‘The Abandons’ Review: Netflix Western Is Half-Hearted

Review: “The Abandons” on Netflix

“The Abandons” is a new Western series on Netflix that promises an epic tale set in 19th-century Washington. With sprawling scenery and a promising premise, the show follows the rivalry between widowed mining mogul Constance Van Ness (Gillian Anderson) and devout Irishwoman Fiona Nolan (Lena Headey). However, despite its potential, the series falls short in execution, feeling thin and compressed in its storytelling.

Creator Kurt Sutter’s departure from the show before filming wrapped, along with a reduction in episodes from ten to just seven, leaves “The Abandons” feeling incomplete. The underserved protagonists, including Fiona’s ragtag crew in Jasper’s Hollow, lack sufficient development, making the show’s foundation shaky.

While the series focuses on the rivalry between Constance and Fiona, played convincingly by Anderson and Headey respectively, it neglects the ensemble cast. The characters of Albert, Lilla Belle, Dahlia, and Elias remain underexplored, leaving the viewer wanting more depth and backstory.

Despite its flaws, “The Abandons” shines in its portrayal of the two antiheroines and their fierce dynamic. Headey and Anderson deliver strong performances, adding depth to their complex characters. The show also explores themes of family, power, and survival in the Old West, albeit with some missed opportunities in character development.

Overall, “The Abandons” falls short of its ambitious premise. While it showcases strong performances from its lead actors and offers glimpses of a compelling story, the series struggles to fully realize its potential. Despite its shortcomings, fans of Western dramas may still find some enjoyment in the show.

All seven episodes of “The Abandons” are now streaming on Netflix.