Overview
- Netflix released the seven-episode Western on Dec. 4, starring Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey as rival widowed matriarchs in 1854 Washington Territory.
- Initial reviews lean negative, with Newsday calling the series a misfire for lurching, incoherent writing, muddy action and indistinguishable supporting characters.
- Anderson’s icy portrayal of Constance is widely highlighted as a standout, with coverage noting it is her first time playing a self-described “baddie.”
- Other critiques focus on tone and performance, with The Observer describing a soapy feel and singling out Headey’s accent and characterization for inconsistency.
- The story is fictional but draws on creator Kurt Sutter’s interest in the origins of La Cosa Nostra; Sutter later withdrew over creative differences and Otto Bathurst directed the seven-episode run.