Damnation (2017–2018) User Reviews

Waited until the season was over to review

[karenholmes-04495 · 9/10 · 22 January 2018]

I measure how well done a show is by whether or not I think about it in the days between episodes. This is one of those rare shows that caused me to think about it with anticipation. Damnation will definitely be on my short list of new favorites. The character development drives the story. I took off a star because the pacing wasn't perfect, but for the most part it was spot on.

I do not usually review shows, but I decided to review this one because I was surprised that the overall user rating was so low for the quality of the series. As I suspected, when I read other user reviews I saw that they lowballed it because they do not agree with the political slant, as a result it jaundiced the overall rating. The acting was well done, the cinematography is first rate, I adored the costuming and sets. Basically, I do not understand how anyone could give this show a 1 star because they do not agree with the politics. Do yourself a favor and watch for yourself and decide, unless of course you are too much of a snowflake to watch programming that disagrees with your political views.

Just saw this on Netflix...

[nickpalos · 9/10 · 13 November 2018]

Wish Netflix would order another season. I'm hooked just to find out it was cancelled.

Good period drama to understand/mirror the present.

[davidtalburtt · 9/10 · 22 November 2017]

If you liked "Deadwood" you might like "Damnation." Both "Damnation" and "Deadwood" are about power politics and corruption in western settings, "Deadwood" being set in the 19th Century Gilded Age in South Dakota, "Damnation" set in rural Iowa during the Great Depression (1931). FYI, the writers and director of "Damnation" have worked on projects like "Longmire" and "Office Space." The writing is well done (if brutal), and the acting excellent. Filmed in Calgary, Alberta, the scenery passes well enough for some parts of Iowa.

One of the differences between the two series is that "Damnation" is, while set in the past, deliberately intends to comment on our current state of affairs in the early 21st Century. The 1930's, like our time now, was a time when the economy failed millions, institutions such as the press, law enforcement and the courts appeared to have been corrupted, and the answers to these problems seemed they could only be solved by revolutions either by the extreme right or the extreme left. The comparisons can be taken a little far: one character, representing the "Big Business" interests coming after the small farmers, reveals that the interests he represents wants to eventually kick the farmers off their land to not only mechanize agriculture, but also mechanize factories and warfare (I think with our fears of Artificial Intelligence, this is more a fear of our time than the 1930's).

Another difference between "Deadwood" and "Damnation" is that the ruthless business interests are actively being opposed. The farmers are attempting to unionize and strike to protect themselves (though two of the main characters, who are the main labor organizers, would likely really prefer a workers revolution). Also, media like the investigative press and radio may also end up playing part in opposing "Big Business" and their enforcers. So far however, the local paper in "Damnation" is covering up the attempt to drive the small farmers off their land by price fixing and violence by strikebreakers.

The USA Network provides excellent video interviews with the director and writers, who make clear this is their intent. "To understand the present, go back to the past," one of the writers says, or that the series, while set in the 1930's "Mirrors the Past (director Adam Kane)." USA also provides a couple of good mini-documentaries "Legacy of the Heartland: The One Thousand" and "Legacy of the Heartland: War of Words." The documentaries and the interviews put the characters and the action in better context, and really make this interesting, well thought out series more understandable.

How Could anyone cancel this show??!!

[julesfdelorme · 10/10 · 20 February 2018]

