Netflix’s The Abandons Review: Lena Headey vs. Gillian Anderson in the Western Showdown We Didn’t Know We Needed
- Je-Ree
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Netflix has a new Western on its hands, and trust us The Abandons is not your standard shoot‑’em‑up frontier drama. With Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson going toe-to-toe as rival matriarchs, the series delivers intrigue, betrayal, romance, and enough action to keep even the most jaded streaming fan on the edge of their couch. If you’ve been craving a Western with teeth, brains, and heart, this is it.
Set in the lawless Washington Territory of 1854, The Abandons tells the story of two families locked in a brutal fight over land, legacy, and survival. On one side, Headey’s Fiona Nolan, a fiercely protective matriarch who built a “found family” of orphans and outcasts will stop at nothing to defend her home. On the other, Anderson’s Constance Van Ness, head of a wealthy mining dynasty, is determined to expand her power by any means necessary. When these two forces collide, sparks fly figuratively and sometimes literally.
What makes The Abandons stand out from the endless parade of period dramas is its commitment to strong female leads. Headey and Anderson are evenly matched, delivering performances that balance intensity, cunning, and vulnerability. Their rivalry is magnetic, and every scene between them feels like a masterclass in on-screen power dynamics. Supporting characters fill in the world with compelling depth, rounding out a script that balances emotional stakes with pulse-pounding tension.
Yes, there are a few slower episodes that feel like the storytelling brakes have been lightly applied, but the series more than makes up for it with twists, betrayals, and moments of sheer jaw-dropping drama. It’s a show that keeps you guessing who will come out on top by the season finale and it does so while layering in themes of family, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
The production is largely impressive. Cinematography captures the harsh beauty of the 19th-century frontier, while costume design and set work bring the world to life. The one notable weak spot is the CGI, which occasionally feels a bit off in an otherwise visually rich environment. But this is a minor quibble in a series that otherwise succeeds on almost every front.
For fans of Yellowstone and other modern Western dramas, The Abandons is Netflix’s answer to the genre: gritty, stylish, and driven by morally complex characters. It’s a series that rewards attention, thanks to layered storytelling and the kind of character interplay that elevates it above standard streaming fare.
The Abandons is a wild, addictive ride from start to finish. With Headey and Anderson leading the charge, the show delivers a high-stakes battle over land and legacy that’s both thrilling and emotionally resonant. While a few technical missteps exist, they’re barely noticeable when the narrative momentum and acting are this strong. Season two can’t come soon enough, because after this seven‑episode whirlwind, you’re left wanting more of these matriarchs and their chaotic, beautifully rendered frontier world.
For viewers craving a Western that combines brains, brawn, and the occasional romantic twist, Netflix’s The Abandons is a must-watch. Keep your eyes glued to the screen and your hands ready for popcorn because this isn’t just a Western, it’s a full-on matriarchal showdown that proves the frontier has never been more exciting.
Rating: ★★★★☆