9 Years Later, Netflix’s Most Brutal Western Series Is an Underrated Masterpiece

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As a movie fan, I’ve always been fascinated by the classic Westerns. They really hit their stride during Hollywood’s Golden Age, fueled by our love for seeing good guys triumph over outlaws in a time that felt both wild and free. Back then, the Old West was often presented as this romantic, nostalgic place. While darker, more realistic Westerns existed, they didn’t really become popular until later – audiences and filmmaking itself needed to catch up. Eventually, though, the genre just faded away, which is a shame, really.

Westerns are making a comeback! We’re seeing a renewed interest in the genre, especially on television. Some shows stick to the classic, heroic stories of the Old West, but many are darker and more realistic. Viewers seem to enjoy this grittier approach, and shows like Netflix’s Godless have been leading the way for this new wave of Westerns.

Netflix’s Godless Established Itself as a Serious Western Thriller

Netflix has shown some interest in Westerns over the years, with films like The Harder They Fall, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, and The Power of the Dog. However, beyond these movies, the platform hasn’t really invested heavily in the genre, which is surprising considering they produced one of the best Western miniseries ever made. Currently, Paramount+ seems to be the go-to streaming service for Westerns, but Netflix’s Godless was a pioneer in that space.

At first glance, the film seems to follow a familiar Western formula, complete with classic characters and scenery. It even looks like an old Western, using similar camera angles and long, dramatic gunfights. However, the story itself is told in a much more modern way. It’s a compelling blend of crime, drama, thriller, and Western genres.

The 2017 miniseries was primarily filmed in New Mexico and stands out as the clear creative vision of Scott Frank, who wrote, directed, and created it. Though many people contributed to the show, Frank’s influence is evident throughout. He had previously built a strong reputation for his work in the neo-noir and crime genres, having penned films like Fallen Angels and The Lookout. This expertise led to further success, including creating Dept. Q and The Queen’s Gambit, and contributing to the screenplay for Logan.

Throughout Godless, Frank demonstrates a clear talent for blending different genres seamlessly, a skill he’s always possessed. The show also benefited from the involvement of producers Steven Soderbergh and Casey Silver, both known for their incredibly diverse and impressive bodies of work.

This creative team deeply respected the source material, and it always felt like the central idea was carefully preserved. Godless was a bold project that truly pushed boundaries and felt ahead of its time.

Godless Matched a Talented Ensemble With Classic Western Tropes

While Godless didn’t originate the Western miniseries format, earlier shows had already proven its potential. Godless distinguished itself by approaching the genre with genuine seriousness, avoiding the drawn-out storylines common in other Western TV series. Importantly, the show aimed for authenticity and didn’t try to modernize the setting or style.

The show Godless featured an incredibly strong cast, with many actors going on to achieve even greater success. Jeffrey Daniels delivered a truly terrifying performance as Frank Griffin, the show’s central villain – it’s arguably one of his best roles. Rising star Jack O’Connell played Roy Goode, an injured outlaw trying to escape his past and live a quiet life after fleeing from Frank.

Michelle Dockery played Alice, offering both a romantic interest and a grounded perspective amidst the story’s turmoil. Scoot McNairy, as Sheriff Bill, delivered a performance that felt authentic and satisfying for fans of the genre.

What really struck me about this production is the supporting cast – they’re incredible at creating a believable world. It feels very much like the classic Westerns I grew up watching, where the actors truly become the characters and you completely lose yourself in the story.

The show’s central idea is what truly makes it compelling. It centers on Roy, a young outlaw trying to escape the clutches of his old boss and a dangerous criminal organization. This struggle pulls everyone into the chaos, with Frank, played by Jeff Daniels, relentlessly pursuing control through violence and intimidation.

This story explores themes of revenge, loss, and the struggle for control. It offers a more realistic and intense version of familiar storylines, focusing on a flawed hero haunted by his past who is trying to make amends.

The Netflix Western Series Was Ahead of Its Time

Godless clearly draws inspiration from classic Westerns, respecting the traditions of the genre. However, it’s also remarkably innovative. It doesn’t just offer a fresh take on familiar tropes – it actively avoids feeling like a typical Western, even while using many of the genre’s recognizable elements.

Up until now, we’ve been discussing Godless as a tribute to classic Westerns, but with a more realistic and harsh edge. Despite all that, it doesn’t actually feel like a traditional Western.

Okay, so at first glance, this show looks like a Western – you’ve got the familiar characters and that classic Wild West vibe. But don’t let that fool you! It’s not trying to be just another Western like everything we’ve seen since the genre’s heyday. Honestly, those Western elements feel more like window dressing – beautiful details that establish the world, but they’re really there to support the story, not define it.

Honestly, when you really break down what makes this show tick – the way the characters interact, all the drama and suspense, and those big action scenes – it’s not really a Western at all! It’s a really gripping thriller and crime story that uses Western themes to draw you in, but that’s about it.

What sets this show apart from many popular Westerns is its complexity. Godless tells a large-scale story that explores questions of right and wrong, and its music doesn’t sound like typical Western scores. While it acknowledges classic Western tropes, it also challenges them, turning expectations on their head and deconstructing familiar elements of the genre.

Even if you remove the Western themes, this show remains a captivating story of revenge, driven by the complex relationship between a teacher and their student.

Everyone talks about a Western revival happening recently, but for me, Godless isn’t just part of that – it is the peak. It takes everything we think we know about classic Westerns, completely dismantles it, and builds something new. It’s a story that stands on its own, doesn’t need the usual tropes, and the result is honestly breathtaking – and tough to put into words.

With so much TV available now, miniseries really grab your attention because they build momentum and keep you hooked. Godless is one of those shows – it maintains a strong, consistent direction, thanks to a creative team that clearly shared a unified vision.

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2026-01-17 17:11