The first season was awesome!!! The second and third seasons were ok but the series was left unfinished. Also the night scenes (which there were a lot of) were hard to see and know what was going on. There was was much more that they could have done to make this show better!
216 Reviews
It was canceled with no ending...
frankie1426223 January 2020
Very enjoyable. I was pleased with just about everything. I understood going into it, it was not a History Course at some University. So the inaccuracy didn't bother me. This is not a Documentary nor is it given the loosely labeled true story. Another common criticism was their accents. I didn't care about that either, I'm no linguist. People need to stop expecting an education from Hollywood and just relax and enjoy.
Unfortunately like so many other series it was canceled and canceled without an ending. That's my biggest issue. So if you haven't started watching, don't. You'll be left unfulfilled.
Unfortunately like so many other series it was canceled and canceled without an ending. That's my biggest issue. So if you haven't started watching, don't. You'll be left unfulfilled.
S01 OK, S02 OK, S03 WTF?
bogus-bogus-one24 November 2018
Series started out OK & I had been looking forward to the 3rd season. However, I quickly lost interest after the first couple episodes. It was too disjointed for me. One messy, unbelievable situation after another was presented in an overly dramatic fashion. Too bad, there were some interesting bits and pieces but no overall coherence.
Trying to make Canadian history more dramatic...than it was
jantriska-635461 November 2017
There are some good points to this show, so let's get them out of the way first. It's half-decent acting, scenic locations, an intriguing plot twist that sends the protagonist - by accident - into the New World and straight into a nasty conflict on the colonial frontier. It's also the fact there aren't that many shows about the Canadian fur trade and the rough-and tumble era of early colonization....and this show tries to elevate the profile of our country, so to speak.
OK, onto the flaws and problems. The history, as is depicted on film here, was never this interesting or this violent, this 'sexy". It is hard to find actual accounts of armed confrontations between different fur traders or these episodes of almost guerrila warfare in the boreal bush. So, 'Frontier' is using some seriously creative licence here. Also, lot of the characters are cast as inept, drunk, corrupt or morally deficient...or combination of all. They steal and kill, almost at will. I understand that the show's creators were keen on portraying conflict; let's at least try to portray conflict realistically. One had to be competent to stay alive and prosper on the frontier. Things like trying to kidnap a chief's son (in order to force a tribe to negotiate) would have been exceedingly stupid. And the folks who ruled the colony still ruled it...by a rule of law. The setting looks like it's supposed to be somewhere in the northern Laurentians in Quebec but could also be northern Ontario...but is actually Newfoundland. We are not told at the onset as to what year it is. Big mistake in my opinion. Doing a period piece requires an attention to detail. For instance, an English officer in a redcoat, even in the wilds, would have worn longish hair in a pony-tail or perhaps a wig, and no beards would have been seen on any of these men, in the late 1700s and very early 1800s. The French Canadian and Metis trappers and fur dealers would have had a very specific look to them, as well. A woman running the bar at the company fort would not have worn trousers - maybe for riding a horse but never for work in a public place. Also, no matter how much a governor of a fort would have screwed up, he would not have been murdered/summarily executed by another big official. It's too outlandish. At worst, they would have been sent back to England and 'retired' with some kind of a pension and told to shut up. Anyways, a lot of creative license is at work here, with trying to make the Hudson's Bay Company and its times seem more interesting and more dramatic than it really was.
