I recently finished a show called Strange Empire, and I'm not really sure how I felt about it. The following rambling trying to disguise itself as a review is my attempt at sorting out my feelings.

I was in the middle of iconning a Western-ish series and needed background noise (something to half-watch while I edited stuff). I'd already gone through all the Western movies Netflix had that interested me, so I decided to start a show called Strange Empire that had been on my watch-this-eventually list for ages. It fit my Western requirement, looked like it was about badass women, so why not?

It's... a strange show. Better give you a little background before I attempt to explain why. I will try my hardest to keep this spoiler-free.


Strange Empire was a Canadian show that originally aired in 2014. There was only one season (13 episodes) but judging by the amount of gif-makers on tumblr, it has a pretty dedicated fanbase. The show takes place in a little town called Janestown in on the Alberta-Montana border in 1869. Janestown is run by a little twerp named Jon Slotter. More about him later. In the pilot, a wagon train passing through gets ambushed and has to chill in Janestown for a while. The rest of the show is about the survivors banding together and trying to find their place in this crooked little town.

Strange Empire has three main characters. (Well, you could argue for four, but John Slotter can suck it.)

Kat Loving (Cara Gee) is a half-Cree badass who is traveling north to follow her dream of starting a ranch with her husband. They end up adopting a bunch of kids along the way. Kat has some identity issues, feeling like she doesn't truly belong to either of her parents' people, but she is fiercely loyal to those she loves. She maintains a tough exterior to hide her big heart. Although reluctant about it at times, Kat is a born leader, and instrumental in the change at Janestown.

Rebecca Blithely (Melissa Farman) is a bright young wife (to a guy who used to be her adoptive father - it's complicated) with a passion for science and the human body. Especially when it comes to cutting one open. (Have YOU ever held a human heart in your hands?) She is adorably awkward - and I didn't realize until exploring the fandom post-show, but widely believed to be autistic. Rebecca wants to understand everything and save people.


Isabelle Slotter (Tattiawna Jones) is a madam at a whorehouse (pimp's first lady, pussy proprietor, hooker queen) and the wife of the show's main antagonist. She's led a hard and complicated life but is one of the most driven, determined characters I've ever seen. What Isabelle wants, Isabelle better get. And you better not get in her way while she's getting there.



John Slotter (Aaron Poole) is Isabelle's husband and the little prick who runs Janestown. He owns the whorehouse and the mines and... well, what else does a small town even need? Nothing happens in Janestown without his say-so. He's a crooked, power-hungry little weasel with a totally smackable face. If you like a clear-cut villain with little or no redeeming qualities, he's your guy.



Strange Empire is a period drama, but it has a modern feel to it.

The show does a good job at dealing with some of the horrors of the old time-y life, the filming style is beautiful but straightforward, and the costumes and scenery are gorgeous. But sometimes, the plot is full of holes and bits of dialogue are worthy of eyerolls. The acting is generally pretty good.

By the end of the series, the women of Janestown have worked together, taken control, and turned the town around. Two of the three main characters are played by actresses of color. When it comes to LGBT representation, more than half of the four letters are portrayed. Even decent depictions of some mental disorders made their way into the show. Kinda feels like the writers sat down with a big checklist of what people wanted in a show.

Not that it's necessarily a bad thing.

It's just not very realistic. The big What Modern Women Want In a TV Show Checklist sounds nice in theory, but all that wish fulfillment felt a lot like fanfiction. I was always aware that I was watching a show, and what the social impact among viewers would be. I had an easier time getting lost in the wild west depicted in Cowboys & Aliens. Maybe I just take my westerns too seriously.

Strange Empire was a decent show. It was an interesting experience and a unique story, but I don't know that I'd watch it a second time. It's only 13 episodes, so if you're looking for pretty scenery, an old time-y vibe, and some diverse women kickin' ass, I'd recommend giving Strange Empire a shot.