Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is a television adaptation of the stealth action adventure video game series Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell. On the show, protagonist Sam Fisher is drawn back into the espionage game at the covert Fourth Echelon unit when Zinnia McKenna, a young agent, turns to him for help. Together they must get to the bottom of a conspiracy with worldly implications.
The series creates two very engaging leads in Fisher and McKenna. Both are capable agents that can hold their own in a scrap. Liev Schrieber seems perfectly cast as Fisher, the grizzled veteran of the pair. There is so much experience and hardship in his voice that you know his job has put him through the ringer. Yet, he doesn’t hesitate and puts everything down when called into action. McKenna is a counterpoint as the young, brash, and emotional agent. She has a chip on her shoulder and has just enough asshole in her to be edgy but not unlikeable.
The two leads have fun dynamic. Part mentor/mentee considering Fisher can see so much of his young self in McKenna and doesn’t want her choosing the same paths he did. The more grounded portions of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is watching their relationship evolve as the trust and chemistry begins to grow.
One of the biggest draws of the show is the action sequences. It really leans into the stealth aspects of the video game watching Fisher and McKenna carefully stalk from the shadows. There are even sequences with the signature multi-vision goggles for cool effect from both first and third-person perspective.
The close combat is intense and you can you see the John Wick-esque influence from writer Derek Kolstad. It is impressive that the animation can capture the brutality and little nuances of fights as if it were live action. You can feel the urgency in and danger to the main characters since they never leave unscathed. There are slick kill set ups and a few jaw dropping moments to keep the action exciting.
If there is one area where Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is a little lacking, it’s the writing. The pilot doesn’t necessarily grab you from the start but the story does improve with the personal connections and backstories of the characters. Once it gets going you become invested to see it through and it does deliver some unexpected turns. Also, outside of the two leads, the other characters feel underdeveloped. The writing does enough where you receive the gist of their motivations. However, it could have used more development to add complexity and depth. Plus, the closing moments diminish the big reveal the season was building to.
Despite a relatively shallow story, the show is a spy thriller that has some intense and brutal sequences that rivals some of the best live-action action.
Watch Splinter Cell: Deathwatch on Netflix.
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