American Primeval transports viewers to the untamed Utah Territory of 1857, offering a harsh and unforgiving portrayal of life on the frontier. The six-part drama brings a new take on the classic Western genre, but despite its gripping storyline, it fails to fully capture the complexities of this pivotal period in American history.
The Plot: A Fight for Survival in the Wild West
Set during the dying days of the Indian Wars, American Primeval introduces us to Sara (Betty Gilpin) and her young son, Devon (Preston Mota), as they embark on a perilous journey across the vast and dangerous landscape. Their goal: to reunite with Devon’s father in Crook Springs, Utah. However, their path is far from straightforward. As they make their way to a remote trading post, they become entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a bounty hunter hot on their trail.
At this crossroads, they encounter Isaac Reed (Taylor Kitsch), a grizzled frontiersman who was raised by the Shoshone tribe. Isaac’s deep knowledge of the land and its dangers makes him the perfect guide for Sara and Devon as they navigate through a brutal and lawless world. Along the way, they must face off against the harshest elements, from violent Native American tribes to the relentless Mormon militia and the US army, all while trying to stay one step ahead of those who wish them harm.
A Historical Backdrop: The Mountain Meadows Massacre
The drama also intertwines with the real-life Mountain Meadows Massacre, a tragic event that unfolded near Salt Lake City, where an estimated 150 white settlers were killed by a group of attackers believed to be acting under the orders of Brigham Young, the founder of the Church of Latter-day Saints. This historical incident becomes a central plot point, especially as the story follows the fates of Jacob and Abish Pratt (Dane DeHaan and Saura Lightfoot-Leon), a newly married couple caught in the aftermath of the massacre.
As the plot unfolds, Jacob and Abish are separated—Abish is taken by the Pauite tribe, while Jacob is left for dead, only to later be rescued by his religious brothers. As their stories unfold, the show highlights the complicated relationships between the different factions vying for control over the land and power in the region.
A Familiar Tale of Survival
While American Primeval does offer a fresh historical context, it ultimately leans heavily into the well-worn themes of survival, brutality, and the fight for power that have defined the Western genre for decades. The series portrays frontier life as ruthless, where only the toughest and most heartless survive. Kindness, especially from women and children, is depicted as a fatal flaw in a world where cruelty reigns supreme.
The series touches on broader themes of religion, showing the often-violent lengths that religious leaders will go to protect their faith. In this case, Brigham Young and his followers are portrayed as morally ambiguous figures who will stop at nothing to defend their land and beliefs. The show’s portrayal of religion and its leaders as figures of manipulation adds a layer of complexity to the otherwise straightforward narrative.
Gripping Yet Predictable
The central plot of American Primeval is undeniably compelling. The combination of historical events and personal drama creates an emotional hook that keeps viewers invested. However, the series doesn’t manage to break away from the traditional tropes of Westerns. It explores familiar ground, from the brutal realities of frontier life to the clash of cultures and the constant fight for survival.
Despite its strong performances, particularly from Betty Gilpin and Taylor Kitsch, the show often feels like it’s retreading ground we’ve seen before in other Western dramas. The characters are archetypes we’ve come to expect—grizzled frontiersmen, vulnerable women, and morally conflicted men—but the show struggles to offer a truly original take on these well-established figures.
A Beautifully Shot Yet Familiar Western
American Primeval offers a beautifully shot and well-acted exploration of the American frontier, but it ultimately feels like another entry in the crowded Western genre that fails to innovate. While it certainly has its moments, especially when it delves into the complex relationships between settlers, Native Americans, and religious groups, the show remains bound to the clichés of the genre.
For fans of Westerns, American Primeval provides a gripping and visually stunning experience, but those looking for something new or groundbreaking may find themselves disappointed by its reliance on familiar themes and plotlines. In the end, the series succeeds in captivating its audience, but it doesn’t offer much that hasn’t been seen before.
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