As it stands right now, there will be no second season of Damnation. And that might well cause many people not to bother watching this series. But Netflix has demonstrated that it is no better than the traditional television networks at placing quality at or near the top of the list of priorities when it comes to maintaining or cancelling its programs. Fans of Dirk Gently, which Netflix has also cancelled, will attest to this. Damnation and Dirk Gently join a long list of excellent television series, such as Deadwood, The Black Donnellys or My Name is Earl which were cut off by boardroom executives who probably never even bothered to watch these shows, who place endless increase in ratings above all other things, who believe that a show's worth can be measured in nothing else but numbers. You should watch Damnation. You should watch it and, if you think that it is a show that deserves far better than it received, then you should let Netflix know that they were wrong in cancelling it. You should do the same for Dirk Gently and any other Netflix series that you think deserves to be allowed to continue. Because, unlike traditional networks, Netflix, and the USA network, from which the show actually originates, is completely dependent on its subscribers, who may not be able to work miracles, but if enough speak out may well be able to resurrect the recently dead. You should also watch Damnation just because it is so damn good. It has a brooding power which will cause inevitable comparison to Carnivale (Yes, another superb yet prematurely cancelled series) and Hell On Wheels. The two lead actors, Logan Marshall-Green and Killian Scott are almost certainly going to be in a neck and neck race as to who becomes the next major superstar/ male idol. Green could easily be cast as Tom Hardy's brother. In fact in some shots you might swear that it is Tom Hardy. Scott could easily be cast as Travis Fimmel, Ragnar from Vikings' brother. And both actors have that kind of smoldering intensity and flawless acting ability that makes it hard to believe that they could ever not end up being stars. The entire cast is in fact superb. It even includes Christopher Heyerdahl, who Hell on Wheels fans will remember as The Swede, one of the strangest and creepiest villains of all time. Damnation is just flat out great. Set in the Depression era, the story is set around the conflict between a farmer organizing preacher, played by Scott, the forces that want to prevent the farmers from organizing, including a strikebreaking cowboy, played chillingly by Green, and a corrupt sheriff played by Heyerdahl. But none of that is what makes Damnation so good. It is the superb tension and complexity of character, the darkly powerful intensity that makes this a series well worth watching, even if there isn't going to be another season. Watch Damnation. You'll see what I mean. And then, like me, you'll almost certainly want to send the mindless suits that cancelled this show to burn forever in... Well. Damnation.

Season 2 Please!!!

[joeandsarita · 10/10 · 26 April 2018]

Really enjoyed the first season, it was one of those shows that really grows on you. Now at the end of the first season I'm hungry for more, please keep this awesome TV show alive!

I Love This Show!!!

[talayo · 10/10 · 16 November 2017]

I was anticipating this show since I saw the first trailer. The show has been off to a great start and I can't wait to see how the story line progresses. Logan Marshall-Green & Killian Scott were great picks for their roles. I also appreciate that the role of Bessie is being played by a beautiful woman of color. I will be so disappointed if this show is not renewed.

USA's answer to Peaky Blinders

[howellsey · 10/10 · 17 February 2019]

Just finished watching this on Netflix in the UK and I am both perplexed and severely disappointed that this did not get commissioned for a 2nd series.

Its a classic morality play, but with two differences/enhancements. One, it contains a decent narrative surrounding the politics of the time that a more simplistic series would ignore, and two, I have seldom watched a series with such tremendous strength in depth of leads. Seriously - whatever the Director did to enable these performances should be applauded.

The most prevalent 7 or 8 actors all bring their A game. There is nothing to separate them. Not one moment which elevates one above the other - all simply sublime. And the dialogue they get is excellent. My biggest pet hate is shoddy dialogue. Once I've winced a few times at either unnatural dialogue, or dialogue where the viewer is treated like an idiot (yes designated survivor, I'm talking about you), you've lost me. This managed to stay riveting but doesn't cut corners or - worse - becomes self indulgent rubbish. Perfectly balanced, perfectly paced. And wonderful cinematography too by the way.

I haven't felt this burned since Carnivale wasn't renewed, but the second series did stray from the path a little, so I kind of get that, if not condone it. This has been cruelly snuffed out in its prime.

Seth and Crealy had massive potential to have been cult icons. Who knew what this was building up to!! And ref my headline comment, this had all the makings of an American equivalent to Peaky Blinders. It deals with a complicated relationship between brothers, it has its basis in historical fact, its brutal on occasion, it deals with the harshness of the day very well, the characters are essentially anti-heroes with many redeeming qualities, excellent dialogue, nail biting twists and turns, fantastic ensemble .... I can't believe the execs decided it wasn't worth renewing.

I so hope another network picks this up....

