Apple TV+ New Drama ‘The Last Frontier’ Lacks Thrills Despite Promising Premise

Hollywood, CA

Apple TV+’s latest series, ‘The Last Frontier‘, set to premiere on October 10, offers an exciting premise reminiscent of action films like ‘Con Air’. However, early reviews suggest the show falls short of delivering the thrill audiences hope for.

The series, created by Jon Bokenkamp and Richard D’Ovidio, features a cast that includes Jason Clarke, Haley Bennett, and Alfre Woodard. In ‘The Last Frontier’, a plane carrying prisoners crashes in Alaska, leading to a narrative that seems rife with potential for excitement. But critics express that the execution transforms what could be a thrilling ride into a drawn-out slog.

The pilot episode introduces viewers to U.S. Marshal Frank Remnick, played by Clarke, who encounters various challenges related to the plane crash while navigating personal complexities at home. Reviewers note that instead of fast-paced action, the show devolves into lengthy plotlines laden with melodrama and military jargon, which detract from the main story.

Many sequences rely on subpar special effects, diminishing the impact of critical scenes. Critics highlight that the show stretches its two-hour storyline across 10 episodes, leading to a sense of fatigue and predictability.

In particular, critics mention that while the series hints at emotional depth, it often feels hollow. The character development and subplots concerning family dynamics are noted as tedious, rather than compelling. The performances, even from seasoned actors like Woodard and Clarke, are said to be largely underutilized within this framework.

While the opening episodes hint at creative potential, many reviews suggest that ‘The Last Frontier’ ultimately does not fulfill expectations as an escapist drama. With the series scheduled for a second season, it remains to be seen whether it can course-correct in future installments.