Sam

Absolutely below average. Two stars might seem harsh but the only reason I'm not giving one star is because I love period dramas and I know I'm biased. Compared to older western mini-series such as The Hatfield's and McCoys, and Into the West, this show really falls short. The story has bones but seriously needed fleshing out. The idea was good, with the mother and son on the run, aided by the reluctant hero, with several side characters' own stories intertwining and then coming full circle; but parts ended up either feeling rushed or just not making sense at all. The majority of other reviews I've seen for this show give five stars, which doesn't suprise me. I think Netflix has played it safe and produced a show in line with what is common-place in modern movies and television; half a story and lots and lots of action to make up for it. I truly feel that if a show like Into the West came out now, the majority of people would find it boring because our brains are so used to action scenes making up the majority of our media's content. I'll stop there because I'm ranting. Characters would have life altering injuries inflicted upon them, and then be healed in the next scene. For example, one character is shot and loses enough blood to make them pass out. With a bit of Indian medicine, the gunshot wound is healed well enough within two days for that character to go on and do some more action packed fights to the death. Another character has a shovel pushed through his foot in one scene, but then in every scene post life changing injury, he is walking normally without even a limp or walking aid. I will say that the action scenes are good, they are intense and brutal, and are realistic for the most part. Several of the characters are well acted. I feel like I had another positive but I just don't. Overall, I feel disappointed. If you like period shows, and have six hours to waste, then maybe it's worth a watch. But to be honest I'd just watch another show which I know merits my spare time. If you've made it this far, cheers for reading.