‘Jack Ryan’ Recap: ‘Cargo’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

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I think it is safe to say that Jack Ryan was one of the biggest and most pleasant surprises when it comes last year’s slate of new television shows. Because this latest iteration of America’s version of James Bond was filled to the brim with quality performances, intense moments, fantastic action and a lovely retelling of The Sum of All Fears. And I know that I personally enjoyed season one of this new series so much that I spent a fair chunk of 2019 carefully watching social media to see when season two of this magnificent show was going to air and well, the day has come at last. For Jack’s newest adventure, a remake of Clear and Present Danger, is on the air and well, the big question that the season two premiere needed to answer, is whether or not year two will hold a flame to the stellar beginning that came before it.
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As it turns out, the answer to that question is a resounding yes, because ‘Cargo’ was a compelling story to say the least, one that definitely let us know that the stakes are going to be incredibly higher in season two, as evidenced by the opening moments of this tale. For the missile launch that reintroduced us to Jack’s fascinating world, immediately plunged us into a tense mystery, one that saw Jack and his mentor Will Grier, heading to Venezuela to see if their corrupt president was in fact working to finalize an alliance with the Russian Federation and that alone is enough to put unease into the audience’s heart. For Jack makes it clear early on that such an unholy union could spell trouble for the United States since it would give an enemy the kind of foothold where they could launch a strike upon America with ease.

Yet what truly made this opening chapter to this new story so incredible in its own right, is that nothing is quite what it seems. For we quickly come to learn that there is a fair chance that the Russians aren’t involved in the slightest and that few can be trusted in Venezuela. Because everyone it seems has their price in this country. Plus there is a lot of mystery surrounding some of the people that Jack met in this tale, as evidenced by his encounter with another spy named Lena (likely not her real name) since she took the time to bug his room in the afterglow of their little tryst. However, while this awesome web of intrigue keeps one’s attention, I did make mention of their being more danger in this particular tale and well, that came about by way of an iconic scene in this story, one ripped straight from the pages of Clear and Present Danger.

For Jack and his entourage found themselves under fire from the mysterious assassin that was hired to bring them down and it was quite thrilling and quite heartbreaking to see the convoy assault scene come to life once again, mainly because this powerhouse action sequence ended with the loss of an important life, one Senator Moreno. For he was the man who saved Jack after his crash and he is also the man who worked to nurse Jack’s mind back to health by spending time with him while he recuperated in the hospital, and his loss, changes so much for this story. Because now Jack will have to deal with grief and the mission, something that is new to him and also because, tensions will be at their highest. For the death of a U.S. Senator on foreign soil will not go over well in Washington and the patience of the U.S. Government will be thin as Jack works to unravel the secrets of this attack and whatever is being assembled in the jungle.

If anything, this was a flawless season premiere. Because this one did everything right. It sucked us in, it stunned us with incredible moments and most importantly, it set the stage for one thrilling season filled with deception and intrigue. But personally, what has me enthralled for this year’s storyline, is that Jack is going to be tested like never before. Because he’s hurting, he’s angry and thoughts of revenge are only natural and that leads us to one big question; can Jack maintain his supremely tight moral code when faced with an incredible threat and a shattered heart? Time will tell for certain, but I am here for everything this year’s story has to offer, for this is quickly shaping up to be a quality season and the only way to see where this plot is going to take us, is to dive right back in. So, on that note, I’m off to Venezuela once again, to see what kind of fallout is going to occur from Senator Moreno’s untimely passing. Until next time. 

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