Frontier (2016-2018): A Gritty, Blood-Soaked Dive into the Fur Trade Wars

Created by: Rob Blackie, Peter Blackie
Starring: Jason Momoa, Landon Liboiron, Alun Armstrong, Shawn Doyle, Zoe Boyle
Genre: Historical Drama / Action / Adventure

Frontier (2016-2018) is a brutal, visually striking drama set in the cutthroat world of the 18th-century North American fur trade. With Jason Momoa leading the charge as the rogue trapper Declan Harp, the series delivers a mix of political intrigue, bloody vendettas, and frontier survival—though its uneven pacing and narrative sprawl keep it from reaching Game of Thrones-level greatness.

Premise: Power, Betrayal, and Survival in the Wild

The series follows the struggle for control of the fur trade between:

Declan Harp (Momoa), a half-Irish, half-Cree outlaw waging war against the monopolistic Hudson’s Bay Company.
Lord Benton (Alun Armstrong), the ruthless HBC governor who will stop at nothing to crush Harp.
Michael Smyth (Landon Liboiron), a scheming Irishman caught between both sides.
Various factions—Native tribes, Scottish traders, and colonial opportunists—all vying for power.

Think Taboo meets The Revenant, with Momoa growling his way through snowbound battles and smoky tavern brawls.

Strengths: What Works

✔ Jason Momoa’s Commanding Presence – He’s magnetic as Harp, blending physicality, quiet intensity, and surprising vulnerability.
✔ Gritty, Authentic Atmosphere – The production design immerses you in the mud, blood, and frostbitten tension of the frontier.
✔ No-Holds-Barred Action – Scalpings, axe fights, and brutal hand-to-hand combat keep the stakes high.
✔ Strong Supporting Cast – Alun Armstrong chews scenery as Benton, while Landon Liboiron adds intrigue as the slippery Smyth.

Weaknesses: Where It Stumbles

✖ Uneven Pacing – Some episodes drag with political maneuvering, while others rush through major plot points.
✖ Underdeveloped Side Characters – Many intriguing figures (like Zoe Boyle’s Grace Emberly) get sidelined.
✖ Confusing Plot Threads – The dense web of alliances and betrayals can be hard to follow.

Final Verdict: Flawed But Fascinating

Frontier isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s a visceral, entertaining dive into a rarely explored historical era. If you love Momoa, historical action, or survival dramas, it’s worth the ride—just don’t expect Peaky Blinders-level storytelling.

Rating: 7/10

✔ For Fans Of: Taboo, The Last Kingdom, Black Sails, revenge epics.
✖ Not For: Those who prefer tight plotting or dislike graphic violence.

Where to Watch: Netflix (all 3 seasons).
Final Thought: A bloody, chaotic frontier tale—perfect for a weekend binge