The Son

Watch The Son

  • TV-14
  • 2017
  • 2 Seasons
  • 7.5  (7,237)

The Son, an AMC historical drama series, ran for two seasons from 2017 to 2019. The show was one of those typical family dramas where the patriarchal character was involved in a vast business empire, making and breaking deals with absolute cunningness. This show saw Pierce Brosnan in one of his most captivating performances, and it marked his return to the American television screen after his successful stint with the hit series Remington Steele.

The son is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Philipp Meyer. The story is set in the late 1800s in West Texas, and it follows the life of three generations of a wealthy family, the McCulloughs. The series explores their evolving relationships with each other, as well as their interactions with the emerging oil industry, Native Americans, Mexican revolutionaries, and numerous other forces that would shape the Lone Star State.

The series opens with a young Eli McCullough (played by Jacob Lofland) and his family getting kidnapped by Comanches. The Comanches kill his family in one of the most gruesome opening scenes, and they leave him behind. Eli manages to survive and becomes a part of the tribe, as the Comanches raise him. The narratives then focus on how Eli adapts to their ways, grows up to become a warrior, and starts his own family, thus becoming the forceful patriarch of one of Texas's most influential families.

Fast-forward to present-day Texas, and Eli McCullough is now played by Pierce Brosnan. His family is one of the wealthiest oil and cattle barons in the state, with enormous lands and a vast business empire that reaches into the United States Senate. It’s a vast empire built on grit, determination, and bloodshed. Eli is a ruthless businessman, and his relationships with his two sons and his grandson are icy at best.

Henry Garrett plays Pete McCullough, Eli's eldest son. Pete is quite the opposite of his father, who is marked by his caring nature and his willingness to do what is right. He has the disadvantage of being the elder son to a massively successful businessman, and no matter how hard he tries, he is always judged unfairly by his father and never seems to be able to live up to his expectations.

The other storyline follows Eli's grandson, Jean-Baptiste Charley, commonly known as J.B. (played by Caleb Burgess). He is next in line to inherit the family business, but he is an aspiring artist who does not see himself handling the operations of the family empire. His attempt to find his calling and make a life for himself only adds to the family tension.

The narrative of The Son is divided into two timelines; one takes us back to Eli's childhood where we explore the Comanche way of life and how it had a profound impact on his psyche, and the other follows the present-day story of the McCulloughs. This kind of storytelling adds a layer of depth, and as each story unfolds, it provides us with a better understanding of the McCulloughs' dynamics and how they built their empire. Moreover, it offers valuable insight into the complexities of the social, cultural, and economic landscape of Texas.

The Son is rich in detail and delivers great performances, especially from Pierce Brosnan, who delivers his career-best portrayal of Eli McCullough. He is a character that you love to hate, and the acting is so masterful that you feel the weight of his presence in every scene. Jacob Lofland as young Eli captures the essence of his character's transition from a young boy to a hardened warrior with great ease. Henry Garrett as Pete, the eldest son, is excellent, providing steady yet intense performances, whereas Caleb Burgess as J.B. offers a much-needed counterbalance to the male-dominated patriarchal characters.

The show is beautifully shot, and each episode is like watching one chapter of an epic novel come to life. The attention to detail from the costume, settings, and the cinematography creates an authentic and immersive historical context of the era the show is set in.

In conclusion, The Son is a gripping drama series that captures the intricacies of power, greed, and ambition while deftly weaving in the cultural and historical elements of the period it is set in. The show is dark, violent, and poignant, and it leaves you wanting for more with each episode. If you’re looking for a historical drama that explores the flawed relationships between different generations of a wealthy family, then look no further than The Son.

The Son is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (20 episodes). The series first aired on April 8, 2017.

The Son
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Seasons
Legend
10. Legend
June 29, 2019
Young Eli is forced into a life-changing decision in 1852. In 1916, Eli wages a final war with Standard Oil, forcing a confrontation with Pete.
The Bear
9. The Bear
June 22, 2019
Young Eli's tribe encounters soldiers that make an unexpected offer in 1852. In 1916, Pete makes a decision that could tear the family apart.
All Their Guilty Stains
8. All Their Guilty Stains
June 15, 2019
Young Eli's Comanche band are forced to survive on their own in 1852. In 1916, the McCulloughs search for Maria while Jeannie discovers a devastating secret.
Somebody Get a Shovel
7. Somebody Get a Shovel
June 8, 2019
The Comanches go to war in 1852. In 1916, the McCulloughs' fight with Standard Oil reaches a breaking point. Eli takes a scalp.
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
June 1, 2019
In 1852, Young Eli must protect Ingrid; in 1916, a new attack from Standard Oil forces the McCullough family to come together.
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
May 25, 2019
In 1852, Young Eli is forced hide a deadly secret; in 1916, Maria's return brings devastating consequences for the McCullough's oil business.
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
May 18, 2019
A new danger reveals old wounds in Young Eli's tribe in 1852; in 1916, Eli and Phineas try to fight off Standard Oil as Maria Garcia returns.
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
May 11, 2019
Young Eli's Comanches must survive a dangerous journey in 1852; in 1915, Eli and Pete are forced to work together to deal with a new enemy.
Ten Dollars and a Plucked Goose
2. Ten Dollars and a Plucked Goose
May 4, 2019
After a devastating attack, Young Eli must help the Comanches regroup in 1852; in 1915, Pete's return causes fractures in the McCullough family.
Numunuu
1. Numunuu
April 27, 2019
Young Eli leads a daring Comanche raid into Mexico in 1852. In 1915, the McCullough family confronts a threat to their growing oil business.
Description
Where to Watch The Son
The Son is available for streaming on the AMC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Son on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, Vudu, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play, Apple TV and Pluto TV.
  • Premiere Date
    April 8, 2017
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (7,237)