Enjoyable

[fishwhisperer-31845 · 7/10 · 21 May 2020]

Yes, I enjoyed this show. A lot of the negative reviews here are based on a purely political nature. Sadly, like events today, you have people who can only see one side of a topic. Yes, you do have a Socialist/Communist ideal from the side of the preacher, but you also have greedy capitalists driving down prices and taking people's homes, and a media who is unwilling to report the facts. Always two sides to every story. If you cant see that, like this show you'll miss out on a lot.

Enjoyable first episode

[jcgp · 8/10 · 9 November 2017]

Firstly this show is not one of my favorite genres and I decided to give it a watch because I didn't have anything else to watch.

Killian Scott takes one of the lead roles in the show, I recognized him straight away from the excellent RTE drama Love / Hate, he didn't quite have the American accent down but I am sure it will come in time.

Also the brilliant Logan Marshall-Green stars as the main protagonist, I remember him from an old drama called Traveler and more recently in the brilliant Quarry.

I wasn't expecting much from it at all and it started a little slowly but it soon gathered pace.

There are a couple of clever twists and turns in the show and the character development is clever.

I recommend giving this show a chance, the low score would normally have put me off and so I am glad I watched it anyway.

Great show

[tendal · 5 December 2017]

Love this show! In fact sooo much that I watch it twice during the week. The directing,the scenes, and mostly the acting are superb.I can barely swallow while watching. The plot to date is intriguing detailing how some oppressed folks struggled against power.Good lesson in American history that some may not realize. LOVE IT.

Damnation...

[handsomebwonderfull · 7/10 · 17 August 2018]

I wanted to like this more than I did. The acting was quite well done all around and I usually find period pieces very interesting. That is to say if they are done accurately. I read another review here comparing Damnation to HBO's Deadwood, and I actual caught myself laughing out loud. Deadwood in my opinion is a masterpiece, and is the series I use to judge all others by. It is the epitome of historical accuracy, and although It did take some liberties here and there it never left you scratching your head in disbelief.

Damnation's one major flaw that I had a hard time getting passed was with the African American characters. Their acting was more than adicuite, and never felt contrived, but seriously whoever wrote their parts is utterly ridiculous! For instance... The strikebreaker played by Logan Marshall-Green is in the brothel holding up a homemade quilted sign which had something very disrespectful, and insulting stitched into it. The idea being to suss out which if any of the whores could read. So he shows this sign to a room full of whores who are all White except for one Black woman. Honestly as soon as I saw this unfolding I started secretly praying to myself for the show to please not be so predictable as to make the only literate whore of all those women the Black one. I mean this is supposed to be a period piece after all, but they went ahead with it anyways, despite my prayers to the contrary.

For any extremely politically correct, social justice types that may, or may not be reading this... I'm not trying to say that it's impossible for a Black woman living in the 1930's in the American heartland to read, but I am saying that the odds of her being the only one in that room which was full of White women is just poor writing to say the least, and from a statistically standpoint highly unlikely. They pull this historically inaccurate nonsense again a few episodes later when a group of about 20 or more farmers are on a bridge tasked with making sure no trucks with produce get through to town. The one Black man there is captivating the rest by telling a less than flattering story about one of the White men and when he's done with his story he gives the guy a good shove on the shoulder as though they were the best of friends. This is supposed to be Iowa in the 1930's and this guy is acting like he's Eddie Murphy, or Will Smith at a weekend BBQ in 2018 with his closest friends. Again, not the actors fault...he did a fine job following the script, and acting the part he was given, but come on, give me a break, it just would not have happened. He would have been lynched for his story alone, if not the shove on the shoulder. Later in this same episode both the farmers and the bankers come together to discuss terms. Sitting at the table representing the farmers side is the same Black man. He's there with a White guy and the preacher, but again in what reality would a Black man in America, in the 30's be speaking for, and negotiating for White men...it just wouldn't happen.

The show does include the black legion which were a type of KKK militia of the time. It seriously makes me wonder why the writers would even bother to contradict reality with the aforementioned examples only to later try showing us the viewers how racist America actually was in the early 1900's.

So the cinematography and acting in Damnation are quite well done, but the writing, and historical inaccuracies leave much to be desired. Netflix squandered it's opportunity of providing it's viewers with a diligent period piece...Given the topic this really could have been so much more if it were only handled better, but all in all still a worthwhile watch.... 7 out of 10.

