The Continental Series: A Semi-Successful Attempt to Revive the World of John Wick
In 2014, director Chad Stahelski embarked on a cinematic journey that he could hardly have dreamed would lead to such immense success. That journey began with his directorial debut, "John Wick," which quickly became a massive hit, spawning a four-part film series. This success prompted the production studio to capitalize on the franchise by creating a TV series set in the same cinematic world titled "The Continental." Comprising only three episodes, the series was exclusively released on the "Prime Video" platform in the Middle East.
A Lost Narrative Compass
Chad Stahelski's action films stood out from the mainstream due to his unique approach to cinematography, action scene design, and the legendary elements woven into the criminal world he portrayed. The series kicks off with the retired hitman John Wick, who has settled into a peaceful life after marrying but is thrust back into the criminal underworld after the sudden death of his wife and an attack by a Russian gang. This leads John Wick into a series of conflicts spanning from the first film to the fourth.
In John Wick's world and in "The Continental" series, nearly all characters are professional killers, which would typically label them as villains in society and the eyes of the law. However, viewers soon discover that not all these "villains" are created equal, as some of them adhere to principles that border on idealism, while others, like the main antagonist Cormac, kill for the sake of killing.
The Casting and Character Relationships
Mel Gibson takes on the role of Cormac, a violent individual with a longstanding history with both Frankie and Winston Scott. The series explores their complex relationships, which began in childhood and led them into a life of crime. This adds depth to Cormac's vendetta, making his desire to ignite chaos in New York City feel more personal.
The Continental's Limited Episodes
"The Continental" consists of just three episodes, each approximately an hour and a half long. While this limited episode count is unusual for a TV series, the longer episode length makes the series feel more like a 4.5-hour-long movie.
In general, John Wick films follow a three-act structure: the beginning, where events are set up; the second act, where the hero forms alliances and prepares for battle; and the final act, which features the ultimate showdown. "The Continental" adheres to this structure but places each act within a single episode, making the pacing uneven.
Action Sequences: TV vs. Film
One significant difference between the John Wick films and "The Continental" series is the handling of action sequences. In the films, these sequences are a hallmark of the franchise, characterized by extreme violence combined with simplicity. This is largely due to Keanu Reeves' performance and the director's approach to character.
However, the series attempts to replace Keanu Reeves with a large ensemble of actors, distributing action scenes among them to increase excitement. Unfortunately, many of these scenes appear lackluster when compared to the films, especially since the series' lead, Winston, lacks the combat proficiency of John Wick.
"The Continental" as a Standalone Series
While "The Continental" may serve as a satisfying nostalgia trip for fans of the John Wick universe, it falls short in comparison to the original films in several aspects. It's essential for the creators to remember that Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski delivered only four films over nine years due to the difficulty of executing such high-quality action films consistently.
Conclusion
"The Continental" series, consisting of just three episodes, marks the first step into the expansive world of John Wick. While it may not be an overwhelmingly successful endeavor, it doesn't mean that many aren't eagerly awaiting the next step in the form of the upcoming film, "Ballerina," set to be released in June. As the John Wick universe continues to expand, it remains to be seen if it can capture the same magic that made the original films so iconic.
