The English

Cornelia Locke's journey west

In 1890, Lady Cornelia Locke arrives from England seeking revenge for her son's death. Eli Whipp, a Pawnee former cavalry scout, is travelling to claim land. Their paths meet in a frontier where money, determination and a legal entitlement offer less protection than either might wish.

Hugo Blick wrote and directed this six-part Western. Emily Blunt plays Cornelia and Chaske Spencer plays Eli. Their contrasting experience gives the partnership its interest: she has a clear purpose but little knowledge of the country, while he can read dangers that are still unfamiliar to her.

I enjoyed The English. The two leads and the landscape are good reasons to watch, though my recommendation is more measured than a claim that this belongs among the very best dramas. It is a short, serious Western worth trying if the setup interests you.

Read my full review for the case for giving it a chance. I recommend 1883 more strongly for a journey across the frontier, and Hell on Wheels if you want a longer stay in the period.