Territory is a gripping western-style drama that intertwines the cutthroat world of land management with family intrigue, much like a blend of Yellowstone and Succession.
In this rugged world of steers, western shirts, and cowboy hats, we meet the Lawsons, a fifth-generation family running Marianne Station, the largest cattle empire globally, comparable in size to Belgium. When an unexpected death leaves the family without a clear heir, the tangled branches of the family tree—drunken sons, wayward grandsons, naive granddaughters, and possibly self-serving in-laws—begin to vie for control.
As the melancholy cowboy overlooked by his father, Graham Lawson (Michael Dorman) carries an air of quiet despair. His wife, Emily (Anna Torv), serves as the show's emotional core and true star. She navigates the misogyny and family distrust with poise, skillfully working her own angles and literally taking the bull by the horns. Her storylines were my favorite, and the reason I'm excited for a second season. With the Yellowstone and Succession vibes, I can see shades of Beth Dutton and Shiv Roy in Emily Lawson.
Meanwhile, they face a host of external threats: rival cattle barons, gangsters, and billionaires, each more nefarious than the last. Corporate heavyweights are circling in the form of Sandra Kirby, played by Sara Wiseman. She embodies the relentless deal-maker, eager to introduce complex commercial agreements that may baffle farmers but appear enticing on the surface. In opposition to her is Colin Lawson, the head of the family—a resolute man who anticipates the impending power struggles.
With stunning cinematography that captures the rugged landscape and high-stakes drama, Territory explores themes of power, greed, and the lengths one will go to protect their legacy, all while delivering sharp dialogue and unexpected twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Season two please, Netflix!
