Netflix’s ‘Untamed’: A Western-influenced Crime Drama Series

In the acclaimed series Untamed, Netflix introduces Kyle Turner, a character played by Eric Bana, as a grizzled detective arriving at a key crime scene on his horse, evoking classic Western vibes in the vastness of a national park. The series, primarily filmed in Canada, features an Australian actor in the lead role, with a strong aspiration to revisit the charm and grandness of Western-infused drama series.

Although it is categorized as a limited series, Untamed holds the potential to extend beyond its current format. The meticulously packaged six-episode drama is enriched with epic frontier undertones, which should attract viewers who admire mysteries like the slightly philosophical series True Detective.

The series begins on a gripping note with the mysterious death of a woman, leading to a deep and complex investigation by Turner. Turner's observant eye and dedication to crime-solving, paired with his narrative of personal struggle, adds depth to the series. There are also elements of courtroom drama and the workings of a national park that add layers to the plot.

Whilst Untamed shows potential in highlighting issues such as under-staffing in the national park due to administrative cuts, the problem either dissolves or evaporates into the narrative without gaining enough attention.

Untamed spectacularly mixes the charm of a traditional mystery with the grand nature of a park backdrop, substituting standard locations with vast, unexplored territories where crimes happen and people disappear with alarming frequency. However, the geographical vastness soon provides an unnervingly repetitive visual experience, closing the door to the exploration of other areas of interest within the park.

The show contains clichés from a painful backstory to a convenient partnership between lead characters, but apart from these occasional surprises, it also relies on shortcuts rather than substance. Nevertheless, the show's fast-paced narrative, aided by the commendable performances of Bana and Santiago, make for a compelling watch. Even with its unrealized potential and stereotypical narrative gadgets, Untamed provides intriguing entertainment and could justify an extension of its initially planned arc.