OK, onto the flaws and problems. The history, as is depicted on film here, was never this interesting or this violent, this 'sexy". It is hard to find actual accounts of armed confrontations between different fur traders or these episodes of almost guerrila warfare in the boreal bush. So, 'Frontier' is using some seriously creative licence here. Also, lot of the characters are cast as inept, drunk, corrupt or morally deficient...or combination of all. They steal and kill, almost at will. I understand that the show's creators were keen on portraying conflict; let's at least try to portray conflict realistically. One had to be competent to stay alive and prosper on the frontier. Things like trying to kidnap a chief's son (in order to force a tribe to negotiate) would have been exceedingly stupid. And the folks who ruled the colony still ruled it...by a rule of law. The setting looks like it's supposed to be somewhere in the northern Laurentians in Quebec but could also be northern Ontario...but is actually Newfoundland. We are not told at the onset as to what year it is. Big mistake in my opinion. Doing a period piece requires an attention to detail. For instance, an English officer in a redcoat, even in the wilds, would have worn longish hair in a pony-tail or perhaps a wig, and no beards would have been seen on any of these men, in the late 1700s and very early 1800s. The French Canadian and Metis trappers and fur dealers would have had a very specific look to them, as well. A woman running the bar at the company fort would not have worn trousers - maybe for riding a horse but never for work in a public place. Also, no matter how much a governor of a fort would have screwed up, he would not have been murdered/summarily executed by another big official. It's too outlandish. At worst, they would have been sent back to England and 'retired' with some kind of a pension and told to shut up. Anyways, a lot of creative license is at work here, with trying to make the Hudson's Bay Company and its times seem more interesting and more dramatic than it really was.
Underrated
Rob13318 April 2023
Frontier is so much better than I expected. While it's not the best show I've ever seen it's definitely one of the most underrated shows I've seen. Jason Momoa is absolutely fantastic here. It takes place in Canada during the fur trade of the 1700's. It follows Declan Harper (Jason Momoa) as he tried to make his living through the fur trade. He's an outlaw leading a campaign against Hudson's Bay Company, who has a monopoly on the fur trade. The company will literally do anything to maintain its stranglehold on the fur business and is out to get rid of Declan Harper. It's a very entertaining show that you'll have a good time watching.
It's entertaining
outlandishsmeet17 January 2019
The first couple of seasons are good but the third season is anticlimactic. Here are the issues I have with the show:
1.The episodes mention the location of every scene but you'll have no idea otherwise.
2.Jason Momoa as charismatic as he is offers no character development like all characters. He justifies his character, the same can't be said for a few others.
3.the accents oh my god, the accents. The Spanish sailer in the third season and the French broker have especially disappointing dialogue deliveries.
4. The third season sucked balls. That's all I can say without spoiling it for the rest of you. I was hoping for some sort of plot but they just seemed to be winging it like the good ol' bollywood movies.
Bottomline: it's good enough to Netflix and chill
2.Jason Momoa as charismatic as he is offers no character development like all characters. He justifies his character, the same can't be said for a few others.
3.the accents oh my god, the accents. The Spanish sailer in the third season and the French broker have especially disappointing dialogue deliveries.
4. The third season sucked balls. That's all I can say without spoiling it for the rest of you. I was hoping for some sort of plot but they just seemed to be winging it like the good ol' bollywood movies.
Bottomline: it's good enough to Netflix and chill
Entertaining!
Supermanfan-1316 June 2021
Frontier is an extremely entertaining show, as long as you don't compare it to other shows (i.e. GoT, Vikings, etc)! So what if the accents aren't great & it's not absolutely historically accurate, if you just turn your brain off and take it for what it is and that's an action packed thriller where Jason Momoa is terrific as the lead!
one star
SnoopyStyle10 November 2020
In 1670, King Charles II granted Hudson's Bay Company vast lands creating a dominant fur trading monopoly. By late 1700's, other interests seek to increase their slice of the pie. Lord Benton (Alun Armstrong), feared ruthless company leader, is on his way back to the New World to stop his old protege Irish-Native outlaw Declan Harp (Jason Momoa). Declan is trying to unite various factions to fight against The HBC. Sokanon is his native supporter. Michael Smyth and Clenna Dolan are trying to steal gun powder from a British ship when they get stuck on board going to the New World. Benton sends Michael out to lure Declan into a trap but he is converted to Declan's cause. Grace Emberly is the local tavern owner. Captain Chesterfield tries to take over while appeasing Benton's obsessions. Elizabeth Carruthers takes over her dead husband's Montreal business.
