‘The Continental: From the World of John Wick’ Recap – ‘Loyalty to the Master’

9/30/2023

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THE CONTINENTAL: FROM THE WORLD OF JOHN WICK -- "Night 2" -- Pictured: Colin Woodell as Winston Scott -- (Photo by: Katalin Vermes/Starz Entertainment)

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

There are a great many reasons that people love the John Wick Universe. For instance, so many enjoy the amazing action sequences that this story brings to the table. For they are intricate, breathtaking and in many ways… artful in nature. As for others, well they simply enjoy the rich universe this franchise has brought to life. For there is something genuinely fascinating and powerful about a world that features two civilizations, one that operates under the laws we know, while the other operates under a different set of more violent rules, right alongside us. But of the many reasons that people take part in watching a story set in this fascinating world, there is one above all that matters most. In that, what we truly tune in for, are the characters.

Simply because everyone in this alternate world, are dynamic beings. Filled with unique stories and histories that have brought them to this grey area where the High Table operates, and these stories make sure to take the time to showcase those stories. In a manner that hammers home, that despite living in world of assassins, these are supremely human characters that feel and struggle emotionally like the rest of us. If anything, that particular aspect of this universe is top of mind today, because it served as the focus of the next episode of The Continental: From the World of John Wick on Peacock. For ‘Loyalty to the Master’ picked up shortly after the battle on the rooftop, and the reveal that the coin press was still lost to the world, and well… that gave everyone a chance to just breathe and ponder upon their journey.

Which in turn, allowed for us to learn so much about the characters. To the point where we now know that Winston and his late brother Francis, were tormented in many ways by Cormac. To the point where dear Winston harbored a lot of traumas over this, and that likely was helping to drive his plan. One we will get to in a moment. Because this quiet time also helped us to come to understand why it was so important to Lou that she and Miles be taken seriously, because of her past and the disrespect her family endured. Not to mention, we also came to learn why Yen was so stunningly angry and shattered over Francis’ passing. All because she really believed that fate brought them together and that their love gave her salvation, and that made him, everything to her.

THE CONTINENTAL: FROM THE WORLD OF JOHN WICK -- "Night 2" -- Pictured: Mel Gibson as Cormac -- (Photo by: Katalin Vermes/Starz Entertainment)

Plus, we even came to learn more about Charon, and how his father helped bring to him America, and that he even had an admirer within the walls of the Continental. And oddly, it is Charon’s story that brought forth… the keystone aspect of this tale. Because while it was nice to learn so much about so many, we are here for a juicy revenge plot, and Winston did set that in motion here. By attempting to raise a grand army in this town. All by leaning into the city’s general dislike of Cormac, and how few wanted him in charge of the Continental anymore. Which garnered Winston, some allies. Not enough mind you since that meant assassins and thieves and other ne’er do wells had to choose a side, and that sounded awful. But Winston felt it was enough and once he had the army he desired; he went after what he needed the most… an inside man.

Because someone had to help him, and his team get inside The Continental and surprise Cormac quickly and well… that is where Charon came into play. Because despite being loyal and being a fine worker for Cormac… he wasn’t really being rewarded. For he still lived a life that spoke to a man that wasn’t valued, and Cormac’s promises to bring dear old dad to New York City went unfulfilled, and Winston knew this and made a point to ask Charon, if by chance… he would be willing to be the inside man and be rewarded. Of course, that answer we did not receive in this tale, nor could we infer. Because despite murdering that musician on hotel grounds, to inform Charon that loyalty matters above all, Charon informed Cormac of the plan and seemingly stood by his beleaguered boss. Whom really did face all kinds of pressure in this tale, courtesy of the Adjudicator and the High Table.

Which means, the finale will be the one to inform us if Charon stands with Winston in this moment, or if their alliance came about in a different manner. Because in the end, they do work together, and Winston is of course… in charge. But while we wait to see how the future begins to assemble in this story, we can celebrate one delightful episode. One that truly gave us everything we know and love about this franchise. Since once again, we were treated to amazing action sequences that took our breath away, and more information regarding how this world works. But above all, we learned much about some of the most important characters in this story, and that will add depth to our next viewing of the tetralogy. But now that the learning is done… the time has come to turn our attention to the finale of this miniseries. Wherein Winston Scott’s fate will be carved in stone at last. Until next time.

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