The Last Frontier Review: Jason Clarke Stars in Snowy, Predictable Thriller

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Apple TV+’s new drama, *The Last Frontier*, created by Jon Bokenkamp and Richard D’Ovidio, has a big scope. The show is set in Alaska and begins with a plane crash that scatters 52 federal prisoners into the wild. This event dramatically changes the life of a tough U.S. Marshal and his family. It’s a thriller focused on law and order with elements of espionage, likely to appeal to genre fans, but it doesn’t really break new ground. Aside from the Alaskan setting, *The Last Frontier* doesn’t offer much that viewers haven’t seen before.

Filming this series was tough on everyone involved, as they shot on location in the cold, rugged Canadian north. However, the challenging conditions were worth it, because the breathtaking scenery really adds to the show’s feeling of remoteness, which is crucial to the story. If the show wasn’t set in such a desolate and resource-limited place, the central conflicts could have been easily resolved. While the series features exciting action, it often feels like a loving nod to classic action films. For example, the plane crash is similar to *Con Air*, and a chase scene echoes a famous stunt from *Jurassic Park: The Lost World*. Early on, Jason Clarke’s character delivers a speech strikingly similar to Tommy Lee Jones’s in *The Fugitive*, and the climactic fight scene feels familiar as well. This carries over to the characters themselves. While their backgrounds and motivations are revealed gradually, fans of action-thrillers will quickly recognize their familiar roles. They sometimes even speak in clichés, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The Last Frontier’s Biggest Hurdle Is Predictable Spectacle and a Hard-to-Believe Premise

People who enjoy a particular type of story often look for recognizable themes and exciting moments, and that’s a big part of what they love. Some shows, like *The Last Frontier*, embrace these elements. However, the first episode of this series presents a challenge for viewers. While the plane crash that kicks off the story is visually impressive, it requires a significant leap of faith. It’s not just that the pilots manage to land on frozen ground – similar to the famous Hudson River landing. The unbelievable part is seeing guards and prisoners ejected from a hole in the plane, with the main villain somehow fighting his way to the cockpit, even while blindfolded.

One of the few genuinely surprising moments in *The Last Frontier* happens when Frank and his team of U.S. Marshals arrive at the crash site – but not in a good way. It’s surprising because the characters behave illogically. The show relies on very simple stereotypes: the cops are always good, and the criminals are purely evil, never shown as complex people. Whenever anyone finds a surviving prisoner, they immediately attack with animalistic fury. Conversely, Frank and those around him are portrayed as honest, hardworking people, while outsiders like Sidney Scofield are depicted as out of touch and unable to understand their way of life.

Thankfully, *The Last Frontier* moves beyond a simple fugitive-catching plot. Like many police dramas, some officers bend the rules while believing they’re doing the right thing. The show portrays law enforcement as generally good people – with only the politicians depicted as flawed – and the criminals as truly deserving of punishment. Viewers expecting the series to offer a fresh, nuanced perspective on morality in the Alaskan wilderness will be disappointed. However, if you’re looking for a straightforward story with clear heroes and villains, you’ll likely find *The Last Frontier* entertaining.

Viewers Have Seen The Last Frontier’s Characters Countless Times Before

Most action-thrillers revolve around a central mystery, but the key is that the characters themselves are kept in the dark. The relationship between Frank and Sidney feels familiar, mirroring patterns seen in many other stories. The main villain isn’t simply evil; they believe in a cause, even if their actions are extreme. Characters like Bradford and Hutch are exactly as perceptive viewers will expect. Unlike shows focused on twists and turns, *The Last Frontier* prioritizes forward momentum and keeps the story progressing.

The movie features a strong cast of well-known and talented actors, including Dominic Cooper, Clifton Collins Jr., Rusty Schwimmer, Gray Powell, and Johnny Knoxville. Even the lesser-known performers deliver impressive performances. Ten-year-old Luca Thunberg is particularly remarkable, shining in a scene where his character reveals a surprisingly gentle side. Any shortcomings the characters have aren’t due to the acting – the performers make the most of the material they’re given.

The show isn’t entirely predictable; it has a few unexpected turns and characters who face difficult choices. How much you enjoy those moments will probably depend on how you feel about the characters themselves. While you might guess the general direction of a character’s story, the specific details are still fun to watch unfold. It’s enough that the characters *within* the show are kept guessing, even if the audience isn’t fooled. There’s a certain satisfaction in seeing characters behave as you expected – or hoped – they would, just like with familiar storylines.

The Last Frontier Has Nothing New to Say, and That Seems to Be the PointThe Last Frontier

As a movie buff, one thing I really appreciate is when a show lets its characters be… well, people. In *The Last Frontier*, even when the ‘good guys’ make questionable choices, you’re not supposed to feel *bad* about it – *they* are. And the ‘bad guys’ are just that – bad, without a lot of hand-wringing over their motivations. But the show throws a wrench in that simple good vs. evil setup with all the spy stuff. The real drama comes from the messy gray areas where everyone operates. Thankfully, by the end of the season, everything clicks – you understand what happened and *why*. It’s not about *what* the characters do, it’s about *why* they do it, and the show really focuses on that.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, entertaining story, you’ll probably enjoy this show. However, if you’re hoping for something that challenges traditional ideas about right and wrong, you might be disappointed. Your enjoyment of the characters will likely depend on whether you agree with their values. It’s ironic that the actors’ convincing performances might actually make you dislike characters who hold different beliefs. Despite this, the show is internally consistent – even if you disagree with what happens, everything feels logical and believable.

The Last Frontier will premiere with two episodes on October 10, 2025, and new episodes will be released every Friday on Apple TV+.

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2025-10-10 04:10