The ambition is big and it may be too big. Jason Momoa shows his star quality. I like most of the actors. The story gets a bit clunky. The bigger issue is that it wants to tell a vast story. It's set in many places. It skips over time and travel which makes the plotting even more ragged. Despite being problematic, Momoa's star quality continues to shine and it makes the show intriguing.
The ambition is big and it may be too big. Jason Momoa shows his star quality. I like most of the actors. The story gets a bit clunky. The bigger issue is that it wants to tell a vast story. It's set in many places. It skips over time and travel which makes the plotting even more ragged. Despite being problematic, Momoa's star quality continues to shine and it makes the show intriguing.
Fantastic and Underrated
mr_djstone5 June 2020
Not extraordinary, but entertaining
huffdogg2312 November 2019
Particularly if you are a fan of Jason Momoa, this show is worth checking out. If you like seeing examples of colonial-era British forces getting stood up to, frontiersmen doing frontier stuff, First Nations tribesmen doing their best to survive against European encroachment, and cool looking costumes and settings, then it's worth checking out. It's not for the faint of heart, however. The fights are violent and bloody and there is plenty of torture and abuse of women and PoC by Europeans.
Fun
tfletcha25825 August 2018
Stopped paying attention to critics, and go by word of mouth. I heard this was good, and enjoyed watching Momoa. If I've had fun watching a series, been intrigued, and binge, it's good enough for me. The actors were well chosen, accents a bit funky, but the settings and costumes for this genre made it worth watching.
A new fan!
becaangel10 March 2020
I was not a Momoa's fan by any means... But I found this series in netflix and I gave it a chance... I was very impressed but with his acting... He's great in it.... His voice, tone, physical language is on point... The only think I'm disappointed is the actress that play "Grace"... She has cero chemistry with Jason and their scenes are dull and boring because of that.They should've choose someone with chemistry with Jason.
Going nowhere fast
AnimalMother8426 January 2017
This show is impressively simple. The overall setting surrounding the main plot could have made for some very interesting, informative and vicious entertainment. Instead, it appears to be absolutely boiled down to it's simplest possible parts.
Scriptwise, it is almost like "how not to" tutorial for new writers. The main plot, which is supposed to be the focus lies vaguely in the background. Several minor and ultimately meaningless and uninteresting subplots are forced in for intrigue. Four or five different factions all have several subordinate characters with their separate alliances which intermingle to farcical proportions. It is obviously meant to increase depth and drama for all the characters but in a transparently shallow and meaningless way.
Character interactions are not believable and the characters themselves are extremely stereotypical. All the male characters have grossly primitive motivations and actions, and nearly all female characters are strong independent agents to a historically anachronistic and revisionist degree.
The only group that has anything close to a serious treatment is the native tribe. The matriarch and lead warrior of the tribe have predictable but fair parts. Jason Momoa repeats his character from Game of Thrones and does it well as far as that goes. Landon Liboiron's part is nothing more than a Watson, slipping effortlessly around to explain and elaborate for the viewer, unnecessarily so. The whole thing would have been better suited as a film when the padding and filler stand out so painfully obvious.
Scriptwise, it is almost like "how not to" tutorial for new writers. The main plot, which is supposed to be the focus lies vaguely in the background. Several minor and ultimately meaningless and uninteresting subplots are forced in for intrigue. Four or five different factions all have several subordinate characters with their separate alliances which intermingle to farcical proportions. It is obviously meant to increase depth and drama for all the characters but in a transparently shallow and meaningless way.
Character interactions are not believable and the characters themselves are extremely stereotypical. All the male characters have grossly primitive motivations and actions, and nearly all female characters are strong independent agents to a historically anachronistic and revisionist degree.
The only group that has anything close to a serious treatment is the native tribe. The matriarch and lead warrior of the tribe have predictable but fair parts. Jason Momoa repeats his character from Game of Thrones and does it well as far as that goes. Landon Liboiron's part is nothing more than a Watson, slipping effortlessly around to explain and elaborate for the viewer, unnecessarily so. The whole thing would have been better suited as a film when the padding and filler stand out so painfully obvious.
