Frontier (2016) - Season 2

Sometimes we give shows a second chance, against our better judgement. Especially after the dreadful first episode of Black Sails, that show became amazing in the episodes that followed, we are more inclined to give similar shows a second chance. The first season of Frontier didn't manage to convince, but it improved in the last several episodes. Reason enough to give this show a second chance. But it turns out, it's actually watchable.

To appreciate the show, Frontier has to be watched as if it were an exciting boy's book.

To appreciate the show, Frontier has to be watched as if it were an exciting boy's book. There's no magnificent storyline with a deeper meaning. The show can be compared to an easy-to-watch movie that one would watch on a Sunday afternoon. Relaxing on the couch. To wash away the hangover of the evening before. It lacks the class or humour of a show such as The Musketeers. It certainly doesn't have the overwhelming vibe or storylines of a show such as Game of Thrones. Something Frontier doesn't lack, however, is excitement and there's enough of it to watch the entire season in one sitting. The only real downside, is that it's all ruined in the final episode, but luckily we've already had five decent episodes before that.



This season mainly focuses on the story that involves innkeeper Grace Emberly (Zoe Boyle, Downton Abbey), captain Chesterfield (Evan Jonigkeit, Easy) and Declan Harp (Jason Momoa, The Red Road). Grace ends up in an increasingly difficult position and tries to manipulate her way out of it. Due to the struggles between Chesterfield and Harp she is forced into a choice that demands the utmost of her. Declan barely manages to survive after becoming injured (which happened in the first season). He is on the run and is being chased by various bounty hunters. Chesterfield manages to expand his power with the help of Grace.

Frontier's second season is purely entertaining.

This goes at the expense of Lord Benton (Alun Armstrong, Prime Suspect 1973). He has his own little adventure, which leads to a less prominent presence in the show.

Although Frontier seems at times more suitable for boys, there's actually quite a mature theme. The struggle for power between Elizabeth Carruthers (Katie McGrath, Merlin) and the Scottish brothers Brown and Samuel Grant (Shawn Doyle, Covert Affairs) takes an increasingly dark turn. It eventually results in fierce combat with a bloody ending. On the other hand Michael Smythe (Landon Liboiron, Hemlock Grove) and Sokanon (Jessica Matten, Blackstone) provide us with the adventurous part of the story. Michael turns out to be quite the master thief, who manages to hold his own as a fur thief.



Frontier's second season is purely entertaining. The horribly toe-curling scenes of the first season are less prominent. They're actually not present at all, until the final episode. The show sometimes has to be watched with a certain amount of gullibility. That people find it difficult to locate Declan Harp and his associates even though they're in plain sight is obviously not realistic at all. But we've seen those kinds of errors in plenty of other television shows. If you're not distracted by those kinds of shenanigans, then Frontier is actually a pleasant watch. Nothing more, nothing less.