“The Abandons”: A Misfire in Western Storytelling on Netflix

Netflix’s latest series, The Abandons, has drawn significant criticism since its launch. Created by Kurt Sutter, known for his work on Sons of Anarchy, the show presents a tale of two matriarchal families navigating the harsh landscape of the American West. However, it has failed to resonate with critics and audiences alike, leaving many questioning the decision to bring this story to the screen.

The series centers around the fictional town of Angels Ridge, set in the mid-19th century, where two families vie for control over a valuable silver-rich land parcel. The narrative is led by Gillian Anderson as Constance Van Ness, the ambitious owner of the main mine, and Lena Headey as Fiona Nolan, a devoted Irish Catholic determined to protect her family’s interests. Despite this promising premise, the execution has been widely panned.

Critics have noted that Sutter’s departure from the project merely weeks before its completion raised concerns about its quality. Official statements cited “creative differences,” leading to a significant reduction in the planned episodes from ten to seven, some barely reaching 38 minutes. The rushed development is evident, as the storyline feels disjointed and underdeveloped.

While many contemporary series face criticism for overly lengthy episodes, The Abandons flips this expectation on its head. Viewers are left with a hurried narrative that skips critical character development and emotional depth, culminating in a climactic finale that feels overly exaggerated and disconnected from the preceding plot.

Sutter aimed to create a female-led narrative reminiscent of Deadwood, showcasing the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society. Yet, the show frequently falls into clichés, presenting a simplistic “Romeo and Juliet” story between the two feuding families rather than a compelling exploration of their motivations and struggles. The characters, including the supporting cast, feel one-dimensional, with their arcs failing to evolve meaningfully throughout the series.

Moreover, both Anderson and Headey have expressed their enthusiasm for portraying complex female characters in traditional Western roles, yet even their performances cannot salvage the narrative shortcomings. Headey remarked on the unique opportunity to explore such roles, emphasizing the importance of female perspectives in a genre typically dominated by male characters.

The series also attempts to address broader themes, such as the conflict between two cultural identities—Protestant and Catholic—but these metaphors often come across as superficial, lacking the depth needed to engage viewers on a meaningful level. Instead of creating a rich tapestry of life in the American West, the series opts for visual spectacle, using CGI to create landscapes and livestock that detract from the storytelling.

Despite the potential for compelling drama, The Abandons ultimately feels like a misstep for Netflix, which invested significant resources into a project that now appears to lack coherence and substance. The show’s release raises questions about the streaming giant’s direction, especially as it recently absorbed HBO into its portfolio, prompting speculation about what this means for future content.

In conclusion, while The Abandons showcases notable talent and ambition, it ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying viewing experience. The rushed production and lack of a cohesive narrative leave audiences longing for the complexity and richness that characterize successful Western dramas. As Netflix continues to explore the genre, it remains to be seen how this foray will influence its future projects.

Rating: 1.5/5.