Apple’s The Last Frontier Delivers a Wacky Alaskan Thrill Ride Weighed Down by a Conventional Espionage Story: TV Review
Title: Apple TV+’s ‘The Last Frontier’: A Playful Twist on Alaskan Thriller Drama
Exploring the Alaskan Wilderness in ‘The Last Frontier’
The Apple TV+ thriller “The Last Frontier” delivers a unique take on the Alaskan wilderness setting, introducing audiences to a mix of suspense and comedic elements. While HBO’s “True Detective: Night Country” focused on the eerie aspects of the Arctic’s isolation, “The Last Frontier” ventures into a more playful and adventurous direction. The series begins with a dramatic CGI plane crash that liberates a group of convicts, setting the stage for intense yet whimsical confrontations.
Character Dynamics: Frank Remnick versus a Horde of Convicts
At the heart of “The Last Frontier” is U.S. Marshal Frank Remnick, played by Jason Clarke, who returns to his hometown of Fairbanks after a challenging stint in Chicago. He is thrust into keeping peace as a disorderly group of escaped criminals roams the snowy landscape. The series, crafted by “The Blacklist” creator Jon Bokenkamp and screenwriter Richard D’Ovidio, leans into its network TV roots by delivering episodic encounters between Frank and the chaos unleashed by the inmates.
A Complex Co-Protagonist: CIA Operative Sidney Scofield
The show introduces CIA operative Sidney Scofield, portrayed by Haley Bennett, who lessens the impact of Frank’s storyline. Her involvement adds layers of espionage but moves away from the central narrative of small-town policing, which the audience finds more engaging. Sidney’s complex past, office politics, and personal life often overshadow the thrilling manhunt aspect that initially draws viewers in.
Unveiling the Villain: The Mystery of Havlock
Among the escaped convicts is a mystery asset codenamed “Havlock,” leading to suspenseful guessing games as to his true identity. Stunt director Sam Hargrave adds to this intrigue by playing a rugged inmate, but the storyline takes a turn when Sidney discovers Havlock is actually Levi Hartman, linked to both her and Frank.
Addictive Episodic Action
The narrative thrives when focusing on action-packed sequences, offering a variety of adrenaline-pumping scenarios including snowmobile chases and tense standoffs, which captivate the audience. Frank’s encounters with a diverse array of villains add a campy charm that maintains audience interest despite the convoluted espionage storyline.
The Struggle with Balancing Narrative Tracks
As the series progresses, a tug-of-war emerges between the gripping criminal pursuit and the less compelling espionage subplot. While Frank’s small-town law enforcement antics provide a delightful watch, they are often sidelined by Sidney’s storyline. This shift in focus highlights a missed opportunity to fully harness the show’s initially appealing premise.
“The Last Frontier” is currently streaming its first two episodes on Apple TV+, with new episodes releasing weekly on Fridays. Despite its narrative struggles, the show promises entertainment through its amusing action and colorful characters, making it a notable mention in Emegypt’s series recommendations.
