Cinemax has never really been known as a place for quality television, but it may have found a solid starting ground with its original drama series 'Strike Back.' The action-packed show combines what Cinemax knows best -- sex -- with heavy violence and some witty dialogue.
Think of it as a British take on '24,' and although it won't make you forget Jack Bauer, it is a thoroughly enjoyable action hero romp from a global perspective. The series has also been a moderate hit for Cinemax, and it was recently renewed for a second 10-part season.
The series follows Section 20, an elite military black ops unit within the British government that focuses on high-risk, top-priority targets -- including an international group of terrorists. When one of their own is captured and held hostage by the terrorist group, Section 20 enlists the help of Damien Scott (Sullivan Stapleton, 'Animal Kingdom'), a cheeky former Delta Force operative who is familiar with this group of terrorists. However, his cocky style is often at odds with his more by-the-book partner, Sgt. Michael Stonebridge (Philip Winchester, 'Camelot'). Meanwhile, team leader Col. Eleanor Grant (Amanda Mealing, 'Holby City') is one of the most badass females on television ... but she also has a few secrets of her own.
Season 1 wraps up tonight (Fri., Oct. 21, 10PM ET on Cinemax), but there's still time to catch up with Scott and Stonebridge before Season 2 premieres in 2012. Here are five reasons we think you should watch: Read the 5 reasons at AOLTV.
I liked the first season for being what '24' was not, but I like the second season for being an almost replacement for '24' now that it's off the air.
ReplyDeleteNeither agent is Jack Bauer, but they both are very entertaining and fun to watch. The first episode of Season Two left me wondering exactly how much worse it would be than Season One, but as the season progressed I found myself liking it more and more.
There are five stories in Season Two, each is two episodes, and each builds on the previous story so that the finale answers the season-long questions and resolves the over all mission set forward in the premiere.
i dont get it, this looks completly different than strike back season one, yet you say it was renewed for a second season? is this another tv show?=
ReplyDeletestrike back season 1 was only crested for sky in the uk, for season 2 they used cinemax and hbo to co-produce with sky.. so in theory its season 3 in 2012 in the uk, and season 2 on cinemax, not sure cinemax have the rights to show the andrew lincoln season 1.. which is why it confusing... if that makes any sense :D
ReplyDeleteStrike Back, as you know, is adopted from a book. Now, the first series (as it is called in GB) was a three part, 90 minute program, with an overarching theme. The protagonist was John Porter, played by Armitage who unfortunately moved on to films. The antagonist was [spoiler alert] was played by Andrew Lincoln, now seen as a lead on Walking Dead. Even though the end of series 1 suggested more adventures of Porter, at the beginning of Series 2 (which is what we call Season 1) it was clear this would not be the case, with Porter marginally involved for the first 5 minutes. There is no true continuity in terms of content, but there is in term of the world the two seasons inhabit. Season 2 also has overarching theme, and even though it is split into 10 episodes, it still follows 90 minute per theme pattern. Series 2, or Season 1 is a collaborative effort between British and American TV, and this will continue to be the case. Since principal market is in USA, Series 3, or Season 2 will also have 10 episodes. The continuity of casting was not confirmed, so it is not clear who will be the protagonist next year. Might stay the same, though looking at how things are developing, it seems unlikely. In any case, renewal means that the same world of terrorist plots will continue to live in some shape and form, though it remains to be seen which. Whether you call it the same TV show depends on how you view the continuity. Series 1, the 3 parter was atomic, and unsurpassed. It was better than series 2, though series 2 is also great (and a breath of fresh air...If Carrie Mathison had an m4, she would be shooting alongside Stonebridge and Scott, or give orders to Colonel Grant, or both :)). Series 3 will definitely look like Series 2, so you can say the show itself would not change.
ReplyDeleteThat's how I look at it too....
ReplyDeleteStrike Back was brilliant TV and Strike Back: Project Dawn (Season Two of the series, but the first on Cinemax) is very entertaining TV. Both good , but in different ways and on different levels.
Okay,okay iv'e been living in the ozone. When is this on (day) and who broadcast this?
ReplyDeleteThis season has been airing on Cinemax (a premium cable channel in the US) at 9pm CST and in the UK on Sky 1 HD, but I'm not sure of the day or time there.
ReplyDeleteThe original season of Strike Back aired only on Sky 1 in the UK.
Since i only have Showtime at this point,would you happen to know if its out on dvd, or if the BBC is showing it? Thanks for getting back so quickly.
ReplyDeleteThe first season is available on Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chris-Ryans-Strike-Back-DVD/dp/B0039WHKE0
ReplyDeleteThe second season finale airs tonight . 40 minutes... so it will be a bit until it is on DVD.
Again thank you,now go finish watching Fringe! even if it is a repeat. Oh,i'm assuming you do watch it????????
ReplyDeleteI do, but I was not watching it tonight.... Finishing up an Arrested Development marathon. XD
ReplyDeleteEnjoy, I'm sure i'll see you tomorrow! Wait i guess it should say read you tomorrow! Anyway till then! :)
ReplyDeleteso has the 90 minute 3 parter season 1 of strike back nothing to do with this season of strikeback on cinemax?
ReplyDeleteNot strictly, in the sense in which Lost season 2 picks up where Lost season 1 left off. More like 24, where indeterminate amount of time between seasons passes, and some events from before, and some characters are referenced...except imagine if in that new season someone else was a main character, and not Jack Bauer
ReplyDelete