Overview
- Netflix released the seven-episode Western on Dec. 4.
- Set in 1854 Washington Territory, the story tracks rival matriarchs played by Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey.
- Critics at Newsday and The Observer fault the writing, pacing and cohesion, with several noting Anderson’s effective villainy.
- Some reviews criticize Headey’s performance and the show’s crowded character roster, describing the tone as soapy and uneven.
- People reports the series is not based on a true story, with creator Kurt Sutter citing inspiration from the origins of La Cosa Nostra and period use of the term “the abandons,” and The Observer notes Sutter withdrew over reported creative differences as Otto Bathurst directed the version now streaming.