American Primeval: What happened to Pratt? Explained

Netflix’s American Primeval is an exploration of the American West set against the backdrop of intense conflict during the Utah War in 1857. The limited series combines a fictional storyline with historical events, creating a tense narrative that delves into survival, loyalty, and loss.

One of the show’s most talked-about moments involves the fate of Jacob Pratt, portrayed by Dane DeHaan. As the series unfolds, Pratt’s relentless pursuit of his wife, Abish, drives his arc to a devastating conclusion.

The character's journey, which begins with a mission of love and redemption, ends in tragedy, leaving viewers with lingering questions about his ultimate fate. In the end, Jacob Pratt accidentally kills his wife, Abish, during an attack and, overcome with guilt and grief, takes his own life in American Primeval.

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Jacob Pratt's fate in American Primeval explored

Jacob Pratt’s storyline is one of American Primeval’s most emotionally charged arcs. Throughout the series, Pratt is fueled by a singular motive: to rescue his wife, Abish, who he believes is being held hostage. Joined by Brother Cook, Pratt navigates a world rife with betrayal, violence, and survival.

His mission to reunite with Abish is relentless, but it also blinds him to the complexities of his situation. Pratt eventually teams up with Brother Bill to launch an attack on the Shoshone tribe, where he believes Abish is being held. However, unbeknownst to him, Abish has assimilated into the tribe, forming a bond with her new family.

In a tragic twist, Pratt, driven by rage and desperation, accidentally shoots Abish during the attack. This devastating moment shatters him completely. Unable to cope with the guilt of killing the very person he sought to save, Pratt sees no reason to continue living. His life, once defined by his pursuit of Abish, is now consumed by grief and remorse.

Eventually, Pratt takes his own life, believing that death is the only way to reunite with Abish in the afterlife. This tragic conclusion cements his character arc as one of the most poignant elements of the series.

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What is American Primeval about?

American Primeval is a brutal and intense Western drama set in the turbulent landscape of 1857 Utah at the height of the Utah War. The series analyses the violent power play for control over the American West. The narrative focuses on the convergence of various groups, including the Mormon settlers, Native American tribes, pioneers, and the U.S. government.

The Mountain Meadows Massacre is the central plot of the story, a real historical event that sets off the following fictional drama. The series is written by Mark L. Smith and directed by Peter Berg. It incorporates historical events into the narrative through fictional characters exploring survival, power, and cultural conflicts.

The series also depicts the Mormon church's Nauvoo Legion, Native American tribes fighting for their lands, and the pioneers and miners trying to survive amidst their struggles.

Still from the trailer (Image via YouTube/Netflix)

Although American Primeval is built around historical events, including the Mountain Meadows Massacre, the storyline and characters are entirely fictional. The show harnessed history to develop the storyline that delves into human cost in terms of territorial conflict.

The incident of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, where Mormon soldiers were disguised as Native Americans and attacked a group of pioneers, forms the basis of the series's dramatic arc.

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Cast of American Primeval explored

The series features a notable cast, led by Dane DeHaan as Jacob Pratt, whose tragic storyline anchors much of the show’s emotional weight. Betty Gilpin portrays Sara, a mother desperately fighting to protect her son Devin, played by Preston Mota.

The ensemble cast also includes Isaac Reid, Brother Bill, and other key players whose lives intertwine in the harsh and unforgiving frontier.

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Interested viewers can watch American Primeval exclusively on Netflix.