“The Abandons” Review: A Thin and Incomplete Western Series
In the era of TV shows that tend to drag on for far too long, “The Abandons” stands out for its surprisingly thin and compressed storytelling. Set in 19th-century Washington and filmed in Alberta, the Netflix Western series suffers from a rushed production process that resulted in a shortened episode order and an abrupt finale. Created by Kurt Sutter, who left the show before filming was completed, “The Abandons” fails to fully develop its intriguing premise, leaving viewers frustrated and wanting more.
The series revolves around the rivalry between widowed mining mogul Constance Van Ness (Gillian Anderson) and devout Irishwoman Fiona Nolan (Lena Headey). As Constance seeks to acquire the land owned by Fiona and her adopted clan, tensions escalate, leading to a violent confrontation that sets the stage for a bloody feud. While the dynamic between the two lead characters is compelling, the supporting cast of “The Abandons” is left underdeveloped, with key characters like Dahlia and Lilla Belle lacking depth and backstory.
Despite its shortcomings, “The Abandons” shines in its portrayal of the two antiheroines, with Anderson and Headey delivering strong performances as formidable women with conflicting agendas. The series offers a refreshing take on the “women in the Old West” concept, although it falls short in its execution of other elements. From a lackluster credits sequence to uneven character development, “The Abandons” struggles to live up to its potential as a revisionist period piece.
While the series has its flaws, it still manages to captivate viewers with its intense drama and compelling performances. As the story of “The Abandons” unfolds, viewers are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the resolution of the feud between Constance and Fiona. Despite its shortcomings, “The Abandons” is worth a watch for fans of Western dramas and strong female leads.
All seven episodes of “The Abandons” are now available for streaming on Netflix.
