Netflix recently released a new Western series, Territory, and it may just give Yellowstone a run for its money. Territory is an Australian Western drama
show that follows various members of the Lawson family as they fight for ownership of their family farm, Marianne Station. However, the cracks
running through their family allow others to vie for the farm as well, including rival farmers, gangsters, miners, and Indigenous leaders. Ultimately, this leads
to an intense battle for succession. Despite premiering just a day or two ago, the show has already garnered an 80% on Rotten Tomatoes.
So far, Territory has earned quite a bit of praise for its storytelling and attention to detail. Though the show could be considered soapy, this level of drama actually makes the series all the more riveting. Audiences are immediately pulled into the simmering tensions between the Lawson family and their competition. Furthermore, Territory succeeds at showing various different perspectives, including those of the Indigenous characters, who are so often forgotten in these types of narratives. Ultimately, Territory provides amazing visuals and an engrossing story that will transport its viewers straight into the Australian outback.
Based on the premise alone, it is clear that Territory is a perfect watch for Yellowstone fans. The two series have many commonalities, including genre, themes, and to a certain degree, setting. Although John Dutton is firmly at the head of the Dutton family, his children play a massive part in the show, just like in Territory. Furthermore, both shows place an emphasis on the conflicts between farmers and other groups, which can often lead to violence. Australia may be a long way from Montana, but the essences of these stories are quite the same.
The Lawsons are all vying for control of Marianne Station in Territory, which gives the show a clear goal it’s working towards.
In many ways, Territory actually improves the story that Yellowstone is trying to tell. Where Yellowstone has often struggled to balance its Indigenous characters with its white characters, Territory’s cast is more successfully represented. On top of that, Territory seemingly has a much more obvious goal than Yellowstone. The Lawsons are all vying for control of Marianne Station in Territory, which gives the show a clear goal it’s working towards. Yellowstone is a bit more abstract, following the general problems faced by John Dutton and his family members. Thus, Territory offers a bit more bite than Yellowstone.
