Abandons Review: Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey in a Gutted Western
Netflix’s “The Abandons” promised a thrilling, female-driven revisionist Western, spearheaded by powerhouse performances from Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey. However, the series, marred by behind-the-scenes turmoil and creative departures, ultimately falls short of its potential. While Anderson delivers a steely and captivating performance, the show itself feels rushed, spare, and strangely incomplete, leaving viewers with a sense of what could have been.
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The Premise and the Players
“The Abandons” is set in the Washington Territory of 1854, focusing on the power struggle between two formidable matriarchs in the frontier town of Angel’s Ridge. Constance Van Ness, portrayed by Gillian Anderson, controls the town’s mining interests and wields considerable influence over the local government. Her ambition is fueled by the potential silver vein in Jasper Hollow, land owned by Fiona Nolan, played by Lena Headey, and her adopted family.
Fiona Nolan, a Catholic woman of Irish descent, leads a diverse family of orphans on a ranch called “The Abandons.” She is fiercely protective of her land and unwilling to sell to Constance, leading to escalating tensions and a battle for the future of Angel’s Ridge. Other notable characters include Constance’s children, Willem, Garret, and Trisha, and Fiona’s adopted children, Elias, Dahlia, Albert, and Lilla, each grappling with their own challenges and secrets in this volatile environment.
A Storyline Hampered by Production Issues
The initial promise of “The Abandons” was significantly impacted by behind-the-scenes issues, most notably the departure of creator Kurt Sutter before the completion of filming. This resulted in a shortened season, reduced episode lengths, and a narrative that feels conspicuously truncated. The series, originally envisioned as a 10-episode arc, was cut to seven episodes, with several clocking in at under 40 minutes. This abrupt shift in production clearly affected the final product, leaving many plotlines underdeveloped and relationships feeling shallow.
The rushed pacing is particularly evident in the character development, especially within Fiona’s adopted family. The complexities of their relationships and individual backstories are largely unexplored, leaving viewers struggling to connect with them on a deeper level. For example, the racial dynamics within the family, with Albert being Black and Lilla being Native American, are barely touched upon, representing a missed opportunity to explore important themes of the era. The series hints at deeper issues, but fails to fully realize them due to the apparent lack of time and focus.
Gillian Anderson’s Performance: A Bright Spot
Despite the show’s shortcomings, Gillian Anderson delivers a compelling performance as Constance Van Ness. She embodies the ruthlessness and ambition of a woman determined to maintain her power in a lawless frontier. Anderson’s portrayal of Constance is steely and captivating, providing a glimpse of the complex character that could have been further explored with a more cohesive narrative. Her presence elevates the series, even as the surrounding story struggles to find its footing.
Lena Headey, while a capable actress, is somewhat overshadowed by Anderson’s presence and the underdeveloped script. Her character, Fiona Nolan, lacks the depth and complexity needed to fully engage the audience. The potential for a compelling rivalry between Constance and Fiona is present, but the series fails to fully capitalize on it, leaving viewers wanting more from their interactions.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity in the Wild West
“The Abandons” ultimately falls short of its potential as a gritty and engaging revisionist Western. While Gillian Anderson’s performance provides a compelling anchor, the series suffers from a rushed narrative, underdeveloped characters, and a sense of incompleteness stemming from behind-the-scenes issues. The show hints at a richer, more complex story, but ultimately abandons its own potential, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment and a longing for what could have been. It serves as a cautionary tale of how production challenges can derail even the most promising projects, despite the presence of talented actors and a compelling premise.
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