The Last Frontier (Apple TV) Series Review

The Last Frontier is a very well-written series full of thrilling action and emotional depth, standing out as the underdog hit series of the year.

Jason Clarke, of Oppenheimer, stars as U.S. Marshal Frank Remnick in quite a story set in the rugged barrens of Alaska. As the lone marshal in charge, he soon finds himself surrounded by law enforcement when a prison transport plane carrying dozens of violent inmates crashes in the remote wilderness, setting free any surviving prisoners. It’s now up to Frank to protect his town, and his family, while helping capture 18 escapees.

But you don’t really think the plot’s that simple, do you? Of course not. The deeper he becomes involved with these cases and this plane crash, the more Frank starts to suspect that maybe the crash wasn’t an accident at all. In fact, what if it was just the first step of a well-crafted plan full of far-reaching, devastating implications?

Of course, there’s more. The Last Frontier also features some extremely well-written subplots that are so structurally sound and cohesive, they, themselves, function to enhance intensity levels. For example, there’s more to Frank than meets the eye—there always is with Jason Clarke characters. He is the perfect choice to evoke empathy and compassion for this character.

The more our story unfolds, we also learn Frank is on the verge of retirement for numerous reasons. One of those reasons is his propensity for allowing cases to become obsessions. It already almost ruined his family once. Will it happen again with this new case? Can he control his emotions?

As Frank works to capture prison escapees and figure out the truth behind what’s really going on, he is also hiding a very big secret—the kind that holds you hostage every day and forces you to shove it down just so you can keep breathing and pretending everything is fine. Writers artistically weave this into the narrative and venture into it just enough without overdoing it, and just enough so that you understand future catalysts in his family’s struggling dynamic.

The new Apple TV series has some extremely well-written subplots that have intricate ways of somehow connecting back to one of our main plots. Writers knew just how to achieve the perfect layer of density within them so as not to allow them to overshadow the impetus at hand.

The Last Frontier features explosive action right out the gate, with the first ten minutes pretty much pinning you to your seat as you take in all that’s happening. Its opening plane crash sequence is extremely impressive, and the stunts are, at times, so intense, you find yourself holding your breath. That makes this series a riveting watch from the get-go. So much has happened by the third episode alone, it’s hard to believe there are still seven episodes left!

While the narrative does feature its fair share of dramatic moments, even those raise a chill and/or a thrill; they don’t linger, and they usually lead us right back into more action, shocking twists, and bombshell surprises we never saw coming. Those dramatic moments are key to understanding our characters, though, as in those moments we learn of our main characters’ traumas. It’s interesting to see the different ways in which they deal with their pains and how that plays into their respective actions as law enforcement officers who are also regular people—just a husband and father, and just a wife, daughter, and sister.

There are also moments that support a loyal sense of community, and those will give you goosebumps. During this chaos, the power goes out, so what does everyone do in a crucial time of need? Band together. To help a plane carrying some very important cargo land, locals with medium-sized and big trucks and others with big machinery containing lights line up in a local airfield and create a runway of headlights, all to help Marshal Remnick. Everyone loves him.

In addition to starring in the series, Clarke serves as a writer and executive producer. The Last Frontier also features Dominic Cooper, of Preacher, in an exciting main role, along with Haley Bennet, of The Luckiest Man in America. Supporting cast members include Simone Kessell, of Yellowjackets, Tait Blum, of For All Mankind, and multi-Emmy Award-winner Alfre Woodard, of See. Guest stars include Johnny Knoxville, of The Studio, and Clifton Collins Jr., of Eddington.

Fans of Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi’s Reservation Dogs will also be thrilled to know that William Knifeman himself (Dallas Goldtooth) also stars in The Last Frontier as Frank’s trusty law enforcement sidekick and friend, Hutch. Spoiler alert: He does not once say to Frank, “Aho! Young warrior,” but he is just as lovable, just as memorable, and just as funny. He and Clarke share a smooth on-screen chemistry that makes them the perfect pairing.

As one of the most intricate mysteries of the year, The Last Frontier features a premise that’s interesting enough to draw viewers in, but what will keep you locked in are the performances, the complex characters, the atmosphere and cinematography—not to mention the special effects—and this massively intriguing narrative. It’s a great conspiracy full of twists and turns (and spectacular stunts) that must see play out.

The Last Frontier premieres globally on Apple TV on Friday, October 10, 2025, followed by weekly releases until the finale on December 5.

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