Season 2 PLEASE!

[MazzyMayhem-117-544511 · 9/10 · 25 March 2021]

I binge watched Damnation during lockdown and thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't believe it passed me by when first released, but then lockdown has given most of us a bit more time on our hands. The first couple of episodes were a little slow, which is why I gave it 9 stars. However, the storyline and action ramped up after this making Damnation an action packed series. The acting was top notch, especially the brothers, Seth and Creeley. I really hope Netflix commissions another series.

An American Peaky Blinder

[tecnodata · 7/10 · 12 June 2021]

Well done, entertaining and clearly inspired and trying to score on by Peaky Blinder's success. Even the music seems interchangeable.

But the main actor, Killian Scott, is not quite impressive and well cast as Cillian Murphy. They went to a great extent to find a similar looking actor but Murphy's persona is quite more believable. Logan Marshall-Green as Creely, provides a better performance but not quite as memorable as Paul Anderson (Arthur Shelby). In some ways Marshall-Green overtakes Killian Scott's as the main character but I guess that's what the authors decided once they were faced with the miscast of the main actor.

Marshall-Green kind of unfinished and at times unbelievable killer role is somehow justified by his childhood.

Rendering the early twenties ambiance and colors was not going to be easy, they make a good show of the car models available then, but Formica-covered table were not common in 1924 and in the same year people could not talk of Penicillin which would only be discovered in 1928 and become available as a medicine In 1942.

My best votes go to Heyerdahl and Bobbi Charlton both memorable in their roles.

I don't understand how anyone could think this is a good TV series

[gerfalcon7 · 3/10 · 15 December 2018]

If you know anything about plot or characterization, I don't know how you could possibly think this series has any merit. The characters are utterly implausible. And the plot is so utterly contrived, it seems to me the writer or writers consulted one of the popular screenwriting books and followed it verbatim without considering the fact that one's characters should resemble human beings in at least some regards. Any class on dramatic writing will explain how there needs to be conflict between characters, conflict within a character, character paradoxes, plots that have an obstacle/solution, obstacle/solution structure to keep the viewer wondering what will happen next. But if you were to see a pirate quoting Shakespeare and working for the red cross, you would probably think you were watching a satire about dramatic structure. There's no pirate working for the Red Cross, but if there had been one in this series, he or she would fit right in. It's a shame too. Because there is a lot of acting talent in the film that goes utterly to waste. To be any more explicit would be to reveal specifics about the plot and characters. To boot, the dialogue is very mediocre, alternating wooden construction with deadening dullness.

Reflection of our current state

[Michelle-654-554040 · 9/10 · 22 February 2018]

While the corrupt 1% have been around prior to the 1930's, their efforts started to escalate around the 1920's, and it's clear this great TV show is a representation of that time, and of course our current state of affairs.

Corrupt government, mainstream media, cops, banks, the elite controlling the people, and the list goes on.

It's a good show that raises just some of the key issues we are facing today, so I applaud USA Network for having the gumption to air it.

It's no wonder the series was canceled. The powers that BE will NOT let the truth out, which is why I recommend to all that you start watching alternative news on YouTube channels and ditch fake news which is mainstream media (MSM.)

Coming together as one is KEY to overturning the criminals who run not just America, but the world.

Can't wait for SERIES 2, But I hear they're not making it. Missed a trick there boys

[roybamford-84418 · 10/10 · 5 February 2018]

I'm not normally given to writing reviews but I felt I must to counter the low scores, and low score mis-guided reviews. I watched on NETFLIX so unless it was edited... well... I'm not altogether sure what these people want, someone wrote "I was hoping for something really gritty. Dust bowl sand in your teeth gritty... ...and a little murder on the side. You get a lot of that. Someone else referred to 'soft porn', there were a couple of sex scenes, fully clothed - no nipple or bare bum at any time, and just proves you don't need it. Someone else was bemoaning the plot having concentrated on the commies being good guys, it's a DRAMA NOT A DOCUMENTARY. So, my advice ignore the reviews and watch it yourself. However I would say; some of the plot is telegraphed and therefore expected, but this does not detract from the overall enjoyment. Of the 10 episodes Fri; Sat; Sun 3;4;3. In short I couldn't put it down. I hope they make a second series, but I hear it wasn't well received. PLEASE MAKE A SECOND SERIES.

