Based on the novel by A.J. Quinnell
"Story is about a broken man, a broken soldier, a broken operative - whatever, it doesn't really deserve me spending my time."
These were my thoughts during the first 20-25 minutes of the first episode. But when I was about to stop the show, everything's changed. Suddenly, it sets the pace and I couldn't think of anything else but to continue watching.
I am still not saying this is the best show, worth your time watching, that you have to decide. I liked it enough to write a review.
So, without any further ado, let's move ahead with it.
As I mentioned above it is based on a novel by A.J. Quinnell. But, what I didn't tell you is that they have already made a film on it in the 80s and one in the early years of 21st century.
Even though, this show based on the novel, it doesn't completely follow the book nor the previous two movies. Basic characters remain the same and they have included some new characters.
So, A broken soldier, an angry daughter, a loving and caring father. All the typical factors of a formula movie from the 80s. Or from a popular story of the time.
While watching sometimes I had moments when I thought they have made it just for the sake of making a show. Especially, the moments when Poe giving the expressions with her eyes, felt a little extreme. These short moments making some bad impacts, I kept watching, nonetheless. The only reason was, it doesn't only have bad moments but also has good moments. The balance was towards good.
Story started from the incident in Mexico where Creasy lost all of his team to terrorists.
After some time his friend, Rayburn, offered him a job in Rio, Brazil as a security personnel. On his very first day terrorist bombed the building where Rayburn was living with his family, killing them all in the blast except his daughter, Poe.
These terrorists then tried to kill Poe. Unfortunately, she had seen two white vans and a bike leaving the site. She did also see the face of the person riding the bike and this was the reason they wanted to kill her.
Remember, ahead is not spoiler even if you feel so.
President Carmo, his security chief Soares and CIA agent Tappen were the real culprits and they were pointing all the crimes towards Ferraz. Tappen was the one riding the bike.
This isn't much of a spoiler, you'll figure it out on your own sooner than expected, neither it is the end game.
Performance-wise, I loved Creasy's performance.
Creasy, one of the main roles, the hero, is a good actor, I found his performance inspiring and engaging. I felt his style similar to those of from Indian cinema, South Indian cinema to be more precisely.
In my opinion, considering its genre, what should have been great were the fighting scenes and action sequences and, no doubt, they did an excellent job in executing them.
The fighting scenes between Creasy and Soares are the good examples. Soares is the Minister of Defense cum security cheif, he should be highly trained and well equiped in martial arts, not be beaten by Creasy easily. This is exactly what they showed. Fights looked natural, though were brief I enjoyed them completely, both of them.
Creasy used to have black outs after the Mexico incident which he overcame at the end which was expected, after all he's the hero of the story. And, here they began the major change in the story.
Other than that, it has some great dialogues and many excellent sentimental moments.
One such dialogue has stuck with me, "This is the one city in the world where poor live above the rich."
