The Netflix Western series 'The Abandons,' created by Kurt Sutter, transports viewers to the tumultuous Washington Territory in 1854, setting the stage for a gripping conflict between two formidable women and their families. The series centers on the wealthy Van Ness family, led by its matriarch Constance (Gillian Anderson), and the family of outcasts known as the Nolans from Jasper Hollow, led by Fiona Nolan (Lena Headey). This intense feud is fueled by the discovery of silver beneath the Nolan's land, escalating tensions with Constance, a woman determined to maintain her privilege and expand her town and silver mines at any cost.

At the core of 'The Abandons' is a deep-seated antagonism between Constance and Fiona, intensified by a hidden truth and a simmering desire for revenge. The narrative explores themes of wealth clashing with the fight for family and land, an attack, a missing son, a secret militia, and a romance fraught with trouble. According to Gillian Anderson, Constance is not a naturally attentive parent, with her primary focus fixed on her end goal of expansion. Anything obstructing this pursuit is to be removed, showcasing her relentless drive and lack of emotional investment in her children's upbringing.

Lena Headey describes Fiona as being from "the other side of the tracks," lacking money and privilege, yet harboring a deep envy of Constance. This disparity creates an immediate and extreme divide between the two women. A pivotal and harrowing event in the series is the rape of Fiona's daughter by Constance's son. This act becomes a central driver of Fiona's actions, and her decision to keep it secret, rather than reveal it to Constance, adds immense tension. Fiona understands that in this historical period, Willem, Constance's son, would likely not be held responsible, a sentiment that sadly still resonates today. This secret knowledge allows Fiona to engage in a psychological game, seeking the satisfaction of making Constance acknowledge her misdeeds, even if only for a brief moment of power over the privileged woman.

The series excels at building this tension, showcasing Constance's struggle with not being in control or unable to buy her way out of a situation. Her fury at Fiona, whom she perceives as a "nobody" obstructing progress, leads to a primal scream of frustration, suggesting a rare loss of composure for the usually measured matriarch. Fiona, on the other hand, is characterized by her emotional outbursts and stubbornness. While she has a deep relationship with God, seeing him as her ultimate backstop, parts of her nature are "pigheaded" and prone to sabotage, even when negotiating a land deal that could benefit her family. Her actions often stem from a desire for what is morally correct and what will advance her family, alongside a tendency to test boundaries.

During their interview, Anderson and Headey discussed the show's production journey, which included restructuring and changes in episode counts, as well as the departure of creator Kurt Sutter. Despite these transitions, the plan was always to conclude the season with a significant confrontation and a cliffhanger. Anderson noted that the restructuring ultimately helped clarify the numerous storylines and characters. The brutal fight scene between Constance and Fiona in the finale was a highlight for both actresses. They were "totally down" for the physical demands of the scene, which involved using environmental elements like a table leg. Anderson famously kept a rubber table leg as a wrap gift, jokingly describing her satisfaction in "beating" Headey with it, while Headey playfully lamented her lack of a souvenir.

Looking ahead, the question of a potential Season 2 remains. While no formal conversations about continuing the story or the characters have occurred, the possibility hinges on the series' reception. Both Anderson and Headey expressed their willingness to return, with Headey eager for more opportunities to ride horses, shoot guns, and engage in fight scenes. The season ends with a cliffhanger fire, leaving the fate of both women uncertain and much of the story's surface barely scratched, promising more drama should the series continue.