The announcement of a mini-series centered on the iconic Continental Hotel from the John Wick universe sparked immediate interest. As the world paused, questions arose about whether The Continental: From the World of John Wick would ever materialize. Following the epic John Wick: Chapter 4, the appetite for more Wick-related content was uncertain, even for dedicated fans of the franchise.
However, any hesitation vanished with the premiere of The Continental: From the World of John Wick on Peacock. The series swiftly captivated audiences, and now, with all three episodes aired, it’s time to dissect the key moments and overall experience of this expansion to the John Wick saga.
Brothers in Arms: Episode 1 Unveiled
Episode 1, titled “Brothers in Arms,” plunges into Winston Scott’s past. Colin Woodell embodies a younger Winston, capturing the essence of Ian McShane’s portrayal visually, though with a distinct vocal delivery. Winston is abruptly drawn back to New York from his endeavors in England by Cormac O’Connor, played masterfully by Mel Gibson. Cormac, a figure from Winston and his brother Frankie’s past, commands The Continental. Frankie, still associated with Cormac, has absconded with the coveted coin press—an emblem of power bestowed upon The Continental by the High Table. Cormac tasks Winston with retrieving his brother and the coin press. This mission becomes a catalyst for Winston’s true calling after Frankie’s tragic demise: to challenge Cormac and seize control of The Continental.
Loyalty to the Master: Episode 2 – Assembling the Team
“Loyalty to the Master,” the second installment, focuses on Winston strategically assembling his team to confront Cormac. This ensemble includes a former comrade of Frankie’s, his skilled Kung Fu sister, and Frankie’s determined Vietnamese girlfriend, all united by a common cause. Recognizing the need for inside intelligence, Winston seeks out a young Charon (Ayomide Adegun), Cormac’s trusted right-hand man. Despite Charon’s apparent loyalty, Winston sees potential for an alliance. Meanwhile, Cormac remains under pressure from the High Table, represented by the enigmatic Adjudicator, to recover the missing coin press. The episode builds tension as alliances are formed and the stakes are raised.
Theatre of Pain: Episode 3 – Action-Packed Climax
The series culminates in the action-packed “Theatre of Pain.” Winston becomes the target of assassins dispatched by Cormac, including the unsettling Hansel and Gretel, and a police detective with a history tied to Winston and Frankie. Winston’s capture by Cormac sets the stage for his calculated plan to forcefully take over The Continental. While previous episodes contained action, Episode 3 unleashes a torrent of mayhem, reminiscent of the John Wick films’ signature style. This final episode delivers the over-the-top action and violence that fans expect and appreciate, making it feel most closely aligned with the beloved John Wick movie franchise. The intense action serves as a fitting climax to the mini-series.
While The Continental: From the World of John Wick may not be flawless, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses. For enthusiasts of the John Wick movies, this mini-series is a worthwhile addition. All three feature-length episodes are currently available for streaming on Peacock in the United States and on Amazon Prime Video in various international territories. Be prepared for extended viewing, as each episode averages around 87 minutes, offering a substantial dive into the John Wick universe.
