Netflix’s American Primeval transports viewers to the 19th-century American West, weaving a tapestry of survival, conflict, and redemption as characters struggle to forge new lives amidst the unforgiving frontier.
At the heart of the story are Sara Rowell and her son Devin, who flee their past for a chance at a better future. Their journey intersects with the lives of Mormon settlers, bounty hunters, and Indigenous tribes, all grappling with their own dilemmas.
Through six episodes, the series examines the clash of cultures and the individuals caught in its wake. Here’s how the season wraps up and what it all means.
How Does Isaac Die?
Isaac Reed begins as a solitary figure, scarred by the violent death of his wife and children, which leaves him emotionally distant and reluctant to form connections. When Sara and Devin first meet Isaac, he refuses to help them reach Crooks Springs, deeming their journey too dangerous. Yet, as fate brings them together, Isaac takes on the role of protector, guiding Sara, Devin, and Two Moons, a Native American girl, to safety. Despite his stoic exterior, Isaac grows attached to the trio, forming a bond he had long avoided.
Isaac’s inner conflict deepens when he begins to see a future with Sara and the children. However, his unresolved grief over his family’s loss holds him back. Believing he is too broken to offer them stability, Isaac ultimately decides to part ways with them just a half-mile from Crooks Springs. As he departs, he notices a doll in the snow, a chilling reminder of the bounty hunters who had been pursuing Sara.
Isaac realizes that Lucas, the surviving member of the bounty hunter group, is nearby and poses a grave threat to Sara and the children. Rushing back to protect them, Isaac arrives just in time to confront Lucas, who has Sara at gunpoint. In the ensuing struggle, Isaac is shot in the chest but manages to kill Lucas, ensuring the safety of Sara, Devin, and Two Moons.
Isaac succumbs to his wounds, but not before sharing a poignant moment with Sara. In his final breaths, he thanks her for helping him find purpose again, despite his tragic end. Sara, Devin, and Two Moons honor Isaac with a proper Shoshone funeral, a gesture that underscores his role as a selfless protector.
Why Don’t Sara and Devin Go to Crooks Springs?
From the beginning, Sara’s goal is to reach Crooks Springs, where she believes Devin’s father resides. After fleeing Philadelphia to escape prosecution for killing an abusive man, Sara clings to the hope that Devin’s father will provide a stable life for her son. However, the journey exposes her to harsh truths about survival, family, and trust.
Sara’s growing bond with Isaac shifts her perspective. She begins to question whether Devin’s father, who abandoned them years ago, is truly the best option for their future. Devin himself repeatedly expresses his reluctance to meet his father, suggesting they head to California instead.
Isaac’s death becomes a turning point for Sara. Witnessing his sacrifice, she realizes the importance of cherishing the family she has built along the way, rather than placing her faith in an unreliable figure from the past. With newfound clarity, Sara decides to heed Devin’s advice. She, Devin, and Two Moons set off for California, symbolizing a fresh start and the resilience of chosen family.
What Happens to the Shoshone? Do They Die?
The Shoshone, caught between the US Army and the Mormon militia, face relentless threats to their land and lives. The Mormons orchestrate a massacre disguised as an Indigenous attack, escalating tensions and paving the way for further violence. Abish Pratt, a Mormon woman who becomes an ally to the Shoshone, discovers the truth about her people’s involvement in the massacre and chooses to side with the tribe.
When the Mormons attack the Shoshone camp to eliminate Abish, the tribe stands their ground, resulting in a brutal battle. Despite their bravery, the Shoshone suffer devastating losses. The bloodshed reflects the harsh reality of Indigenous struggles during this period, where survival often came at a steep cost. By the battle’s end, both sides are severely diminished, leaving no clear victor.
Is Red Feather Dead?
Red Feather, a Shoshone leader, emerges as a pivotal figure in the tribe’s fight for survival. His journey intertwines with that of Abish, who earns his trust and respect. During the final battle against the Mormon militia, Red Feather confronts Brother Wolsey, the architect of the massacre. In a climactic moment, Red Feather kills Wolsey with an axe but sustains a fatal gunshot wound in the process.
As Red Feather dies in his son’s arms, his death symbolizes the sacrifices made by Indigenous leaders to protect their people and their way of life. His legacy lives on through the resilience of the Shoshone, who continue to fight for their place in a changing world.
Do Abish and Jacob Die?
Abish and Jacob Pratt’s story is one of tragedy and transformation. After surviving the massacre, Jacob becomes consumed by guilt and a desperate need to reunite with his wife. However, his mental state deteriorates as he grapples with the trauma of their separation. When he finally finds Abish during the battle, he tragically fails to recognize her as one of the Shoshone fighters and shoots her.
Realizing his mistake too late, Jacob is overcome with remorse as Abish dies in his arms. Unable to live with his guilt, he takes his own life, marking the end of their doomed love story. Their deaths highlight the devastating consequences of miscommunication and blind hatred, which pervade the conflicts of the era.
What Happens to Jim Bridger? Why Do the Mormons Burn Down Fort Bridger?
Fort Bridger, a critical strategic location, becomes a point of contention between the US Army and the Mormon militia. Jim Bridger, the fort’s namesake, finds himself caught in the middle as both sides vie for control. Refusing to take sides, Bridger eventually agrees to sell the fort to the Mormons, believing it will bring him peace and financial security.
However, Brigham Young, the leader of the Mormons, orders the fort to be burned down to prevent its capture by the US Army. This strategic move underscores the lengths to which the Mormons will go to maintain their autonomy and control over the region. For Bridger, the destruction of the fort represents the end of an era. Walking away without looking back, he resolves to start anew elsewhere, leaving behind the conflict and chaos that consumed the area.
Conclusion
American Primeval is a gripping tale of survival, sacrifice, and resilience set against the backdrop of the American West. Through its richly drawn characters and intertwining storylines, the series explores themes of family, loyalty, and the cost of pursuing freedom. The tragic fates of Isaac, Red Feather, Abish, and Jacob underscore the harsh realities of the time, while Sara, Devin, and Two Moons’ decision to forge a new path offers a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. With its unflinching portrayal of historical conflicts and personal struggles, American Primeval captures the spirit of a tumultuous era in American history.