Interesting story,good acting but lacks of action and High moments
evi-7501126 May 2022
A very interesting story and concept with good and very good interpretations but the direction is poor. Three whole seasons and just only a few seconds for the scene of revenge??And the most important drawback for me is that each season doesn't have its own end,it isn't an accomplished "circle"so the action loses its interest. Anyway if you have already seen all the notorious tv series or Marco Polo(which is also a Masterpiece)it is worth watching it!
I hope there won't be only 1 season!
menelar-582678 January 2017
I really don't understand the critics...As a big fan of historical dramas, I could really say they did a great job with this show. There may be some inaccuracies but don't forget it's not a documentary. The story line is quite interesting- made me watch all episodes in 2 nights. Kudos to the actors as well! It reminds me a bit of Assassin's creed III which is also awesome. So yeah...I hope they won't leave it with just 1 season....but knowing the popularity of those kinds of shows, out of the mainstream- I won't be surprised if Frontier follows the fate of other great canceled historical dramas as The Borgias, Copper, Da Vinci's Demons, etc. Best of luck!
Meh - so, so. **Very minor spoilers...somewhat.
meneermalik-111 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I live in Canada and ventured to James Bay and I love history....so it's somewhat interesting to me only because through watching the show I ended up researching a bunch of things about that time period.
That being said. haha. I wanted to like this show (and I do) but it's really just something to watch while I'm doing other things. 6 episodes a season with 2 out so far isn't a big commitment too. Blasted through the series in a few days.
The biggest problem for me which instantly takes me out of the moment or the story is the teleportation that seems to take place when they travel from the north (which I think they actually don't mention but it would have to be on James Bay or Hudson Bay) and Montreal. It is so ridiculous. "Ok I just got here but I'll going back to Montreal tonight". Cut scene - the next day (seemingly) ok I'm in Montreal but I forgot something up is Fort James so I'll be heading back out shortly". This is a voyage that would have taken weeks if not months to undertake and one character feels that travelling from the north to Montreal to sell a few pelts is totally fine? What?! There would have been trading posts that he could have sold those too without making a trip to Montreal.
Another problem - They travel between the North and Montreal like it's two blocks down the road (as mentioned). No one ever carries any provisions, packs, etc to make this long trip. They're basically dressed up like they're taking the dog for a walk down the street in a manner of speaking.
Also....canoes for fur traders were massive. You see them supposedly transporting fur in these 16 foot long canoes when they're suppose to be transporting mega quantities of fur. They would need thousands of canoes (really)...just doesn't make sense.
GOOD STUFF. There's potential here for something decent. it's not too late. Costumes are great. The lighting is fabulous actually. The story is super interesting though I think the writing is missing out on a lot of interesting story/plot lines. Acting for the most part is good.
BOTTOM LINE - If you're looking for a light, fluffy series to kill some time and that's decent this will do the job. If you're looking for a jaw dropping, leave you at the edge of your seat type thing....you won't like this.
That being said. haha. I wanted to like this show (and I do) but it's really just something to watch while I'm doing other things. 6 episodes a season with 2 out so far isn't a big commitment too. Blasted through the series in a few days.
The biggest problem for me which instantly takes me out of the moment or the story is the teleportation that seems to take place when they travel from the north (which I think they actually don't mention but it would have to be on James Bay or Hudson Bay) and Montreal. It is so ridiculous. "Ok I just got here but I'll going back to Montreal tonight". Cut scene - the next day (seemingly) ok I'm in Montreal but I forgot something up is Fort James so I'll be heading back out shortly". This is a voyage that would have taken weeks if not months to undertake and one character feels that travelling from the north to Montreal to sell a few pelts is totally fine? What?! There would have been trading posts that he could have sold those too without making a trip to Montreal.
Another problem - They travel between the North and Montreal like it's two blocks down the road (as mentioned). No one ever carries any provisions, packs, etc to make this long trip. They're basically dressed up like they're taking the dog for a walk down the street in a manner of speaking.
Also....canoes for fur traders were massive. You see them supposedly transporting fur in these 16 foot long canoes when they're suppose to be transporting mega quantities of fur. They would need thousands of canoes (really)...just doesn't make sense.
