Apple TV+’s Wild Plane Crash Series Is a Must-See Thriller

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I just finished watching the first few episodes of “The Last Frontier,” which dropped on Apple TV+ and it’s a real nail-biter! Think “Con Air” meets “A Simple Plan,” but set against the stunning, and dangerous, backdrop of snowy Alaska. Jason Clarke, who you might recognize from “Pet Sematary,” plays US Marshal Frank Remnick, and he’s fantastic. The story kicks off when a plane carrying a group of incredibly violent prisoners crashes, and Remnick is tasked with tracking down everyone who survived. It’s a tense, gripping chase as these fugitives scatter and start terrorizing the locals. Definitely one to watch!

If you enjoy 1990s thrillers, you’ll likely love *The Last Frontier*, a new series on Apple TV+ that combines exciting action with realistic drama. As the weather gets colder, it’s the perfect time to escape to the Alaskan wilderness with this show, available now through December. Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about *The Last Frontier*.

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What Is ‘The Last Frontier About?’

Created by the team behind *The Blacklist*, *The Last Frontier* is an action-packed drama available on Apple TV+ that also includes elements of horror and thriller. The story begins when a plane carrying prisoners crashes in the remote Alaskan territory overseen by US Marshal Frank Remnick, completely disrupting his peaceful life.

After a plane crash, a group of dangerous and violent criminals escape into the Alaskan wilderness. Veteran police officer Remnick, accustomed to a quiet life, finds himself caught in a whirlwind of mystery, chases, and murder as he tries to recapture them and protect his town. Throughout the harsh Alaskan winter, Remnick relentlessly pursues the escaped convicts while also ensuring the safety of his wife, Sarah, and their son, Luke.

Alongside the incredibly talented Clarke, *The Last Frontier* features a fantastic cast. Dominic Cooper (known from *Preacher*) plays Levi Hartman, a former Navy SEAL on the run, while Haley Bennett (*Swallow*) portrays CIA operative Sidney Scofield. Clifton Collins Jr. (*The Rules of Attraction*) appears as Isaac Romero, and the renowned Alfre Woodard (*Scrooged*) plays senior CIA analyst Jacque Bradford. The cast also includes Dallas Goldtooth (*Reservation Dogs*) as Deputy Marshal Hutch, Johnny Knoxville (*Jackass*) as Covington, Sarah Swire (*Muroch Mysteries*) as Inspector Jenna Briggs, Rusty Schwimmer (*The Righteous Gemstones*) as Katherine Van Horn, and Josh Cruddas (*Billy the Kid*) as Trooper Marks.

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‘The Last Frontier’ Channels Classic ’90s Action/Crime Thrillers


Apple TV+

When I read the summary for *The Last Frontier*, my mind immediately went to *Con Air* – that over-the-top, but incredibly fun, Nicolas Cage movie from ’97. It was directed by Simon West, and honestly, it felt like a Michael Bay or Jerry Bruckheimer film in the best way. The story? Cage plays a guy wrongly put on a plane full of the most dangerous criminals imaginable, and it’s basically a non-stop revenge ride.

Driven by a desperate need to avenge his daughter after her favorite toy is stolen by the dangerous criminal Cyrus the Virus (John Malkovich), Cameron Po, played by Nicolas Cage, turns into a force of destruction. He takes down a series of terrifying killers while attempting to land a plane safely. But *The Last Frontier* isn’t just an in-flight thriller; it asks what would happen if escaped convicts unleashed chaos in the wilderness.

Besides sharing similarities with *Con Air*, *The Last Frontier* also brings to mind Sam Raimi’s excellent, but often overlooked, 1998 film, *A Simple Plan*. The story, set in snowy Minnesota, centers around a plane crash and a large sum of drug money. Brothers Hank and Jacob, along with their friend Lou, discover the cash and decide to keep it. However, when a corrupt FBI agent starts searching for the money, their simple scheme quickly spirals into a web of paranoia and mistrust.

This fall, Apple TV+ subscribers might be in for something special with *The Last Frontier*. If the show delivers a mix of action and suspense similar to *Con Air* and the clever plot of *A Simple Plan*, it’s sure to be a hit. Sadly, Hollywood isn’t what it used to be in the 1990s. *The Last Frontier* could represent a throwback to a classic style of entertainment – exciting stories combined with great performances. Either way, the series seems poised to offer a type of viewing experience that’s become rare.

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How & Where to Watch ‘The Last Frontier’


Apple TV+

The first season of *The Last Frontier* has 10 episodes. The first two, “Blue Skies” and “Winds of Change,” will premiere on Apple TV+ on October 10, 2025. Following that, new episodes will be released weekly on Fridays. For example, Episode 3, titled “Country as F*ck,” will air on October 17th, and the pattern will continue.

The creative team behind *The Last Frontier* is also noteworthy. The first episode, “Blue Skies,” was written by the series’ creators, Jon Bokemkamp and Richard D’Ovidio, and directed by Sam Hargrave, a veteran stunt performer known for his work on *Extraction*. Melissa Glenn (from *Zoo*) and Ryan Cruise wrote the second episode, “Winds of Change,” with direction by John Curran (*The Painted Veil*). Sam Hargrave directed the third episode, “Country as F*ck,” written by Cruise and Akela Cooper (*M3gan*).

As a big fan, I’ve been keeping track of who’s been behind the camera for each episode. Episode 4, “My Autumn’s Done Come,” was penned by Kelli Johnson, who also worked on *The Blacklist*, and directed by Curran. Curran also directed Episode 5, “Good Hearted Woman,” with a script from Glenn Kessleer – you might know him from *Damages*. Then, Melissa Glenn wrote Episode 6, “The Devil Wears a Suit and Tie,” and Jessica Lowery, who’s done *Heels* and *Halo*, directed it. Lowery stayed on to direct Episode 7, “Change of Time,” with a script by Albert Kim – he worked on *Sleepy Hollow*. Things came full circle with Cruise and Curran teaming up again to write and direct Episode 8, “L’air Perdu.” And finally, Dennie Gordon, who’s directed *Warrior* and *Halo*, wrapped things up by directing the last two episodes. Albert Kim wrote Episode 9, “Converge,” and Bokemkamp and D’Ovidio brought the series home with the finale, “Everything Trying,” on December 10th.

Given the impressive background of the people making it, you can expect *The Last Frontier* to deliver a satisfying conclusion. With its exciting, old-school style and talented cast and crew, *The Last Frontier* looks set to be the must-watch thriller on Apple TV+ this fall. You can now stream *The Last Frontier* on Apple TV+.

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2025-10-11 17:04