Exploring the Unrivaled Brilliance of John Wick Prequel: The Continental
Is The Continental a worthy prequel to the John Wick movies? Find out if the TV show lives up to the high standards set by its cinematic predecessors and proves the franchise's continued success without Keanu Reeves
Warning! This article contains spoilers for The Continental episode 1.
Summary
Despite its shortcomings in comparison to the John Wick movies, The Continental still manages to incorporate captivating aspects of the criminal underworld, while also showcasing a well-crafted TV show with impressive production value that effectively captures the essence of the John Wick universe.
The success of The Continental demonstrates that the John Wick franchise can thrive and continue without Keanu Reeves, paving the way for future spin-offs and stories within the franchise.
While serving as a prequel to the John Wick film series, does The Continental live up to the standards set by the original franchise? Set over 40 years prior to the events of the John Wick series, The Continental delves into the backstory of Winston Scott, portrayed by Ian McShane as the New York Continental manager in the John Wick films. Colin Woodell takes on the role of a young Winston in the cast of characters, bridging the gap between the establishment's state in the 1970s and its portrayal in 2014's John Wick.
The Continental Isn't As Great As John Wick's Movies (But They're Hard To Beat)
The John Wick franchise has garnered immense popularity in modern Hollywood since its inception with the first movie. It is highly regarded not only for its straightforward and easily understandable storyline but also for its exceptionally well-executed and captivating action sequences. These remarkable attributes have propelled the series above its counterparts in the action genre, making it an exemplary model for the creation of an original action franchise from scratch. Consequently, The Continental bears the weight of justifying its existence within the world of John Wick, leaving many curious about whether it has achieved this objective by the conclusion of the first episode of The Continental.
In terms of overall quality, The Continental falls short compared to the exceptional John Wick movies. The John Wick films possess a tighter narrative, with a more focused and polished execution than the prequel series. With John's unwavering mission spanning all four cinematic installments, the story retains a simpler yet captivating portrayal of the underworld, similar to what is depicted in The Continental.
The Continental Is A Good TV Show That's Still Worth Watching
: However, surpassing or equaling the success of the John Wick films was an immense challenge for The Continental. Since its inception in 2014, the latter series has garnered consistent acclaim and is often hailed as one of the greatest action franchises ever created. With The Continental shifting its focus from a straightforward action movie to a captivating blend of intrigue, espionage, and action, surpassing the excellence of the John Wick movies was an uphill battle from the start.
Despite this, it cannot be denied that The Continental is a remarkable TV show that definitely deserves a watch. The show is impeccably crafted, showcasing a sleek and stylish production value that, while not entirely on par with the John Wick films, still manages to evoke the same thrilling sensation. The Continental brilliantly brings to life the fantastical world of John Wick, capturing its tone, vibe, and aesthetic with great precision. In addition to its impressive production value, the cast of The Continental stands out, with Colin Woodell delivering an exceptional portrayal of a younger Winston Scott.
The Continental Proves John Wick's Franchise Can Still Succeed Without Keanu Reeves
Woodell effortlessly captures the cadence and essence of a youthful Ian McShane, while also infusing him with a touch of innocence that distinguishes his character from those in the John Wick films. Ben Robson, Mishel Prada, Mel Gibson, Jessica Allain, and Nhung Kate all deliver standout performances, embodying compelling characters that seamlessly integrate into the world of John Wick. The impressive cast and high production value, combined with the already captivating John Wick universe and expertly choreographed gun-fu action sequences, make The Continental a show that should not be missed, even if it falls just short of the incredible heights of John Wick.
What is most notable about The Continental, however, is that it demonstrates the ability of the John Wick franchise to continue and, more importantly, thrive without Keanu Reeves. Since Reeves first portrayed Wick in 2014, it has become evident that he has few peers in the action star genre. While he may not be the finest actor, his dedication to stunts, choreography, character development, and every aspect in between distinguishes him as an actor who is nearly irreplaceable in the role of John Wick.
Many wondered how the franchise would move forward after John Wick: Chapter 4 seemingly killed off the main character. However, The Continental demonstrates that the world created in the four John Wick movies alone provides enough material for additional stories. As long as the production quality, cast, and action meet satisfactory standards, John Wick can thrive through spin-offs and other narratives. This not only ensures a promising future for the show, but also for the upcoming spin-off, Ballerina, featuring Ana de Armas. The success of The Continental proves that the John Wick franchise can flourish without Reeves in the lead role.
New episodes of The Continental are released on Peacock every Friday.
