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

Wasn't quite sure about this, as I had read the reviews here, but, the series had me binge watching the three ninety minute episodes in one sitting. True, its not John Wick, but then again, the focus here "isn't" John Wick, and its before "his" time in this "World". The Franchise basically explained the movies as providing tid-bits throughout the four movies of John Wick, giving us slight glimpses of the background characters. Which, as they said, could be better focused on, in as much detail as they see fit, in spin-off movies or series. The Continental is just that, a glimpse, in more detail of Winston, and Charon, of The Continental New York, circa 1955. Using dates mentioned by Winston from the movies, around forty years previous to the movies. We are given more information and background as to his early childhood, early induction into the John Wick World, and strengthening his character, as well as Charon, to his "devotion" shown to the Continental, High Table, and the bond between Winston and Charon's characters within the movies.

Pilot Episode Satisfies the World of John Wick 🥇

The Continental, for me, at least, is too much The Sopranos and too little, John Wick. The atmosphere and the characterisations, feel more akin to a mobster series, than one about hit men and assassins. Its brash, its loud, one of the main character's called "Frankie" (insert "Joey, "Tony", you get the idea...its all the same) its wise guy smart mouthing, "slipped on the lawn" one liners. No doubt too, everyone, hate's each other but its all mobster gaudiness, cheesy parties, back slapping and hugs. "Ugh". There is an attempt to insert a little upper crust pretension and big money, wheeler dealing over parking lots, of all things but by then, the breads well and truly buttered. I'll be honest and say, I did not make it through the first episode. How on earth, did they get it this wrong? Its almost like the producers were given the script from another show, by mistake. In summary, if you like the John Wick franchise you may well find the cognitive dissonance, in terms of overall handling and atmosphere, simply too "wrong". I know I did.