As far as this opening episode and pilot went it was far from original but if you like this genre of television it still had enough to suit everyone. With rookie agent Ellis Dove (Travis Fimmel) becoming Charles Barker’s (Swayze) handpicked undercover partner the two set about bringing down a black market weapons gang, amidst a cover of punches, blown up cars, wrong doings and a general air of hostility. As always wanting to cause intrigue to further the series there was the inevitable first “drink” with a new girl, the problems of a rookie’s inexperience fitting in with his new partner, and the rookie’s over excelling confidence that he actually knew how to run the show already.
Swayze’s Barker is the FBI agent with his new rookie side kick
Trying to crack the weapon’s gang it was the duo’s responsibility to “borrow” a RPG (rocket launcher), find the appropriate contacts, set up the meeting and then capture the buyer alive whilst not trying to become worm food themselves. Ellis, on a mission to get the RPG activity keys, entered a den of meth and madness and found himself in a situation where he had to either smoke meth or take a risk of blowing a hole in his foot with a gun. He chose the meth option and soon found himself trying to focus through a haze of drug taking whilst still getting the job done.
All ended well as they took the gang down in style but it was the final moments that took an unexpected twist and made me want to see more. Returning home for the day Ellis found himself surrounded by a number of offices, some of whom he’d seen before throughout the operation but as other people. It seemed that his whole partnership with Barker was built on a lie, he’d been hand picked by them to ride alongside the FBI agent and discover whether he was crooked or not. I didn’t see that coming and it added a great twist.
It was also refreshing to see Ellis, as he looked across at the bar where his new date was waiting, realise that life was too difficult and he couldn’t include her, walking away and turning his life to focus on the undercover job in hand. This isn’t the usual plot, normally the girl is quickly drawn into the mix of danger, so it was refreshing to see Ellis take an unusual but appropriate turn. However, she does live in his building so whether this stays that way I’m not sure is likely.
I’m looking forward to see where this series goes, it may become original and fresh, it may die a traditional and obvious death, the next few weeks are sure to tell.
Five USA – Wednesday’s at 10.00
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