AMC’s The Son (2017-2019) stands as a bold, if flawed, entry in the modern Western revival, chronicling the bloody ascent of a Texas oil empire through dual timelines of frontier savagery and early 20th-century ambition. Adapted from Philipp Meyer’s Pulitzer Prize-finalist novel, the series follows Eli McCullough’s transformation from Comanche captive to ruthless patriarch, exploring themes of legacy, violence, and the American Dream’s dark underbelly. Starring Pierce Brosnan as the elder Eli and Jacob Lofland as his younger self, the 20-episode run across two seasons offers sweeping vistas, moral complexity, and stellar performances, though pacing issues tempered its impact.

The narrative alternates between 1849, where teenage Eli (Lofland) survives a Comanche raid that slaughters his family, and 1915, where aged Eli (Brosnan) maneuvers to secure his ranching dynasty amid oil discoveries and Mexican border tensions. Raised by Comanche chief Toshaway (Zahn McClarnon), young Eli assimilates into tribal life, learning survival’s brutal code. In 1915, he clashes with neighbors like Pedro Garcia (Carlos Bardem) over land and resources, while grooming sons Pete (Henry Garrett) and Phineas (David Wilson Barnes) for inheritance. The dual structure mirrors Eli’s internal conflict: innocence forged into calculated cruelty.

Brosnan delivers a commanding performance, his Irish charm masking Eli’s cold pragmatism— a far cry from Bond’s suavity. Lofland’s raw intensity complements him, while McClarnon steals scenes as the wise yet fierce Toshaway. Supporting cast shines: Jess Weixler as Eli’s resilient wife Sally, Paola Núñez as fiery Maria Garcia, and Sydney Lucas as granddaughter Jeannie.

Critics were mixed: Season 1 scored 52% on Rotten Tomatoes for “sluggish pacing,” but praised its ambition and visuals. Season 2 improved to 70%, lauded for deeper family dynamics. Fans appreciated the revisionist lens on Native American relations and Texas mythology, though some decried historical liberties.

The Son ultimately captures the West’s mythic violence without romanticizing it— a saga of empire built on blood. In Yellowstone’s shadow, it remains a gritty gem for Western enthusiasts.