Frontier Season 2 Episode 3 The Wolf and the Bear

Set in the 18th century, during the North American fur trade, Frontier is a historical drama that explores the savage competition between various fur trading companies for dominance in the business. The show delves into the lives of the trappers, traders, and Native American tribes involved in the industry, detailing their struggles, conflicts, and alliances. In season 2, episode 3, titled "The Wolf and the Bear," we see a new chapter in the story, as the Hudson's Bay Company consolidates its power in the region, while its rivals plot their revenge.

The episode begins with Lord Benton (Alun Armstrong), the shrewd and ruthless leader of the HBC, plotting to eliminate his enemies, including the Delaney brothers and their allies. Benton's right-hand man, Captain Chesterfield (Evan Jonigkeit), visits The Fort, a trading post owned by the Delaneys, to deliver a message of intimidation and to scout for weaknesses. However, he is surprised by the presence of Sokanon (Jessica Matten), a Mohawk warrior and former lover of Michael (Landon Liboiron), one of the Delaneys. Sokanon is on a mission to rescue her people from the clutches of the HBC, who have taken them as prisoners. She is tough, resourceful, and fearless, and proves to be a match for Chesterfield's arrogance.

Meanwhile, the other Delaney brother, Declan (Jason Momoa), is on a mission of his own. He has set out into the wilderness to hunt for a legendary bear, that he believes holds the key to his past. Declan is haunted by his memories of his mother's death and his estranged relationship with his father, and he hopes that the bear will help him find the truth. He is accompanied by an old friend, Nadeau (Christian McKay), who is an expert trapper and a bit of a philosopher. The two men have a tense but affectionate dynamic, and their conversations reveal a lot about the nature of survival, loyalty, and regret.

As Declan and Nadeau venture deeper into the forest, they encounter obstacles and dangers, such as harsh weather, hostile Native Americans, and unpredictable animals. They also have to face their own weaknesses and doubts, as they question their motives and abilities. However, they are driven by a strong sense of purpose, which keeps them going. They believe that their quest is more than just a personal obsession; it is a way to honor the spirit of their ancestors, who lived off the land and respected its power.

The episode also features some other intriguing characters and subplots. Malcolm (Michael Patric), a former HBC employee, has switched allegiances and is now working for the Delaneys, providing them with valuable information about the company's plans. Grace (Zoe Boyle), Michael's love interest, is struggling to find her place in the male-dominated world of the fur trade, but she refuses to be a mere accessory to her partners' ambitions. Imogen (Diana Bentley), a socialite from London, arrives in the frontier with her husband, who is a high-ranking official in the HBC. Imogen is bored with her privileged life and craves adventure and excitement. She tries to find it in the arms of other men, including Chesterfield, and puts herself in danger.

Overall, "The Wolf and the Bear" is a gripping, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant episode of Frontier. It showcases the show's strengths, which include its vivid setting, its complex characters, and its attention to historical accuracy. The cinematography, music, and production design are all top-notch, creating a convincing sense of time and place. The episode also touches on some themes that are relevant to our times, such as the exploitation of natural resources, the clash of cultures, and the consequences of greed.