This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the work being covered here wouldn’t exist.
John Wick is an action thriller franchise that has currently spawned four films. With its the critical and financial success, it’s no surprise there is a desire to expand the world. There is already a spin-off film in development called The Ballerina. There is also the franchise’s first foray into television, The Continental: From the World of John Wick, which premieres later this week.
The three-night special event explores the backstory of the titular Manhattan hotel that is known as a safe haven for assassins and criminals. We follow a younger Winston Scott, the character played by Ian McShane in the films, who must navigate the underworld to retrieve an important item. Unfortunately for him, his own brother is the thief. The prequel reveals the events leading to Winston’s ascent to becoming the manager of the New York Continental Hotel.
One of the most impressive aspects of The Continental is the action sequences. You would expect nothing less for a show taking place in the John Wick Universe. The fights are intense whether it’s close hand-to-hand combat or daring shootouts against an endless supply of goons. The camera angles and fluid movements provide an immersive experience sometimes placing you in the middle of the action. There are many fun, creative, and memorable moments in each battle. The action scenes rival that of Warrior and Gangs of London for some of the best on TV.
The series also goes head first into the 70s era. From the costuming to the hair styles to the set designs it really captures the time period. There is so much detail down to the dinginess of each location that it really feels like the criminal underworld filled with all sorts of lowlifes. The accompanying soundtrack further complements the setting with a fun eclectic time appropriate mix. Everything combined provides a funky and cool vibe.
Speaking of the lowlifes, there is lively cast of characters, both good and bad, in The Continental. There are the young versions of Winston, Charon, and even Charlie the cleaner from the first movie. Then there are the new additions including a fierce martial artist that doesn’t use guns, a southern gentleman sharpshooter, and freaky and pale twin assassins. Even in “Night 3” with the big showdown for the hotel, there are so many killers in the background that they just look cool. The only real disappointment is the main antagonist, Cormac played by Mel Gibson. The character is the stereotypical, easily forgettable, crazy bad guy.
Despite the episode lengths running close to an hour and a half, there are still only three episodes and there is a lot packed into each one. At times the show can seem too ambitious and could have benefitted with some trimming down in the writers’ room. There is one, maybe two, characters in Winston’s crew that aren’t necessary and don’t receive enough time to fully develop. In addition, a subplot involving siblings Lou and Miles and their family dojo in Chinatown has some cool fight scenes, but doesn’t have nearly enough payoff considering the time invested in the storyline. It acts more as filler than anything.
Even though the series could use some editing down, The Continental will have you wanting as well. As mentioned previously, the action is great but it could use a lot more. There are some slow parts as it dives into the narrative and more action could liven things up. It’s also fun looking at all the links to the greater John Wick Universe including the Adjudicator and other surprises, but a big part of the mythology behind titular hotel is the relationship between Winston and Charon. We don’t receive nearly enough of the two characters interacting until the final act.
The Continental has its flaws, but the intense and exciting action is worth the watch alone. Throw in a new colorful cast of characters and a cool 70s vibe and you have a fun and entertaining three-night event.
The Continental: From the World of John Wick premieres Friday, September 22, on Peacock.
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