First I want to say that I have never read a Tom Clancy book. I see a lot of bad ratings because they don't like how the characters were changed from book to screen - while that may or may not be fair - my review isn't coming from that angle at all. Also, I did watch the entire season, even though I kind of wanted to stop after ep 3.
I simply like compelling/entertaining shows! The spy/action/thriller genre is one of my favorites, so suffice it to say that I am very familiar with the genre.
I like to make my reviews on the shorter side, so I will get straight to the point: the *major* flaw this series has is using unbelievable cliche moments mixed in with waaaaaaay too many coincidences - and not just any coincidences - but specifically coincidences that *need to happen* in order for the plot to move forward.
I'm not even a writer, and even I know that plot driven coincidences are something you're supposed to avoid because it isn't creative and is simply unbelievable - and that is the tragedy with this series. Because it was Jack Ryan I was really looking forward to a "smarter" type of thriller. Not only does this show not make itself even slightly unique among this genre, but it almost feels as if it actively tried to be the most below par, average show the genre has ever seen by simply taking cliche after cliche.
There are so many things I could, and kind of want to call out as specific examples but I won't because I like to keep my reviews spoiler free for those who are genuinely trying to decide if they should watch the show or not.
Here is the bottom line: If you want an extremely bland, cliche, coincidence filled plot - but at least with high production value - then this is your show. If you hate those things in series, then you won't like this season.
p.s. I had no problem with John K as Jack Ryan - it wasn't his fault that it was bad, it was the writers.
I simply like compelling/entertaining shows! The spy/action/thriller genre is one of my favorites, so suffice it to say that I am very familiar with the genre.
I like to make my reviews on the shorter side, so I will get straight to the point: the *major* flaw this series has is using unbelievable cliche moments mixed in with waaaaaaay too many coincidences - and not just any coincidences - but specifically coincidences that *need to happen* in order for the plot to move forward.
I'm not even a writer, and even I know that plot driven coincidences are something you're supposed to avoid because it isn't creative and is simply unbelievable - and that is the tragedy with this series. Because it was Jack Ryan I was really looking forward to a "smarter" type of thriller. Not only does this show not make itself even slightly unique among this genre, but it almost feels as if it actively tried to be the most below par, average show the genre has ever seen by simply taking cliche after cliche.
There are so many things I could, and kind of want to call out as specific examples but I won't because I like to keep my reviews spoiler free for those who are genuinely trying to decide if they should watch the show or not.
Here is the bottom line: If you want an extremely bland, cliche, coincidence filled plot - but at least with high production value - then this is your show. If you hate those things in series, then you won't like this season.
p.s. I had no problem with John K as Jack Ryan - it wasn't his fault that it was bad, it was the writers.