Pop Culture Happy Hour: "American Primeval" Episode Summary

Introduction

In the January 15, 2025 episode of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, hosts Glen Weldon, Sam Yellow Horse Kessler, and Vulture TV critic Roxanna Haddadi delve into Netflix's intense Western series American Primeval. This six-episode limited series, written by Mark L. Smith (co-writer of The Revenant), explores the tumultuous journey of Sarah (Betty Gilpin) and her son as they navigate the perilous Utah Territory in 1857.

Plot Overview

American Primeval centers on Sarah's determination to reunite with her husband, who has established a settlement on the other side of the Utah Territory. Their expedition becomes fraught with danger as they encounter violent factions, including a ruthless Mormon militia led by Governor Brigham Young (Kim Coates). Alongside them is a gruff guide portrayed by Taylor Kitsch, whose troubled past adds complexity to the narrative.

Glenn Weldon provides a succinct overview:

"Utah Governor Brigham Young... is pulling the strings of a violent Mormon militia determined to keep the federal government out of the territory" [(03:00)].

The journey is layered with threats from bounty hunters, fur trappers, renegade Shoshone members, and the harsh elements of the frontier, challenging Sarah and her son in increasingly brutal ways.

Characters and Performances

The series boasts a strong ensemble cast, with standout performances from Betty Gilpin, Taylor Kitsch, Shea Whigham, and Dane DeHaan. Roxanna Haddadi praises the casting:

"Shea Whigham, great. Kim Coates, great." [(05:40)].

However, the hosts express mixed feelings about certain character arcs. While Whigham's sympathetic settler and Coates's portrayal of Brigham Young receive acclaim, Taylor Kitsch's character is critiqued for his lack of development:

"Taylor Kitsch character was just... he starts and ends on the same place... gruff but, you know." [(09:56)].

Sam Yellow Horse Kessler notes appreciation for seeing familiar actors:

"I was just like, glad to see Dane DeHaan in this... same with Shea Whigham and same with Betty Gilpin." [(05:46)].

Themes and Representation

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the series' portrayal of violence and its impact on society's formation. Roxanna Haddadi highlights the explicit depiction of religion's role in American expansion:

"The very explicit way it establishes that religion played a central role in the notion of manifest destiny, American exceptionalism." [(13:41)].

The show also attempts to incorporate Indigenous characters, though not without criticism. Haddadi points out the underdevelopment of the character Two Moons:

"They make it so she can't speak. They literally do not give her a voice." [(15:58)].

Sam YHK adds concern over the portrayal of Native Americans:

"There is this kind of messy sensation throughout the thing of, like, well, the indigenous people are being portrayed as violent savages..." [(18:06)].

Despite these shortcomings, the hosts acknowledge moments where the show challenges traditional narratives, such as Governor Young's contradictory actions and the complex alliances between factions.

Critical Reception

Both hosts share their personal critiques, balancing appreciation for the show's intensity with reservations about certain narrative choices. Roxanna expresses her admiration for the Mormon storyline, linking it to historical accounts like Jon Krakauer's Under the Banner of Heaven:

"I appreciated the... we're really gonna tell you how bad things were because of this religious faction." [(05:40)].

Conversely, Sam YHK finds the show doesn't fully resonate with him, though he appreciates the relentless energy:

"I think the redeeming quality behind it was that this was going to contribute to the reels of a lot of actors that I really like." [(05:46)].

Overall Impressions and Conclusions

American Primeval is lauded for its unflinching portrayal of frontier violence and the complex interplay of power, religion, and survival. However, the series is also critiqued for its underdeveloped Indigenous representation and one-dimensional character arcs, particularly Taylor Kitsch's guide.

Glenn Weldon emphasizes the show's structural strengths:

"In 2025, it feels good to have a six-episode limited series that tells a story with a beginning, middle, and an end." [(19:13)].

Despite its flaws, the hosts acknowledge American Primeval as a compelling addition to the Western genre, sparking meaningful conversations about America's historical narrative and the foundations of its societal constructs.

Notable Quotes

• Glenn Weldon [(03:00)]: "Utah Governor Brigham Young... is pulling the strings of a violent Mormon militia determined to keep the federal government out of the territory."

• Roxanna Haddadi [(05:40)]: "Shea Whigham, great. Kim Coates, great."

• Sam Yellow Horse Kessler [(05:46)]: "I was just like, glad to see Dane DeHaan in this... same with Shea Whigham and same with Betty Gilpin."

• Roxanna Haddadi [(13:41)]: "The very explicit way it establishes that religion played a central role in the notion of manifest destiny, American exceptionalism."

Conclusion

The Pop Culture Happy Hour hosts provide a nuanced exploration of American Primeval, balancing praise for its ambitious storytelling and strong performances with critiques of its representation and character development. The episode serves as a thoughtful guide for listeners considering whether to embark on this violent and morally complex Western journey.