The Highs and Lows of Winston’s Rise to Power
“The Continental: From the World of John Wick” was supposed to be a thrilling dive into the backstory of Winston Scott, the enigmatic manager of the New York hotel that serves as a sanctuary for assassins. With Ian McShane’s portrayal of Winston in the John Wick movies as a backdrop, the Peacock prequel had a lot to live up to. However, the show’s first season has left fans and critics divided, questioning whether it should even get a second season.
“The Continental largely failed that test,” says one review, pointing out the show’s “uninvolving subplots and action that failed to live up to the movie franchise’s high standards.”
The Cliffhanger: A Setup for Season 2 or a Loose End?
The show’s ending leaves us with Winston, played by Colin Woodell, successfully overthrowing Mel Gibson’s Cormac to seize control of the hotel. But it doesn’t stop there. Winston’s audacious move against the High Table’s Adjudicator (Katie McGrath) sets the stage for another big conflict.
“After a bloody battle to take down the Continental in the final episode, Winston steps outside the hotel to talk with the Adjudicator. After threats are exchanged, Winston simply shoots her in the head to send a message to the High Table that the hotel is under new management.”
This cliffhanger, along with several unanswered questions, seems to pave the way for a second season. From the revelation that Lou’s (Jessica Allain) late father was an assassin, to the mystery surrounding Charlie’s (Peter Greene) disappearance, and the unknown group that hired Frankie (Ben Robson) to steal the coin press, the show leaves much to be explored.
The Origin Story We Didn’t Need?
While the show was marketed as the tale of Winston’s rise to power, some argue that this was a story better left untold. The series felt more like a lukewarm heist movie in John Wick attire rather than a compelling addition to the franchise.
“By the conclusion of the show, Winston has gained revenge for his brother’s death and has become the new manager, so there’s no real need to explore what happens beyond the final scene,” notes one critic.
Should The Continental Get a Second Season?
The idea of a continuing series about the Continental sounds promising. It could delve deeper into aspects of the John Wick universe that the films only touch upon. However, the execution of the first season leaves much to be desired. A second season focusing on Winston’s battle with the High Table seems redundant, given that audiences already know how that story ends.
In the final analysis, “The Continental” might be best left as a standalone piece for John Wick enthusiasts who just can’t get enough of the universe, despite its flaws. After all, not every backstory needs a front seat in the spotlight.
