The Continental Review: Is the John Wick Prequel Worth Watching?
The Continental review has been one of the most anticipated television events for fans of the high-octane, impeccably choreographed world of the John Wick franchise. For nearly a decade, Keanu Reeves’ Baba Yaga has dominated cinematic action, building an intricate mythology around the shadowy organization of assassins governed by strict codes of conduct and presided over by the enigmatic Continental hotels. Amazon Prime Video’s prequel series, The Continental: From the World of John Wick, promised to peel back the layers of this secretive underworld, focusing on a young Winston Scott during the tumultuous 1970s. But does this deep dive into the past deliver the same explosive satisfaction as the main series, or does it feel like an unnecessary epilogue?
This three-part event positions itself not just as a companion piece, but as an essential origin story detailing how Winston (played in this timeline by Colin Woodell) rises to power and confronts the sociopathic antagonist, Cormac O’Connor (Mel Gibson), the then-manager of the New York Continental.
A Stroll Through the Gritty 1970s Aesthetic
One of the immediate successes of the series is its commitment to aesthetic immersion. Unlike the sleek, modern neo-noir look of the John Wick films, The Continental bathes the viewer in the gritty, almost seedy glamour of the mid-1970s New York setting. Think smoky jazz clubs, flared trousers, vintage weaponry, and a palpable sense of urban decay juxtaposed with opulent criminal strongholds. The production design is rich, transporting viewers effectively into a time before John Wick became the apex predator.
However, this stylistic choice is a double-edged sword. While the atmosphere is thick and engaging, the pacing often suffers under the weight of establishing this world. The series dedicates significant time to world-building secondary characters and exploring rivalries that, while interesting in isolation, sometimes slow the momentum to a crawl. For viewers expecting the relentless forward drive of the films, the slower burn of the series might initially feel jarring.
The Central Conflict: Winston’s Road to Redemption
The core narrative revolves around Winston’s desperate attempt to retrieve his estranged brother, Frankie (Ben Robson), who has stolen a crucial item belonging to Cormac. This act of defiance sets Winston on a collision course with the man who controls the local High Table assets.
Colin Woodell steps into the shoes immortalized by the always-dignified Ian McShane, and he effectively captures the spark of ambition and simmering ice beneath the surface of the future hotelier. Woodell portrays Winston not as a finished product, but as a man finding his footing—a resourceful survivor forced into a corner.
Mel Gibson, returning to a major role, delivers a performance as Cormac that is both chilling and eccentric. He embodies the worst aspects of the High Table’s unchecked power. While Gibson’s presence adds immediate star wattage, some of the choices made regarding his character lean heavily into caricature, occasionally tipping the series away from grounded tension toward outright pulp adventure.
Action Sequences: The Familiar Choreography, Reimagined
Naturally, the highest expectation for any Wick-related content is the action. Does The Continental match the “gun-fu” precision we’ve come to expect?
The action is certainly plentiful, but it feels different. Since Winston is not yet the master he becomes, the fight choreography reflects a more desperate, less refined style. There are fewer prolonged, complex sequences dedicated solely to showing off mastery; instead, the violence is messier, serving the immediate needs of the plot—escape, defense, and revenge.
How The Continental Review Measures Up to the Film Action
When The Continental review is measured against the action spectacle of John Wick: Chapter 4, it falls slightly short of the kinetic perfection. The series relies more on classic cinematic shootouts and brawls, punctuated by moments that hint at the hyper-stylized future battles. The standout installment for action enthusiasts is undoubtedly the finale, which brings several plot threads together in a satisfyingly chaotic manner, even if it doesn’t quite reach orbital heights of absurdity reserved for the main films.
Verdict: Essential Viewing or Optional Side Quest?
So, is The Continental worth watching? The answer largely depends on what you hope to gain from it.
If you are solely interested in non-stop, perfectly executed Keanu Reeves action, you might find this series a bit slow. It is fundamentally a character-driven crime drama set against the backdrop of assassin lore.
However, if you are a devoted scholar of the John Wick universe—someone fascinated by the origins of the High Table rules, the history of the hotels, and the complex motivations that drive Winston Scott—then this series is absolutely essential. It deepens the lore significantly, providing context for the rigid structure that John Wick later navigates. It shows the cost of building that structure and the ruthlessness required to maintain independence against insurmountable odds.
Ultimately, The Continental succeeds as an atmospheric, engaging origin story. It’s a successful stylistic departure that honors the foundation laid by the films while carving out its own neon-drenched, 1970s identity. While it might not hit the bulls-eye with the same precision as its cinematic cousins, it’s certainly a worthwhile trip back in time for anyone who respects the rules of the house.
