๐ฌ Frontier (2016) โ Blood, Betrayal, and the Fight for the New World

Series
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๐ช Historical Drama, Action, Adventure
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๐ Premiere Date: November 6, 2016
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๐บ Seasons: 3
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๐ Available on: Discovery Canada & Netflix
Creators: Rob Blackie, Peter Blackie
Main Cast:
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Jason Momoa as Declan Harp
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Landon Liboiron as Michael Smyth
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Zoe Boyle as Grace Emberly
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Allan Hawco as Douglas Brown
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Christian McKay as Lord Benton
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Shawn Doyle as Samuel Grant
Plot Summary
Set in the brutal and lawless world of the late 1700s North American fur trade, Frontier plunges viewers into a savage clash between European powers and native resistance. At the heart of the conflict is Declan Harp, a half-Irish, half-Cree outlaw seeking revenge against the ruthless Hudsonโs Bay Company, led by the cold-blooded Lord Benton.
After surviving a betrayal that nearly cost him everything, Harp becomes a feared figure, waging a guerrilla war to dismantle the fur empire built on greed, exploitation, and bloodshed. As alliances shift and enemies multiply, Harp battles not only his past but a growing web of political intrigue, treachery, and power struggles.
From the icy frontiers of Canada to the seedy port cities, Frontier explores loyalty, rebellion, and survival, wrapped in violence and ambition.
Series Highlights
๐ฅ The series blends historical drama with raw action, offering:
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Jason Momoaโs fierce performance as the brooding and vengeful Declan Harp.
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Gritty visuals of 18th-century lifeโharsh wilderness, fur trading posts, and brutal skirmishes.
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Moral gray areas, where nearly every character operates in the shadows of ambition.
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Complex power dynamics between Indigenous tribes, British authorities, and opportunistic traders.
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Twists of betrayal, shifting loyalties, and revenge, where no one is truly safe.
Reception
While Frontier flew under the radar for some, it quickly developed a loyal fan base drawn to its gritty tone and unapologetic violence. Critics praised Jason Momoaโs commanding screen presence, the rich setting, and the show’s effort to shed light on Indigenous representation and colonial exploitation.
Though some noted pacing issues and occasional historical liberties, the show was widely recognized for its authentic atmosphere, strong performances, and a story that dared to get dirtyโboth literally and morally.
Legacy
Frontier stands as a visceral and raw historical thriller, where survival is earned, not given. With Momoa leading the charge, the series doesn’t hold back in depicting the chaotic birth of modern North America and the high stakes of the fur trade era.
If you enjoy dark historical dramas, fierce antiheroes, and tales of vengeance in frozen landscapes, Frontier is a gripping journey into the wilds of rebellion.
๐ช โThere’s no law here, only the law you make with your hands.โ โ Declan Harp