GOOD STUFF. There's potential here for something decent. it's not too late. Costumes are great. The lighting is fabulous actually. The story is super interesting though I think the writing is missing out on a lot of interesting story/plot lines. Acting for the most part is good.
BOTTOM LINE - If you're looking for a light, fluffy series to kill some time and that's decent this will do the job. If you're looking for a jaw dropping, leave you at the edge of your seat type thing....you won't like this.
Rough Fur Trade Adventure
soundinfinite-791-94806512 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I'll start by saying it's ridiculous to compare this to Game of Thrones. Like comparing apples and oranges.
This series is loosely based on the Canadian Fur Trade with a dash of historical data thrown in for good measure.
The plot circles around the fur trade, the sinister colonists who exploit and pillage, the anti-hero out for revenge and all the players in between.
Frontier delivers enough tension, action and believability to keep me interested in plot and character developments.
Plus, I enjoy seeing strong female roles which Frontier also delivers. The women of Frontier are capable and intelligent; a nice switch from the typical polarized female archetypes we often see in fantasy series.
And YES it is a fantasy series, just not the type with elves, dragons or dwarfs.
The authenticity of accents can get a bit wobbly from time to time but not unpalatable.
But in Frontier's defence, those not familiar with French-Canadian Québécois will deem it as fake. For example, listen to the 20th Prime Minister of Canada (a Quebecois) speak here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAVJ5AlOuIU
Is the profanity over the top? I didn't find it so. It's a rough land with rough people so the profanity is appropriate for the environment.
It's too early to tell if Frontier will develop into a great series. Yet at this point (6 episodes in), I'm thoroughly enjoying the show's progression. I hope it continues.
Judging Frontier as a historical series or another Game of Thrones does it a great disservice.
It's a unique and well presented wilderness drama that ought to be judged on it's own merits. If sitting on the fence about it, I recommend viewing at least 3 episodes. Judge for yourself whether Frontier is entertaining enough to keep watching. In my books, it is.
This series is loosely based on the Canadian Fur Trade with a dash of historical data thrown in for good measure.
The plot circles around the fur trade, the sinister colonists who exploit and pillage, the anti-hero out for revenge and all the players in between.
Frontier delivers enough tension, action and believability to keep me interested in plot and character developments.
Plus, I enjoy seeing strong female roles which Frontier also delivers. The women of Frontier are capable and intelligent; a nice switch from the typical polarized female archetypes we often see in fantasy series.
And YES it is a fantasy series, just not the type with elves, dragons or dwarfs.
The authenticity of accents can get a bit wobbly from time to time but not unpalatable.
But in Frontier's defence, those not familiar with French-Canadian Québécois will deem it as fake. For example, listen to the 20th Prime Minister of Canada (a Quebecois) speak here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAVJ5AlOuIU
Is the profanity over the top? I didn't find it so. It's a rough land with rough people so the profanity is appropriate for the environment.
It's too early to tell if Frontier will develop into a great series. Yet at this point (6 episodes in), I'm thoroughly enjoying the show's progression. I hope it continues.
Judging Frontier as a historical series or another Game of Thrones does it a great disservice.
It's a unique and well presented wilderness drama that ought to be judged on it's own merits. If sitting on the fence about it, I recommend viewing at least 3 episodes. Judge for yourself whether Frontier is entertaining enough to keep watching. In my books, it is.
Hudson Bae
southdavid19 May 2020
Finally finished off the third season of "Frontier" having left it for a long time. It was one of the earlier Netflix shows that we started, at a time when new shows were less frequently produced by the streaming giant.
Declan Harp (Jason Momoa) wages a crusade against the Hudson Bay Company, the largest fur trading company in the world, focused around the operations at Fort James in Canada. His conviction stems from his hatred of Lord Benson (Alun Armstrong) Fort James' commanding officer, whom Harp once worked for but who betrayed him and murdered his family. Harp is assisted by Michael Smith (Landon Liboiron) a recent arrival from England but whose loyalties and ambitions are questionable.
