A fresh and must-watch this week is Peacock’s “The Continental: From the World of John Wick,” delving deep into the seedy underbelly of the John Wick universe with a prequel miniseries that takes us back to the gritty 1970s New York City. Developed by Greg Coolidge, Kirk Ward, and Shawn Simmons, this three-part event series is a thrilling exploration of the origins of the infamous hotel-for-assassins.
Directed by Albert Hughes, who brings his vision to the franchise, “The Continental” unveils a violent tale of conspiracy, family ties, and the relentless pursuit of revenge. At its core, the story follows Winston Scott, portrayed by Colin Woodell, as he recruits a motley crew to take on a sinister conspiracy, instigated by his own brother’s assault on The Continental.
One of the standout elements of this series is its bold characterization, with Mel Gibson stepping into the role of Cormac O’Connor, the no-nonsense manager of The Continental during the tumultuous ’70s. Cormac’s stark contrast to the present-day Winston Scott makes for riveting viewing, showcasing the institutional changes the hotel undergoes over the years.
“The Continental” does an impressive job of expanding the John Wick universe, introducing characters and paradigms that complement the existing lore. However, the series’s ambition is also its downfall, as it struggles to maintain a coherent narrative with its multitude of focal point characters.
With a stellar ensemble cast, including Ben Robson as Winston’s brother Frankie, Mishel Prada as KD, Hubert Point-Du Jour as Miles, and more, the series boasts talent that adds depth to the world of assassins.
While “The Continental” may stumble in terms of pacing and juggling its character-driven plotlines, it successfully immerses viewers in the gritty, violent, and morally ambiguous world that fans of the John Wick franchise have come to love. If you’re a fan of assassins, gunfights, and complex characters, this trip down memory lane is worth the watch.
Overall, “The Continental: From the World of John Wick” offers a bloody, action-packed prequel experience, enriching the John Wick mythology while providing a fresh perspective on the iconic Continental hotel.
The series is now streaming on Prime.
Here’s a trailer to get started:
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