American Primevalrecently premiered on Netflix, and since then, it’s managed to garner quite a fanbase. Set in 1857, the series chronicles a number of stories that all converge in America’s Utah territory during the turbulent time of westward expansion. A dark western thriller, the series showcases ongoing clashes between the U.S. Army, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), and multiple indigenous tribes. The catalyst of the series begins with the Mormon-sanctioned Mountain Meadows Massacre and then continues to display Brigham Young’s (Kim Coates) efforts to control Utah outside the confines of the United States, no matter the cost.
While the series also tells the story of Sara (Betty Gilpin), her young son Devin (Preston Mota), and their reluctant guide Isaac (Taylor Kitsch), who is helping them in their efforts to travel west,American Primeval’soverarching narrative focuses onthe bloody and brutal fightfor control of the untamed frontier. The stories of everyday men and women included in the show are there to highlight how their existence was used to further the gains of those at the top.
Those who enjoyed Netflix’s gritty and harrowing tale should check out FX’s underrated crime western series,Under the Banner of Heaven. Despite taking place nearly 130 years apart, the shows are unintentionally connected given their narratives involving LDS members and the contentious teachings of the church’s past. Any series that highlights Young’s earliest efforts in Utah will undoubtedly sit adjacent to a show whose characters call back to controversial former teachings of the LDS Church. Plus, given the subject matter ofUnder the Banner of Heaven, fans ofAmerican Primevalwill want to add it to their watchlist.
Under the Banner of Heaven
What Is ‘Under the Banner of Heaven’ About?
Set in 1984,Under the Banner of Heavenfollows Jeb Pyre (Andrew Garfield),a devout LDS memberand detective for the East Rockwell, Utah police department. The series is inspired by the 2003 non-fiction book of the same name by Jon Krakauer, which exploresthe true crime case of brothers Ron (Sam Worthington) and Dan Lafferty (Wyatt Russell) who murdered their sister-in-law, Brenda (Daisy Edgar-Jones), and her 15-month-old daughter.
After beginning his investigation of the brutal double homicide,Jeb’s faith is tested when his findings connect the murders to one of Utah’s most esteemed Mormon families. After ultimately spiraling into LDS fundamentalist beliefs, the family’sdistrust in the government explodedand their desire to follow extremist Mormon teachings eventually leads to Brenda’s death. However, the deeper Jeb digs into the murder, he discovers that more lies beneath the surface, and it doesn’t end with the Lafferty family.
Under the Banner of Heaven: Best Performances in the Miniseries, Ranked
Under the Banner of Heaven is one of the best miniseries of 2022, thanks to outstanding performances from the main and supporting cast.
‘Under the Banner of Heaven’ Was Well Received Upon its Release
But it Drew a Lot of Criticism from the LDS Church
Upon the show’s release in 2022, it was well received by critics and viewers alike.The series has 87% on Rotten Tomatoeswith its audience score close behind at 82%. The show was nominated for various awards and won a Satellite Award for Best Miniseries. However, despite its phenomenal performances and gripping narrative,Under the Banner of Heavendrew quite a bit of criticism regardingthe details of its true-crime storyas well as its representation of the LDS Church.
Created by Dustin Lance Black, who grew up in a Mormon household, many LDS members stated the series simplydemonized Mormons and misrepresented their faith. Ridiculed as merely another addition in the American media that portrayed LDS members as inherently violent,the series remained unpopular among practicing Mormons. However, despite harsh critiques from members of the Mormon community, the series continued to impress audiences.
Under the Banner of Heaven: Fact vs. Fiction
Here’s what is factually accurate in the first two episodes of Hulu’s true crime limited series Under the Banner of Heaven.
Aside from the show’s religious criticism,Under the Banner of Heaventook quite a few liberties with the details of its story. Nonetheless, that’s to be expected given the medium in which the narrative unfolds. The series doesn’t purport to tell a historically accurate rendition of the Lafferty case. Rather, it remainsa show inspired by those events.It’s a harrowing crime drama that unfolds as such, and it certainly isn’t a series meant for every viewer.
No matter how far the series might have strayed from its source material, the show remains a worthwhile watch.Its gritty true crime themes fit perfectly next to shows likeAmerican Primeval. As such, fans of the Netflix series would devourUnder the Banner of Heaven. With its western setting and gruesome narrative, both shows work well as adjacent viewing experiences, which aren’t for the faint of heart.American Primevalis currently streaming on Netflix, andUnder the Banner of Heavenis currently streaming on Hulu.
