5 ways Netflix's The Abandons mirrored Yellowstone (but couldn't perfect the Western drama mood)

The Abandons streaming on Netflix | Image via Netflix
The Abandons streaming on Netflix | Image via Netflix

The Abandons is a new Western drama by Netflix that comes with distinct echoes of Yellowstone, but it fails to achieve the same magic. Both the television series share the theme of families battling each other both physically and economically, but The Abandons is more melodramatic than Yellowstone.

It is about two matriarchs who frequently fight in a frontier town, a setting that creates drama but is sometimes rushed. The series consists of seven episodes and was released this month, featuring a powerful cast and dramatic twists. However, the show lacks the authenticity and genuine attitudes that have made Yellowstone so memorable to today's TV audiences.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised


Five ways The Abandons mirrored Yellowstone are given below

Strong female leadership

Both shows highlight strong women who lead their families with fierce resolve. Fiona Nolan in The Abandons guides her orphan family with determination, while Beth Dutton dominates the Dutton empire with sharp control. Both women fight to protect loved ones, no matter the cost.

Yet Yellowstone gives Beth more depth through years of layered storytelling, while Fiona’s journey feels rushed. Fiona proves her strength when she kills Willem to save Dahlia, echoing Beth’s ruthless threats against Jamie to keep her family safe.


Protecting land and legacy

In The Abandons, Fiona owns property worth silver, which Constance Van Ness wishes to acquire. John Dutton, a Montana rancher in Yellowstone, battles developers and other tribes. The shows are both based on families struggling to defend their land against external attacks.

Yet Yellowstone gives the land dispute deeper meaning by tying it to heritage and history. The family in both stories displayed their willingness to go to any lengths to protect their possessions. The Abandons feels more like a material fight between two women chasing wealth.


Family violence and mortality

The Abandons and Yellowstone both show families turning to violence as a way to survive. In The Abandons, Fiona kills Willem, and the Nolan family conceals his body to avoid the revenge of Van Ness. In Yellowstone, their enemies are buried in the secret graveyards by the Duttons.

The morality of life and death is questioned in both tales. However, Yellowstone explores the more complex question of whether or not violence can ever be justified, while The Abandons presents it more directly. Both Fiona and John feel that they need to kill so that they can save their families.


Matriarchal rivalry instead of patriarchal control

Leaders battling to preserve family power are the main subject of both shows. Fiona and Constance battle for dominance in The Abandons, and John Dutton defends his ranch from constant attacks in Yellowstone.

The Abandons also brings women into power, but it does not have the same commanding effect that John does. His confrontations feel vast and historical, whereas Fiona and Constance frequently quarrel in ways that appear personal. Leaders who reject land deals and uphold property rights are highlighted in both shows.


The dramatic finale with fire and confrontation

The two Tv series end with violent clashes that define their stories. In The Abandons, Fiona storms into Constance’s burning mansion and fights her as flames consume the estate. Yellowstone ends with family members facing deadly battles that shape their future.

Fire and combat serve as symbols of ultimate conflict in both shows. Yet Yellowstone delivers clear and meaningful conclusions, while The Abandons leaves survival uncertain. Yellowstone creates emotional weight, while The Abandons is based on shock without deeper resolution.


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Edited by Amey Mirashi