I enjoyed "Frontier" enough, though I'd accept it's a stage below other historical dramas like "The Last Kingdom" or "Vikings". The money spent on the show is comparable, in terms of historical recreation, but it's a much tighter and more focused story, in terms of the characters, so there's no large scale battles to compare the shows on. Momoa is, as always a charismatic and watchable lead and his size and athletic prowess feature heavily. Liboiron is given more of the plot to deal with, as it's his story for the larger part and also featuring heavily is Zoe Boyle - as Grace, the tavern owner who manoeuvres both sides like a beautiful Scottish Al Sweregen.
At the time of writing this review, the show has not been officially cancelled, but it's been 18 months sinc the last season was released on Netflix and looks unlikely to return. For anyone concerned about starting the show, the conclusion does work as an end to the overall story, in the sense we're not left with any unanswered cliffhangers. To be honest, unlike say "The Last Kingdom" which I still actively enjoy, I finished "Frontier" out of a sense of obligation. It's only 18 episodes long, so if historical drama is your thing certainly give it a try, just don't expect it to match the best of the genre.
Declan Harp (Jason Momoa) wages a crusade against the Hudson Bay Company, the largest fur trading company in the world, focused around the operations at Fort James in Canada. His conviction stems from his hatred of Lord Benson (Alun Armstrong) Fort James' commanding officer, whom Harp once worked for but who betrayed him and murdered his family. Harp is assisted by Michael Smith (Landon Liboiron) a recent arrival from England but whose loyalties and ambitions are questionable.
I enjoyed "Frontier" enough, though I'd accept it's a stage below other historical dramas like "The Last Kingdom" or "Vikings". The money spent on the show is comparable, in terms of historical recreation, but it's a much tighter and more focused story, in terms of the characters, so there's no large scale battles to compare the shows on. Momoa is, as always a charismatic and watchable lead and his size and athletic prowess feature heavily. Liboiron is given more of the plot to deal with, as it's his story for the larger part and also featuring heavily is Zoe Boyle - as Grace, the tavern owner who manoeuvres both sides like a beautiful Scottish Al Sweregen.
At the time of writing this review, the show has not been officially cancelled, but it's been 18 months sinc the last season was released on Netflix and looks unlikely to return. For anyone concerned about starting the show, the conclusion does work as an end to the overall story, in the sense we're not left with any unanswered cliffhangers. To be honest, unlike say "The Last Kingdom" which I still actively enjoy, I finished "Frontier" out of a sense of obligation. It's only 18 episodes long, so if historical drama is your thing certainly give it a try, just don't expect it to match the best of the genre.
Apparently no one likes period pieces.
ptoering-6784631 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Sorry it's not aquaman, but Mamoa shines here. The fact that some of these garbage superhero movies can have whole "cinematic universes" while Frontier is canceled is a real statement on TV and movies of today. If it isn't a reboot, rewrite, or comic book no one has interest. Frontier is an original story with a great setting, a pretty solid cast, and a good story. Could things be better with more episodes ? Do we need more subplots? Yes. All in all though , Frontier is a frozen blast. Check it out.
Decent show
Hughmanity14 January 2023
I watched the first season (6 episodes) and it was entertaining enough so no regrets, but I think I'll move on to other shows. There's just not anything special about it.
The setting of British-Canadian fur trapper era is the most interesting part of it. Unfortunately the plot line is mostly the same old chase-catch-release with some interpersonal drama mixed in.
The writing and plot twists are all fairly obvious, nothing that really surprises and the romantic matchmaking can be seen from a mile away. The sets feel like they're on a sound stage about 80% of the time and the acting gets overly dramatic at times like watching a play.
It's one of those "pretty good" shows that are not quite good enough in the ocean of content that is now being made available.
The setting of British-Canadian fur trapper era is the most interesting part of it. Unfortunately the plot line is mostly the same old chase-catch-release with some interpersonal drama mixed in.
The writing and plot twists are all fairly obvious, nothing that really surprises and the romantic matchmaking can be seen from a mile away. The sets feel like they're on a sound stage about 80% of the time and the acting gets overly dramatic at times like watching a play.
