The Continental Chronicles: Unveiling the Unforgettable World of John Wick - Episode 2 Review

John Wick did not and does not need a prequel. There are endless stories that could be told within the criminal underworld of the Table. Connecting this series to John Wick has two implications. Judging the miniseries on its own, it is entertaining and captivating despite its corny jokes and cliché characters. However, as part of the expanding John Wick franchise, it is an unnecessary addition.

"Night 2: Loyalty to the Master" was directed by Charlotte Brändström, a Swedish-French director who has worked on numerous well-known TV projects. She made her mark in American TV during the 2010s, directing episodes for shows such as Chicago P.D. and Arrow. She has also made notable contributions to The Witcher and Outlander before becoming part of the esteemed directing team for Amazon's Rings of Power. This will be her sole contribution to The Continental.

The structure of The Continental becomes evident in its second episode. Unlike most miniseries, this show is divided into three feature-length outings. In the first episode, the characters are introduced and a central character is killed, setting the stage for the story. The second episode focuses on assembling the team for an upcoming "suicide mission" that the audience expects to succeed. The third episode promises to be an extravagant spectacle, culminating in a grand fireworks display. "Loyalty to the Master" primarily revolves around Winston's negotiations with various underworld figures. Alongside this, Lou fights a multitude of Chinatown gangsters in order to protect her father's martial arts academy, while a violinist attempts to break free from Cormac's employment. Additionally, the Adjudicator ominously lurks in the background. It is peculiar to observe a show revisiting familiar themes so early in its second episode.

In this episode, there is a significant B-plot that focuses on Charon, the dedicated concierge of the Continental. Charon doesn't require a deeper character development. The episode, titled "Loyalty to the Master," showcases Charon's commitment to Mel Gibson's Cormac despite having better options. Lance Reddick's portrayal of Charon is a microcosm of the John Wick franchise. He is introduced as a fully-formed character and leaves an impression on the audience in his short screen time. This approach has worked well for Charon, making him a beloved character throughout the four films.

Charon's devotion to the Continental is explored further in The Continental. Questions about his background, reasons for coming to New York, his distinct way of speaking, and his father's profession are addressed. However, this additional information doesn't make him a more compelling character. In fact, it makes him less intriguing compared to his original portrayal as someone who willingly embraces the darkness alongside John Wick. This isn't a performance issue as Ayomide Adegun does a decent impression of Lance Reddick. Rather, it's a fundamental flaw in the premise of the series. Most prequels fail because viewers aren't interested in how certain characters got their names or the origins of their actions. The Continental piles on backstory, which goes against the appeal of the original film franchise that thrived by not burdening itself with unnecessary explanations. By filling in the gaps, the series compromises the long-term potential of this beloved franchise, even if it deviates from the established rules of the previous texts.

The Continental showcases a few noteworthy action sequences. While its premise may be flawed, its execution remains satisfactory. While it may not quite reach the level of spectacle seen in the John Wick franchise, it is unfair to hold it to such high expectations. Among the series' episodes, the first action scene of the first episode comes closest to emulating the original source material. Enter Lou, the show's martial arts instructor, who vehemently opposes the use of firearms and instead favors a fighting style reminiscent of Bruce Lee. Her presence brings a welcome twist to the show's violence, with her scenes paying homage to classic kung fu movies. By removing guns from the equation, the series finds a fresh path forward. In fact, it's easy to imagine a show centered around a martial artist striving to survive within the dangerous realm of the Table, all without ever resorting to the use of a firearm. Introducing this character is a reminder of how effortlessly this franchise could have expanded without inflicting any damage.

The Continental may fade into obscurity within the next year, especially if Keanu refrains from reprising his role. John Wick has the ability to thrive independently of The Continental. However, the franchise's integrity has been compromised by spin-offs that undermine the brilliant creative choices that shaped its success. The title of the show speaks for itself - The Continental is a decent production, but it remains firmly rooted in the world of John Wick. If they had removed a few character names and discarded that subtitle where it rightly belongs, both the show and the movies would have been stronger. While The Continental is not a complete waste of time, it is difficult to overlook the numerous ways in which it undermines itself and its predecessors.

"Night 2: Loyalty to the Master" follows Winston Scott as he gathers a team to assault the titular hotel.