During the 1600s, when Britain controlled much of North America, the Hudson’s Bay Company received a royal charter giving it exclusive control over trade in a vast territory known as Rupert’s Land – an area that would later become part of Canada. However, other traders soon began to compete with the company, and it tried to regain its monopoly. This historical context is the basis of Frontier, an 18-episode Netflix Western series that deserves to be more widely watched.
In the series, Lord Benton, brilliantly played with cold arrogance by Alun Armstrong, travels from Europe to America hoping to revive the Hudson’s Bay Company’s power. He becomes fixated on Declan Harp (Jason Momoa), a strong and imposing outlaw of Irish and Cree descent who is determined to dismantle the company’s control over the fur trade in his homeland. Benton decides to stop Harp, even if it means resorting to force. However, anyone familiar with Jason Momoa knows that defeating his characters is rarely simple.
Blink and Harp Aren’t Afraid To Kill
Netflix
If you’re a fan of gritty, violent Westerns with plenty of fake blood, then Frontier is definitely worth checking out. The very first scene sets the tone – it’s extremely brutal, so you can either turn away if you’re sensitive to violence, or settle in with a drink if you enjoy it. The scene shows Declan Harp and his men attacking a trading post, forcing soldiers to surrender and then violently killing several of them.
Released a year after Aquaman, Frontier quickly captivated a young audience – likely a fan of Jason Momoa – who then discovered this show on their own. However, Frontier is definitely not for kids. It’s a brutal depiction of the North American fur trade, filled with violence that highlights its harsh realities. The show portrays a ruthless world where people will do anything to get rich, and that competitive, cutthroat environment quickly becomes the norm.
Rob and Peter Blackie wanted to showcase a wide range of action, so the show features nearly every type of violence imaginable – from gunfights and stabbings to brutal torture and attacks on defenseless people. However, the show isn’t just about violence. It’s also well-made and beautifully produced, making it a standout western for anyone who enjoys stories of the American frontier.
‘Frontier’ Isn’t Just ‘The Jason Momoa Show’
Netflix
It’s easy to see why filmmakers often build stories around Jason Momoa – he’s charismatic and brings a lot of energy and heroism to his roles. While focusing on him can sometimes work really well, like with his character in Chief of War, he often delivers even stronger performances when he’s part of an ensemble, as seen in films like The Wrecking Crew, Fast X, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League. He’s expected to continue to impress in Supergirl as well.
While Jason Momoa’s character, Declan Harp, is central to the story, Frontier follows many different people. These include Lord Benton, a powerful representative of the Hudson’s Bay Company; Sokanon, a leader fighting for Indigenous rights; Michael Smyth, an Irish immigrant striving for a better life; and Grace Emberly, the owner of a local tavern—a common feature in frontier stories. The show also features a range of merchants, soldiers, and politicians from both Montreal and London.
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Frontier is a truly engaging watch. Even years after its release, you immediately feel its energy and sense of something about to happen. Though it doesn’t take place in the traditional Old West, it still feels like a Western through its themes, visuals, and style. The show subtly portrays a time when people suffered through a broken and unfair system, and where kindness was rare. With its flawed characters and intense violence, it will especially appeal to fans of Westerns like Deadwood and Unforgiven, rather than the more classic films by directors like John Ford and Sergio Leone.
Lose yourself in this frontier.
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2026-02-16 15:33