It's one of those "pretty good" shows that are not quite good enough in the ocean of content that is now being made available.
Standard Historical Drama That's Thoroughly Enjoyable!
creativecabin22 November 2016
Being in the 'standard' class of historical dramas these days is by no means a bad thing. It means you're going to get gritty sets, well-crafted period clothing, adult-oriented content, great cinematography and plenty of action.
If you're an armchair historian with a penchant for modern History Channel embellishment, and enjoy shows like 'The Musketeers', 'Da Vinci's Demons', 'Banished', 'Black Sails', 'TURN: Washington's Spies', etc., you're bound to enjoy 'Frontier'.
You certainly don't need to be Canadian to enjoy this show - it takes place roughly 100 years before Canadian Confederation, and follows the wars between upstart frontiersmen with a wavering corporate monopoly. It's the kind of cathartic scenario many around the world may enjoy as corporations continue to widen the gulf between 'us' and 'them'.
As with all of these 'standard' historical dramas, the acting is well done given their sometimes clunky modernized dialogue, and as these actors originate from several countries (production tax credits?) accents are often out of sync.
You might also expect to see gratuitousness for the sake of it, as it's not only a quicker writing choice to drive conflict, but when you have the option to be as graphic as you want FINALLY in mainstream fair, why not exercise the option? In a visceral sense it IS more realistic.
In my opinion, only two things separate truly 'world-class' historical dramas from the 'standard' ones like 'Frontier': Intricately interwoven story-lines that have wide arcs and flawless casting. Both I imagine require more time and money than these studios can supply given their budgets, and some weird alchemy that's unquantifiable.
Despite the flaws you and I might see in 'Frontier' and shows in its category, everyone involved has done an amazing job crafting and populating this world, and you very well might enjoy it.
While most of my criticisms have been on the writing, there's really no reason for criticism. 'Frontier' follows a tried-and-tested formula that works, and for what the writing aims to accomplish, it accomplishes. Yes there's little hope to grasp at yet in the story, but we may very well get there in Season 1. Bear in mind that the history we're given of these times is murky at best, so it must be very difficult to design the world in a truly authentic way. I'm hoping we're given enough time to see these characters, and the world develop.
With enough time, inspiration and creative leeway, I'm confident the writers could have taken us down a truly original path for this show. Perhaps more contemplative, akin to 'The Revenant'? As it stands, this was a great, safe choice for Discovery to launch its originally-scripted division, and I hope it performs well. I've always dreamed of a well-produced historical drama set in Canada before Confederation (as odd as that sounds), and I got one! Keep it up Discovery!
If you're an armchair historian with a penchant for modern History Channel embellishment, and enjoy shows like 'The Musketeers', 'Da Vinci's Demons', 'Banished', 'Black Sails', 'TURN: Washington's Spies', etc., you're bound to enjoy 'Frontier'.
You certainly don't need to be Canadian to enjoy this show - it takes place roughly 100 years before Canadian Confederation, and follows the wars between upstart frontiersmen with a wavering corporate monopoly. It's the kind of cathartic scenario many around the world may enjoy as corporations continue to widen the gulf between 'us' and 'them'.
As with all of these 'standard' historical dramas, the acting is well done given their sometimes clunky modernized dialogue, and as these actors originate from several countries (production tax credits?) accents are often out of sync.
You might also expect to see gratuitousness for the sake of it, as it's not only a quicker writing choice to drive conflict, but when you have the option to be as graphic as you want FINALLY in mainstream fair, why not exercise the option? In a visceral sense it IS more realistic.
In my opinion, only two things separate truly 'world-class' historical dramas from the 'standard' ones like 'Frontier': Intricately interwoven story-lines that have wide arcs and flawless casting. Both I imagine require more time and money than these studios can supply given their budgets, and some weird alchemy that's unquantifiable.
Despite the flaws you and I might see in 'Frontier' and shows in its category, everyone involved has done an amazing job crafting and populating this world, and you very well might enjoy it.
