The latest Netflix Top 10 list has sparked debate, as critics are questioning why one particular show landed in the number two spot. Many are calling it overly long, annoying, and unrealistic. They also feel the show fails to utilize its talented cast, featuring awkward conversations, a weakly developed storyline, and an unnecessary amount of animal violence.
Netflix’s new Western, The Abandons, starring Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey, has quickly become a talking point – and not necessarily for the right reasons. The series focuses on a bitter rivalry between two strong families, each headed by formidable women, that escalates into violence. While it shares similarities with the classic feud of the Hatfields and McCoys, and aims to explore themes of class, gender, and family in the Old West, it hasn’t quite hit the mark with critics. Currently, it holds a low 24% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Pippa Bailey of New Statesman notes that after just three episodes, the show feels predictable and lacks the dark atmosphere and suspense that define the best Westerns.
Despite A Compelling Story, The Abandons Never Stood A Chance
Production of the show was troubled, with creator Kurt Sutter departing before completion and Netflix ultimately reducing the episode count from ten to seven. Like Sutter’s previous work – shows like The Shield, Sons of Anarchy, and Mayans M.C. – it’s very violent, but prioritizes shocking brutality over character development and a compelling setting. While the two lead actresses, Anderson and Headey, give decent performances as Constance Van Ness and Fiona Nolan, even their characters’ storylines feel incomplete. According to Clint Worthington of Roger Ebert, the show largely relies on familiar Western themes, briefly touching on the tense relationship between settlers and Native Americans (with Michael Greyeyes delivering a strong performance) and the challenges faced by formerly enslaved Black people. However, these important issues often feel secondary to the melodramatic conflicts between Headey and Anderson’s families, which aren’t particularly engaging.
A Reddit user expressed disappointment with the show, saying they initially wanted to enjoy it because of the interesting premise and talented cast. However, they found the dialogue to be strange and inconsistent, shifting between overly formal, flowery language, modern slang, and awkward profanity. They felt the characters lacked personality and that the plot felt rushed and unresolved by the end. While the cliffhanger ending piqued their curiosity, they’re hesitant to rewatch the series, as they didn’t feel connected to any of the characters despite their potential. They wished the show had explored the characters with more depth and nuance.
It’s disappointing that The Abandons didn’t quite live up to its potential, especially with such a talented cast and a promising story. However, it’s surprisingly become the second most popular show on Netflix and continues to stay there.
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2025-12-07 21:43