Unveiling the Hidden Gems: The Continental Episode 3's Ultimate Guide to John Wick's Easter Eggs & References

Warning! This article contains spoilers for The Continental episode 3.

Summary

The action-packed and thrilling Continental episode 3 is filled with clever Easter eggs that strongly link it to the beloved John Wick film series. Within the episode, there are intriguing references cleverly intertwined with nods to John Wick, like Winston's captivating monologue regarding suits and the intriguing notion of law enforcement intentionally disregarding the activities of the Continental.

Additionally, the John Wick franchise is intertwined with this, as demonstrated through the utilization of the angel number 818 and the inclusion of the Latin word "Inimicus" on wanted posters.

Wrapping up the John Wick prequel series with a bang, episode 3 of The Continental is a thrilling spectacle that is packed with hidden references to the later films. This installment delves into the high-stakes showdown between Cormac and Winston Scott, determining the fate of the iconic hotel owned by the influential High Table. As a follow-up to Winston's formation of a skilled team in episode 2, the streaming series concludes with an intense display of action, solidifying its place as an authentic John Wick prequel.

10 Winston’s Work Clothes Monologue

: The Abundance of Easter Eggs and Connections to John Wick in The Continental Episode 3

In the third episode of The Continental, an abandoned bank serves as the backdrop for Winston's conversation with Mazie, the Bowery's leader. Amidst the setting, Winston delivers a monologue regarding the significance of suits, emphasized by the presence of a suit rack. While this serves as an integral part of the plot's progression, particularly in relation to the coin press, it also draws a connection to the character of John Wick. Winston highlights the notion that the person wearing the suit holds more importance than the attire itself, viewing suits as essential "work clothes" in his profession. This perspective aligns with Keanu Reeves' portrayal of John Wick, who is frequently seen donning suits that facilitate his assassin work throughout the Wick film series.

9 Mayhew’s Hesitance Of The Continental

Another Easter egg to John Wick in The Continental episode 3 involves Mayhew warning KD away from the titular establishment. This further explores the idea that law enforcement and other authoritative roles in society steer clear of the High Table and draws connections to the initial John Wick film. In 2014's John Wick, a police officer named Jimmy arrives at Wick's residence to discover lifeless bodies strewn across the entrance hall. Jimmy simply inquires if John is "back in action" before leaving him to deal with the situation, mirroring Mayhew's willingness to overlook the events at The Continental.

8 KD’s Room 818 In The Continental

Despite Mayhew's warning, KD ignores it and purchases a room at The Continental using a gold coin. Upon receiving the room key, KD discovers that it is room 818. Although not directly related to the John Wick franchise, the number 818 is often associated with angelic messages. This number symbolizes impending change and new beginnings, which foreshadows KD's decision to spare Winston and Winston's new role as the hotel manager following Cormac's demise.

7 The Continental’s Inimicus Wanted Posters

During the main battle for The Continental, Cormac has had posters of Winston's crew printed and distributed throughout the hotel. These posters display the word "Inimicus" along with pictures of Winston, Yen, Lemmy, Miles, Lou, and their fellow comrades. "Inimicus" derives from Latin and translates to enemy or foe, aligning with the John Wick franchise's tradition of employing Latin words and phrases to define the rules of the High Table.

6 Lemmy’s Action Scenes Emulate John Wick’s Kills

In episode 3 of The Continental, Lemmy channels the action-packed style of Reeves' John Wick, featuring a plethora of captivating action scenes. One standout moment showcases Lemmy's resourcefulness as he cunningly shoots a pipe above an adversary, unleashing scorching steam upon them. This clever tactic forces the enemy out into the open, providing Lemmy with a clear shot. This art of utilizing the surroundings to gain an edge over opponents is a recurring theme throughout the John Wick films. From employing books in libraries to wielding the infamous pencils, John masterfully adapts to his environment, even enlisting the assistance of remarkable creatures like horses and dogs.

5 The Continental’s Dark Gunfight Scene

4 The Continental Doctor's Powerful Drugs

: In The Continental episode 3, Cormac creates a visually striking moment by cutting the lights, resulting in a scene that is solely lit by the intermittent muzzle flashes of gunfire. This technique of using gunfire as a source of illumination is a nod to the iconic John Wick franchise. Throughout the four films, gunfire has consistently been employed to bring dynamic energy to action sequences, whether it's the intense opening scene at John Wick's house, the thrilling nightclub encounters, or the explosive underground gunfight in Rome depicted in John Wick: Chapter 2.

In episode 3 of The Continental, various characters are portrayed using potent drugs sourced from the establishment. These drugs are administered via injection and exhibit an almost instantaneous ability to heal most types of injuries. It is apparent that these drugs bear a strong resemblance to the curative substances administered to John Wick by The Continental's doctor in the famed John Wick films, indicating that they are likely early prototypes of the ones employed by Keanu Reeves' iconic hitman.

3 Winston’s “Kill ‘Em All” Scene

A turning point in the siege for The Continental results in Winston's allies inquiring about his plan, to which he confidently responds, "Kill 'em, kill 'em all." This intriguing line in the third episode of The Continental serves as an Easter egg, referencing a memorable quote from John Wick: Chapter 2. Towards the end of the film, after being declared excommunicado, John defiantly tells Winston, "Tell them. Tell them all. Whoever comes, whoever it is, I'll kill them. I'll kill them all." Upon hearing Winston utter a similar phrase, a knowing smirk graces John Wick's face in the second movie. This shared expression now carries deeper significance, as it highlights Winston's choice of words when he assumes control of The Continental.

2 Gene's Sniper Abilities Outside The Continental

Gene, one of Winston's comrades in The Continental episode 3, provides support from a vantage point opposite the hotel. This clever reference to the first John Wick movie pays homage to Willem Dafoe's character, Marcus. In that film, while John Wick is targeted within the confines of the Continental, Marcus saves the day by employing his sniper skills from the other side of the street. Similarly, Gene's assistance materializes as an ode to Marcus' intervention.

a sniper in The Continental emulates this.

1 Winston’s High Table Defiance

In a shocking twist at the end of The Continental episode 3, Winston seizes control of the hotel just as the Adjudicator arrives to mete out punishment to Cormac for his previous actions and reclaim the coin press. Surprisingly, Winston cold-bloodedly eliminates the Adjudicator after she declares the hotel's suspension. This event serves as a subtle hint at Winston's future disposition, as he recurrently challenges the authority of the High Table throughout the John Wick franchise. By defying the Adjudicator in The Continental, Winston foreshadows his rebellious nature and establishes a connection between the character's past self in the 1970s and Ian McShane's portrayal in the John Wick series.