groovecanada Strange Empire is fascinating story-telling. Superbly acted and superbly shot, this series is a constant reminder of how far we women have come and how strong we've always been. The lawlessness of Canada a mere 150 years ago, as portrayed in Strange Empire, is absolutely bone-chilling. The acting is all-round wonderful, but Aaron Poole's creation of the complex and multi-layered John Slotter is nothing short of brilliant. Slotter is one of those characters that will never completely leave your consciousness. Series creator, Laurie Finstad- Knizhnik, is first rate and adds to the already considerable Girl Power factor of Strange Empire. The downfall of this series is its cancellation. A grave disappointment given its caliber. What an irony that this website would not publish my review until I had corrected the "spelling errors" in my review. Initially, I spelled "caliber" the Canadian way: c-a-l-i-b-r-e.

John Rhoten This is one of the worst shows I have ever watched. I gave it all 13 episodes and was left wanting. There is absolutely no redeeming character on the show at all. Even the righteous Kate Loving who is good with a gun with her moral compass; she is weak and ineffective. She couldn't stop the miners from brawling and then she was working for the mine. Isabelle is ruthless and greedy with no shame or remorse. She was willing to kill the young mother just to keep her father-in-law on the hook. Which brings us to John Slotter who posses no charm, no wit, no vision and no sense. I don't just hate his characterization I really find the actor not very good either. It is a quagmire of bad writing and almost claustrophobic in the stylization of 1880s. If we are to believe this is the Canadian wilderness where is it? The smaller, simpler charters are not completely fleshed out but at least allow for some kind of hope of manna in the wilderness.Okay, maybe the young doctor wanting to do right is not too bad...

MaddCatter Westerns have been popular since the beginning of film. But Strange Empire is unique in that it is an Estrogen Western. The reduction of testosterone is long overdue. This refreshing series is well written, innovative, and imaginative while featuring strong women as the main characters. The acting is excellent and the camera work is exquisite. The muted tones of the beautiful scenery work well to set the tone. Can't help but feel the series could have found its audience if given more than one season. I would have liked to see the characters be given a chance to develop and Janestown be given a chance to grow. But the powers that be cut the heart right out of it. So very unfortunate as this is a true gem. I just found it on Netflix and was captivated.

Konota Crane At Last an era show with lots of Canadian talent. Probably one of the most believable "westerns" as I'm certain life "on the frontier" was not easy for women and children.The life of mixed bloods has never been easy or acceptable then and not much better now, I certainly believe that women then where fighters and survivors and had to be often at a high cost.. The delivery of the life at that time is more "factual". I commend writers/production on the sensitivity to cultural matters and knowing some of the nuances of culture. Good for Canada for bringing to light the matter and the talent. An old saying "whaf wa" really good" thanks for a wonderful series...