GODLESS IS ANOTHER GOOD SHOW, If you liked that you'll like this.

This is the good stuff

[russell-307 · 9/10 · 19 November 2017]

Notice that the only bad reviews are written by people with weird political issues.

Outstanding series, I assume not historically accurate because it's *fiction* but really pulls me in. Very well made: acting, directing, cinematography and even music, which is an important and often-poorly-done element for TV series.

Watch it!

Why O why, only 1 series?

[jonnoble-76991 · 10/10 · 14 July 2020]

This is an excellent, intelligent series that a thinking person can enjoy. I came to Damnation late and it is so much better than the usual rubbishy that seems to have endless series. Would love to see more. One of the best I have seen in years.

Censorship

[info-94565 · 24 February 2021]

Just like "Messiah", the neo-liberal board @ Netflix won't give us a 2nd season. This is clear censorship. Last time I looked, the West is not communist, so why the censorship? It's not a coincidence that controversial documentaries and movies don't make it to 2nd season. And why can't I watch Oliver Stone films on Netflix?

Damnation, puny not.

[Uberlim · 6/10 · 19 November 2017]

So much soft porn, it oughta b blamed for making teens become gigolos pimps & whores. I know they say sex sells, but they're already selling sex. Also there's a preacher, a cowboy, a black woman, white women, & lots of soft porn, that seems to try articulating the story, but nay, comes off more as a show designated for pervs, no accusations, Spartacus or Game of Thrones got criticized for their showers of flesh, & i highly doubt this will even bother them critics. Personally, & this might be mean, but totally felt it was a waste of efforts, bandwidth & hertzs. 6/10 cuz i'm in a good mood & it's obvious it could have been something good, interesting, like say..."Justified", But so far it ain't, anyway, u have everyright not to take my word on it , every piece of art deserves chances & i ain't 1 to gamble :]

(cuz if everybody f***d everybody on the first episode, maybe they'll have something else to do on the next ones)

great show

[sjduskin · 10/10 · 19 January 2018]

Great characters, progressive themes. well written in every episode

Really like

[Headturner1 · 7/10 · 26 April 2020]

I watched it for Killian Scott ( loved Dublin murders). Not my type of genre. But it's extremely well acted and filmed. Those going on about Scott's accent I think he does well. Sounds like Farrell when he does an American accent. Those going on about how it isn't factual( it's fiction) and too much soft porn lmao! I have one episode left and I guess they left it open ended ( which I'm not thilled with) but I've turned off a bunch of series 1 episode in and this to me I like better than " Love and hate". Wish I could have gotten into it since it's an Irish series but any ways thoroughly enjoyed! Well done!

Watched it again... I'm giving it a 10

[suzihands · 10/10 · 7 March 2020]

As an older woman who loves Western Action movies, I have to say I loved this. I have watched it all the way through twice and still I found myself yelling at the TV, 'Shoot him' and 'Nooooo'. I revered most of the characters and despised the ones who deserved such emotion. I thoroughly enjoy watching Killian Scott in his many different shows/series'. His wife in Damnation, Sarah Jones, is a favorite actor of mine, also. In fact all the characters evoked so much passion. The story-line was unexpected and thoroughly enjoyable. They cannot leave this exceptional show/series as a cliff hanger. Please please please make a second series so we can get some closure.

1 Season

[moon_creature · 6/10 · 15 August 2021]

Definitely kept my interest. High level of violence. Wonder how much was gratuitous? Unfortunately only 1 season, so you're left to write, create, produce, etc. Your own ending. If the subject matter appeals to anyone reading this - Matewan is a really good film.

Cartoonish

[rdgreid · 3/10 · 2 December 2018]

Idiotic plot development not based in anything resembling reality. Many characters are cartoonish cardboard. Contrivance to achieve some momentary effect is the rule here. Actors in main roles are solid, but must battle a silly script.