmic Demands
The abandons raises crucial questions about the creative process in the age of streaming. kurt Sutter, known for his uncompromising vision with Sons of Anarchy, reportedly clashed with Netflix over creative direction, leading to a writers’ room exit.
This situation highlights the tension between auteur-driven storytelling and the data-driven demands of streaming algorithms. Some speculate that Netflix’s algorithm may have pushed for compromises, resulting in underdeveloped subplots and a less nuanced narrative. This echoes concerns about “selective scrutiny” within the media, as highlighted in recent reporting.
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