‘The Continental: From the World of John Wick’ Recap – ‘Brothers in Arms’

9/23/2023

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THE CONTINENTAL: FROM THE WORLD OF JOHN WICK -- "Night 1" Episode -- Pictured: Colin Woodell as Winston -- (Photo by: Katalin Vermes/Starz Entertainment)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘The Continental: From the World of John Wick’. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Truly, the John Wick saga is that rare franchise that managed to immediately captivate audiences everywhere and well, it makes sense as to why. After all, it featured mega-star Keanu Reeves in the titular role and what he brought to the table, from an emotional standpoint, as a pained and broken former assassin tasked to resolve unnecessary pain with violence… was something people can relate to. Since we’ve all wanted to lash out when we hurt to feel better. Making it a supremely human series for certain, one that also offered up… amazing action and adventure and a refreshingly original story in this era of sequels and reboots. But above all… it brought forth a fascinating world we really haven’t seen in storytelling, where two universes exist in our modern world. One where everyday folks go about their business and live their lives like normal, all while a second one… where a powerful crime/assassin syndicate functions with its own rules, operates, free from the trappings and accountability that everyone else deals with.

In fact, that world has been so fascinating and so captivating, that the same audiences that eagerly enjoy John’s pained adventures, have asked loudly for stories that explore the unique criminal world that thrives beneath our own. Just to fully understand its power and its lack of accountability to the laws we abide by and well… at long last… that type of story has arrived. For last night saw, The Continental: From the World of John Wick, make its debut on Peacock, and this is a story designed to explore that world and its inner workings, well before John Wick was a part of it and well, ‘Brothers in Arms’ accomplished that feat… by taking us back in time. To New York City in the 1970s wherein, we were treated to a supremely fascinating story. One that was both familiar and new, and easily made clear the power and the reach of this organization… courtesy of a grandiose heist. For on New Year’s Eve, a member of this organization, named Frankie, opted to steal something quite valuable from the man in charge of the Continental… a coin press used by this world of assassins.

Which of course… put everyone on full alert, especially since Frankie escaped Cormac O’Connor’s clutches and that… forced Cormac’s hand to do something bold for the story and joyous for the fans of this iconic franchise. Because Frankie wasn’t just some everyday assassin in this world, he was tied to a character supremely important to this franchise. For Frankie’s last name was Scott, and his brother was none other than Winston Scott. Who we learned in the 1970s, had minimal ties to this world and was in fact, trying to forge his own path in Europe. But Frankie’s actions brought him home to a request from Cormac. Wherein he was expected to find his brother and bring him to bear to answer for his ultimate crime. But of course, Winston wasn’t interested in that. He just wanted to reunite with his brother after all these years and help him escape and live. For family was all that Winston had left at this point and that quest… allowed for that exploration to begin.

THE CONTINENTAL: FROM THE WORLD OF JOHN WICK -- "Night 1" -- Pictured: Mel Gibson as Cormac -- (Photo by: Katalin Vermes/Starz Entertainment)

Because it allowed for us to come to understand the power of this organization and its reach throughout New York City. For in essence, Cormac and the outfit had eyes everywhere, the kind that were willing to turn over anyone to avoid the ire of the organization. But what truly made Winston’s quest so important to this tale… was that it served as his own origin story, and what likely put him on the path to become the cold and calculated gentile that will eventually be in charge of the that iconic hotel. In fact, one could conjecture his knowledge and actions here… could see him take charge by the end of this miniseries. All courtesy of the fact that he was on the receiving end of that reach. Because despite finding his brother, making amends, and making plans to escape… he was unable to flee NYC. For those eyes found them and unleashed the powerful grip of this organization. Which brought forth an end to Frankie Scott and the birth of a need for real vengeance for Winston Scott. A task that will of course, be difficult in nature now that we know what we know about this city and its shadow denizens.

However, while that alone would have served as enough world-building for this story… since it did offer up an in-depth look at this world of assassins, this episode still had more treats to send our way regarding such matters. For our introduction to Miles and Lou, informed us how any criminal activity in this town can be dangerous in nature. Since they crossed a line without knowing it in their attempts to strike it rich, giving rise to a real sense of danger in this iteration of New York City, as though no one is safe once they poke about the underworld. Not to mention, this story finally confirmed that the pleasantries that John Wick and Jimmy shared, in the original film, was more than just two old friends with an understanding. The police know about this world to some extent, and they steer clear of it and let whatever happens in the shadows, happen. And those officers that bother to try and uncover more… learn quick to steer clear of something that is well beyond their understanding and control.

All of which brought forth, a magnificent series premiere. One that truly opens up this world like never before for the fans of this iconic franchise, and also found a way to make us quite happy with some flawless fan moments. Such as offering up the patented action and violence that this franchise is known for, by way of breathtaking shootouts and fights. And of course, Winston isn’t the only character from the original four films that we encounter here. Since a very young Cadron has already found his way to the Continental, and of course… a certain valuable car, one that played a huge part in the first film… found its way into the fabric of this story as well. One that really is the beginning of what should be a grand and worthy prequel. One that will answer all of our questions about this world and where we will be entertained and hopefully see Winston take his rightful place as the manager of that prestigious and important hotel. That is… once that pesky and crude Cormac is out of the way for crimes against the Scott family. Until next time.

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