Jason Clarke from Last Frontier Responds to ‘Horrific’ Shooting of 8-Year-Old
The Last Frontier has finally disclosed the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding Frank’s 8-year-old daughter’s death — a shocking shooting witnessed by viewers.
In the Friday, November 14 episode of the Apple TV+ series, a flashback reveals Frank (Jason Clarke) arriving at an ice cream parlor with his son Luke (Tait Blum) and daughter Ruby in Chicago. While enjoying their treats, Ruby goes back to the car to jot down a thought in her journal, which is when a group of men drives by and opens fire on the vehicle.
Ruby suffers fatal injuries, and Frank pulls her from the car, but it is too late to save her. He cradles his daughter in his arms as she takes her last breaths.
“[In that moment], you truly grasp their reason for moving from Chicago to Alaska,” Clarke, 56, shared exclusively with Us Weekly. “As an actor — on those days — you dread filming a scene where you find yourself on the ground with a little girl, experiencing that loss.”
Clarke expressed gratitude for how the crew handled the sensitive storyline.
“Then you get this wonderful little girl [playing your daughter] and an incredibly empathetic director,” said the actor, who shares two children with wife Cécile Breccia. “Holding her was special, but I was relieved when it was over because as a parent, you never want to exploit such tragic moments. However, it was woven into the narrative beautifully, reflecting Frank’s deep-seated shame.”
This revelation offered Clarke deeper insight into his character. “It compels him to reevaluate how he treats his son,” he noted. “Frank is neglecting his son, which makes him confront his own struggles. By the end of ten episodes — no matter the journey — it feels earned and authentic.”
Simone Kessell, who portrays Frank’s wife, Sarah, also shared her thoughts on the harrowing scene.
“It’s such an emotional blow. When I watched that episode, I couldn’t help but cry,” she admitted. “The weight of it hits hard. They didn’t hold back with episode 7; it starts with a visceral and tragic moment. I can’t fathom the impact it would have on any family. It’s crucial to handle that truth respectfully. It’s not mere entertainment — it’s devastating.”
The Last Frontier, which debuted in October, introduces audiences to U.S. Marshal Frank, tasked with safeguarding his Alaskan town while investigating a plane crash that released several dangerous fugitives.
After reviewing the script, Kessell, 50, expressed her eagerness to take on the role of Sarah, stating, “Moreover, the character wasn’t written as just a concerned wife, which intrigued me. She was not a typical ‘Please don’t go to work, Frank. I worry about you’ character.”
Kessell praised the show for authentically exploring the depths of a marriage.
“You often see inauthentic relationships on-screen, but that’s not Sarah — and that’s what I adore about her. I aimed to portray Sarah realistically, and it helped that I was surrounded by a fantastic director, writers, and producers,” she shared. “Additionally, working with Jason daily was thrilling. We’re great friends, so we can bicker, get frustrated with each other, and correct one another. If he misses a line, I’ll catch it, and vice versa. That authenticity translates on-screen. The relationship adds crucial context to the surrounding chaos. Each time we see them, it’s the calm before the storm.”
New episodes of The Last Frontier are available on Fridays on Apple TV+.
