The Western Series That Deserved a Second Chance
The Western Renaissance: A Tale of Two Shows
In the wake of the hugely popular "Yellowstone" and its spin-offs, the Western genre has experienced a revival. But amidst this resurgence, a lesser-known gem, "Damnation," debuted in 2017, and its potential was sadly overlooked. Set in the 1930s, this series could have easily outshone "1923," the "Yellowstone" offshoot, which often felt more like a setup for future storylines than a standalone narrative.
A Story of Brothers and Revolution
Created by Tony Tost, "Damnation" aired on USA Network and was later made available on Netflix internationally. The show is a period drama, set during the early years of the Great Depression in 1931. It's inspired by the real-life Farmers' Holiday Association's campaign for a farm strike. The story revolves around Killian Scott's character, Seth Davenport, who poses as a preacher but secretly plans an uprising in Holden County, Iowa. Davenport's disdain for industrialists encroaching on the area and his determination to fight back against corrupt businessmen make for an engaging narrative.
The series opens with a farmer strike orchestrated by Davenport, but things take a dark turn when his partner, Sam Riley, is killed by Creeley Turner, an ex-con hired by the Pinkerton Detective Agency to stop the strikes. The twist? Turner is Davenport's older brother, a fact unknown to the locals. Throughout the show, the estranged brothers represent two opposing forces: big business and collective action. Unfortunately, this compelling story was cut short, as the series was canceled after just one season.
Exploring Similar Themes: "1923" vs. "Damnation"
While the Western genre may never regain its former glory, it's undoubtedly experiencing a resurgence, largely thanks to Taylor Sheridan and "Yellowstone." Netflix's upcoming "Yellowstone" replacement, "The Abandons," follows the success of other Western series like "Ransom Canyon" and "American Primeval." These shows prove that the Western genre extends beyond modern-day neo-Westerns and can thrive in various settings.
Sheridan's spin-offs, "1923" and "1883," delve into the stories of previous Dutton generations. In "1923," Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren portray Jacob and Cara Dutton, navigating life in the harsh Montana plains while protecting their land from rivals. While the performances are stellar, the show often feels like a rehash of "Yellowstone," with Jacob Dutton resembling Kevin Costner's John Dutton in his stoicism and determination to protect his land.
"Damnation," on the other hand, draws parallels between the corrupt institutions of the early 1930s and modern-day politics, making it feel more relevant and timely. It tackles sociopolitical issues of its historical setting more effectively than "1923." The series also explores uncomfortable modern-day parallels through Timothy Dalton's character, Donald Whitfield, a mining tycoon whose megalomania reflects today's business and political landscape.
A Missed Opportunity: Could "Damnation" Have Surpassed "1923"?
"Damnation" didn't get the chance to build its audience, but one can't help but wonder if its fate would have been different had it premiered post-"Yellowstone." Sheridan's series was not just popular; it was a phenomenon that spawned a TV empire. It reignited the question: Is the Western genre truly dead?
"Yellowstone" seemed to be a preservation effort for the Western genre in a world dominated by the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In its wake, multiple Western series found success. Had "Damnation" arrived later, it might have been among them. While it initially garnered modest ratings, the numbers slipped, leading to its cancellation in January 2018. As of now, the show is not available for streaming, but the entire season can be purchased from various platforms.
And this is the part most people miss: the potential of a series to transcend its genre and leave a lasting impact. "Damnation" had that potential, but it was cut short. What do you think? Could "Damnation" have been the Western series to rival "Yellowstone"? Let's discuss in the comments!
