Press release: STRANGE EMPIRE is a Western whose heroes are women in the Old West. With most of their men gone, and those who remain battling for control, the women struggle to survive, to find their independence, and to build a life in which to thrive and raise families. As the stories of Janestown’s citizens unfold we see the clash between a power-hungry father and son and the deep prejudices among races, but also the start of something akin to community in this Wild West.
Set in 1869, the show focuses on a group of women on the Alberta-Montana border who must fend for themselves after their men are murdered. This dark western was cancelled after just one season, no reason was given by the network but it was thought to be too dark for Canadian audiences. It had been hailed as a premium-cable worthy series complete with sex, gunslingers and prostitutes. While premium-cable worthy was definitely a stretch (the acting and storyline was spotty at best), it did delivery some good gothic imagery and set design. It debuted in the US on the Lifetime Network and is now available on DVD. While not on the level of HBO’s Deadwood or Westworld, it is definitely worth a look. You can stream it on your platform of choice, or you can pick up a copy of the DVD HERE.