The Continental: From the World of John Wick (2023)

In the heart-pounding realm of crime-action dramas, where gritty battles, mysterious characters, and intense narratives take centre stage, “The Continental: From the World of John Wick” emerges as a standout series.

This television miniseries delves into the origins of Winston Scott, unravelling the intriguing backstory of how he came to wield influence over “The Continental” chain of hotels, a sanctuary for legal assassins.

Join us on a journey through this enthralling world that blurs the lines between honour and mayhem…

Trailer

The series introduces us to a young Winston Scott, portrayed by Colin Woodell, an Irish-American businessman, and follows his transformation as he navigates the complex web of crime and power, seeking vengeance and redemption.

In the shadows of an alternate history 1970s, where criminal empires rise and fall, secrets are unveiled, and allegiances are tested, as the story of “The Continental” unfolds.

A Crime Saga of Legends

Inspired by the world of John Wick, “The Continental: From the World of John Wick” is more than a mere spin-off; it’s a testament to the creative genius of its developers, including Greg Coolidge, Kirk Ward, and Shawn Simmons.

They have crafted a narrative that not only pays homage to the John Wick universe but also stands tall as a unique and compelling saga.

Led by executive producers, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Chad Stahelski, and David Leitch, the series embraces the essence of the criminal underworld.

Set against the backdrop of 1970s New York, the series showcases the life of Cormac O’Connor, played by the seasoned actor Mel Gibson, the enigmatic manager of the New York branch of “The Continental.”

His influence shaped the destiny of Winston Scott, a familiar face and aspiring entrepreneur striving to make his mark. As the story unfolds, alliances are formed, betrayals are witnessed, and the city becomes a battleground for power and survival.

The Allure of the Underworld

“The Continental: From the World of John Wick” isn’t just a crime-action drama; it’s a plunge into the underbelly of society, a world where rules are rewritten and allegiances constantly shift. The plot immerses viewers in a complex tale of power struggles, familial bonds, and the fine line between morality and the pursuit of one’s desires.

What made this series truly exceptional was the opportunity to delve into the clandestine realm of John Wick’s assassins, offering profound insights into Winston’s character evolution leading up to the events in the movies.

It unravelled a rich tapestry of this world and the characters’ motivations, reigniting the desire to revisit the John Wick film series through a fresh and enlightening lens.

Winston’s journey, a quest to avenge his brother Frankie, portrayed by Ben Robson, against the formidable Cormac O’Connor, leads to a web of confrontations, each more intense and strategic than the last.

The alluring blend of gritty realism and high-stakes drama keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Martial Arts in a New-Yet-Familiar Light

“The Continental: From the World of John Wick” excels not only in storytelling but also in delivering stunning martial arts sequences.

From breath-taking hand-to-hand combat to strategically executed confrontations, the series showcases a diverse set of martial arts styles. The choreography, enhanced by gritty 70’s aesthetics, is nothing short of a masterpiece. Viewers will witness the fusion of traditional martial arts with a contemporary flair, making every battle a visual delight.

Martial Arts Aficionados Will Find Much to Appreciate

The series introduces us to an array of killers, each with a distinct style and interesting motivations. It’s a testament to the creativity and dedication of the team behind the show, ensuring that martial arts aficionados find a lot to appreciate.

We get likeable characters, new and old. With a new lens and aesthetic it makes for an interesting watch.

Exhilarating, and Action-Packed!

There were a few episodes that were ponderous to follow and parts of those episodes that were somewhat tedious. However, I think it wrapped up well, giving us an exhilarating action-packed conclusion.

As an avid fan of the John Wick film saga, diving into the series was a riveting adventure into the expansive universe that exists beyond John Wick himself.

It unveiled the rich tapestry of the Continental’s history, providing a captivating glimpse into the world that orbits the iconic assassin.

However, admittedly, the transition from blockbuster movies to a series format brought some constraints, affecting the choreography and attention to detail in the action scenes (some of the CGI was lacklustre too). Yet, given the episodic nature, such compromises were understandable.

The Three Enthralling Episodes are Overall Captivating

The unique format, consisting of three enthralling one-and-a-half-hour episodes, was a double-edged sword—captivating yet occasionally taxing. However, the stellar writing, meticulous character arcs, and explosive climax more than compensated for any minor pacing concerns.

“The Continental: From the World of John Wick” is an exploration of the criminal underworld in the world of legendary assassins, a tale of revenge and redemption, and a testament to the enduring appeal of the John Wick universe.

Brace yourselves for a thrilling narrative that unravels in the shadows, where alliances are fleeting, and power is a double-edged sword. Check it out!

Favourite Quotes

• “I need guns. Lots of guns.” – Winston Scott
• “Sometimes, you got to make choices you don’t want to make to protect the people you care about.” – Frankie Scott
• “A suit doesn’t make the man, it’s what’s inside the suit that counts.” – Winston Scott
• “Fate will catch up with you and the actions you commit.” – Charon

Trivia

• The storyline of the series unfolds in the 1970s, primarily centred around the New York Continental Hotel, a pivotal location in the John Wick (2014) franchise.
• Kirk Ward’s portrayal of the Adjudicator’s kilt-wearing henchman pays homage to Rutger Hauer’s iconic Roy Batty character from “Blade Runner”.
• Notable Trivia (spoiler alert): In Episode 3 titled “Theatre of Pain,” KD checks into The Continental and is assigned Room 818, the same room John Wick was given in the initial film.

Series Rating: 7.5/10

You can watch “The Continental: From the World of John Wick” now on Amazon Prime!

Have you seen the series yet? What are your favourite fight and action scenes? Let us know in the comments below; Like, share and join in the conversation on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter & Instagram!

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