The series kicks off with an undeniably strong hook where a prisoner transport plane carrying some of the world’s most dangerous criminals crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. It falls to Frank Remnick, the Supervisory U.S. Marshal for the district, to manage the chaos and protect his small town while hunting down the escapees. The concept promises a high-stakes game of cat and mouse in a freezing and unforgiving landscape.
The start of the show is terrific. The pilot is explosive and sets a fantastic tone. The initial crash and the immediate aftermath are tense, gritty and well-executed, showcasing the show’s massive potential. However, as the season progresses that raw survivalist thriller energy begins to dissipate. The writers seem intent on layering in too many elements. What starts as a manhunt morphs into a dense conspiracy that gets more and more convoluted as the plot thickens. The original premise was interesting but ultimately gets too busy, dragging the show down in the middle episodes.
Despite the narrative clutter the environment is fantastic. The setting acts as a character in itself as the icy and isolated backdrop of Alaska creates a palpable sense of dread and atmosphere. The acting is also top-notch, saving the show from its script issues. Jason Clarke anchors the series with a rugged and believable performance alongside a strong supporting cast.
‘The Last Frontier’ is certainly worthwhile for fans of the genre. It fits the typical Apple TV+ mould in that it is expensive, polished and well-acted. However, it is certainly not their best effort. It remains a solid watch that could have been a classic if it had kept things simple rather than trying to be overly complex.