The Enigma of The Continental's Adjudicator: Unveiling High Table's Sentinel and John Wick's Fate

Warning! This article contains spoilers for The Continental episode 1.

Summary

In episode 1 of The Continental, it is revealed that the Adjudicator plays a significant role and has strong ties to the John Wick movies. Serving as the primary enforcer of the High Table's regulations, this character wields the authority to strip individuals of their influential positions.

The Adjudicator in The Continental diverges from the one in John Wick 3, both in terms of physical appearance and the actors who portray them. In episode 1 of The Continental, a villain known as the Adjudicator is introduced, a character of significant importance to the High Table and with connections to the events of the John Wick films. Taking place in the 1970s within the John Wick universe, The Continental focuses on a young Winston Scott and chronicles his journey to becoming the manager of the renowned establishment in New York City. Since the show's premise revolves around the criminal underworld hinted at in the John Wick films, it naturally reveals numerous intricate details about the operations and workings of the High Table.

One of the connections between The Continental and the John Wick movies is established through the character known as the Adjudicator. In Episode 1 of The Continental, the Adjudicator is seen interrogating an associate of Frankie's, who happens to be Winston's brother and has stolen something valuable from the High Table. This portrayal highlights the Adjudicator's significance within the organization and his ties to one of the key John Wick films.

The Adjudicator’s Role In The Continental & Why They Wear That Mask Explained

Regarding their role in The Continental, it is evident that the Adjudicator acts as the primary authority figure within the High Table. Although the managers and their subordinates in The Continental hotels possess significant power in the realm of John Wick and its prequel, they are still expected to abide by the regulations set forth by the High Table. Furthermore, the organization maintains its own group of agents who are responsible for enforcing these rules in the event that any individual breaches them or poses a threat to the establishment, similar to Frankie's actions in The Continental episode 1.

At the helm of this team is the Adjudicator. With the authority to completely reshape the hierarchy of the John Wick universe, the Adjudicator has the power to oust those in positions of influence who serve the High Table. Similarly, in The Continental, the Adjudicator carries out a comparable role. We witness her grilling Frankie's associate, seeking the whereabouts of the coin press that Frankie illicitly acquired, posing a threat to the High Table. Amongst the diverse array of characters in The Continental, the role of the Adjudicator is portrayed by Katie McGrath. Notably, the Adjudicator adorns a peculiar mask, potentially signifying both an injury and a means to blend into the peculiar, otherworldly atmosphere of the John Wick universe, as well as the assassins that comprise its inhabitants.

Who Is The Adjudicator In The John Wick Universe? Powers & High Table History Explained

The first episode of The Continental hints at the extensive powers held by the Adjudicator in the John Wick universe, stemming from their role as the chief enforcer of the High Table's rules. This role was explored in detail in John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum. In a flagrant violation of the High Table's main rule, which mandates that the Continental hotels maintain neutrality and refrain from any business transactions on their premises, John Wick, the infamous assassin, killed a High Table member on Continental grounds at the end of John Wick: Chapter 2. As a result, in John Wick: Chapter 3, the High Table dispatched the Adjudicator to apprehend John and anyone who aided him, thereby ensuring justice is served.

Throughout the film, the Adjudicator's power was undeniably prominent. In an act of authority, the Adjudicator stripped Winston of his position as the manager of the New York Continental after aiding John by granting him a one-hour head start before labeling him as excommunicado. Similarly, the Bowery King supplied John with the weapon he utilized to eliminate Santino D'Antonio, a member of the High Table. As a consequence, the Adjudicator issued a deadline of seven days for the Bowery King to renounce his throne, or else face severe repercussions. The forthcoming exploration of the Adjudicator's authority within the universe, as well as their past interactions with the High Table, seems inevitable at The Continental.

Is The Continental's Adjudicator The Same As The One In John Wick 3?

The Adjudicator, who was the primary antagonist in John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, makes an appearance in The Continental episode 1. This raises speculation about whether they are the same person. However, considering that The Continental is set around four decades prior to John Wick: Chapter 3, it can be concluded that the Adjudicator in the prequel is simply a previous enforcer who held the title before the one portrayed in the John Wick films. Not only do the ages of the characters not align, but they also exhibit physical dissimilarities.

The Adjudicator in The Continental dons the same mask as mentioned before, unlike the Adjudicator in John Wick 3. In addition, Asia Kate Dillon takes on the role of the Adjudicator in John Wick 3, while Katie McGrath brings the character to life for The Continental. In episode 1 of The Continental, a former Adjudicator is featured as the villain, serving to emphasize the history, abilities, and significance of the antagonist within the High Table establishment, thus enhancing the narrative of John Wick 3.

New episodes of The Continental are released every Friday on Peacock.