While most of my criticisms have been on the writing, there's really no reason for criticism. 'Frontier' follows a tried-and-tested formula that works, and for what the writing aims to accomplish, it accomplishes. Yes there's little hope to grasp at yet in the story, but we may very well get there in Season 1. Bear in mind that the history we're given of these times is murky at best, so it must be very difficult to design the world in a truly authentic way. I'm hoping we're given enough time to see these characters, and the world develop.
With enough time, inspiration and creative leeway, I'm confident the writers could have taken us down a truly original path for this show. Perhaps more contemplative, akin to 'The Revenant'? As it stands, this was a great, safe choice for Discovery to launch its originally-scripted division, and I hope it performs well. I've always dreamed of a well-produced historical drama set in Canada before Confederation (as odd as that sounds), and I got one! Keep it up Discovery!
I agree with others that is it off historically, but there is some good in it
marcjs2828-971-1219418 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
And when I say good, its about the captain with the beard and the quacky accent he has. He's almost like a drunk half-witted villain, not at all what an English officer is supposed to be, but that in itself is what I find hilarious about the series, because you know when he gets into an argument or a fight, the idiot grin is coming out with the accent and its pure comedic gold, lol.
This series isn't 'Centennial' by no means, but it isn't without its entertaining moments.
This series isn't 'Centennial' by no means, but it isn't without its entertaining moments.
Shatters any sense of immersion
rickwalker-3747523 October 2017
The setting (and cast) for this show has so much potential yet time and again I found myself jarred out of the story by lazy writing and research. I wanted to feel engrossed in the story, instead I winced at the 20th century slang, poorly researched accents, basic historical errors, and stereotyped characters. I'm not looking for a documentary, but it's difficult to emotionally invest in a series when you're constantly evicted from any state of immersion. What's left is just another predictable and clichéd fantasy drama which feels cheap and tacky.
Not the northern Black Sails all right
4u4o11 March 2022
One can't help but get Black Sails vibes right from the intro and I believe that was planned. Yet, it is slightly incoherent, with Indians rowing in canoe footage being completely out of place for one and the Mexican standoff possibly based on historical events and what could possibly be pictured in consecutive seasons, rather than what was actually pictured.
And here goes my typical I don't like Jason Momoa. At all. But he doesn't bug me here. In fact, he's fine. It's just I can't help but like how Cobbs Pond and Lord Benton were portrayed much more. It's a matter of personal preference, I guess, but these two were played brilliantly. I absolutely dig all the accents and most of the characters are in fact great. Maybe except Sokanon. I could not stand her always deeply depressed face. Seasons one and two are fine, season three is quite weak in my book and episodes opening with quotes that are completely irrelevant to time and events is a questionable decision to say the least. In fact, it annoyed the crap out of me. Conclusion was actually cleverly made. It both leaves the gate open for a sequel and at the same time draws the line. Feels like they knew season four is unlikely right from the start. Still, a good watch. Just not that great.
And here goes my typical I don't like Jason Momoa. At all. But he doesn't bug me here. In fact, he's fine. It's just I can't help but like how Cobbs Pond and Lord Benton were portrayed much more. It's a matter of personal preference, I guess, but these two were played brilliantly. I absolutely dig all the accents and most of the characters are in fact great. Maybe except Sokanon. I could not stand her always deeply depressed face. Seasons one and two are fine, season three is quite weak in my book and episodes opening with quotes that are completely irrelevant to time and events is a questionable decision to say the least. In fact, it annoyed the crap out of me. Conclusion was actually cleverly made. It both leaves the gate open for a sequel and at the same time draws the line. Feels like they knew season four is unlikely right from the start. Still, a good watch. Just not that great.
Netflix robbed Frontier with only 2 seasons
hrichert7 April 2022
What can I say but great series on the little known industry of fur trade and the country it's based on. The characters were interesting and the cinematography was sensational. There is a lot of rubbish on Netflix but this show wasn't and we the audience were left with many questions and no answers due to Netflix not renewing for a final storyline in S3.
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