El tirador

I say "WOW" to myself as I seek out story lines like this one, over and over again. It's as if I find billboards at every turn with a message using the tired term of "wake up." A perpetuated question presents itself, again, as to whether things so covered in the story could really happen - more important, do they, or are they happening? To critique the script, characters, setting, alignment with supporting book, etc, seems unimportant to me. Even so, I was moved emotionally every time a bomb went off, a character I grew to love was shot and/or killed, or someone did something truly stupid, each time having to remind myself it's just a show. I'll go as far as to say most was done well. I was emotionally involved, throughout. More important to me, though, is the overall message, which in my opinion is scary from here to beyond - that being how devious, cruel, uncaring, greedy, and power seeking some people might (and can) be. The work adheres to the basic theme of successful visual entertainment: Good vs. Evil; Right vs. Wrong; Moral vs. Immoral, and the like. I raise my glass to the books' author, the one who laid ground for the movie and series, as well as thank those who held the desire to get the movie and series into production, for those of us who will probably never read the books.

I'll end by saying my review centers more on a not so hidden message > things may not be as they seem.

I don't believe I spoil any of the show in this review.

I almost didn't pick this show up because of the bad overall reviews I had seen after its first season.

But lo and behold I found myself with some spare time over the weekend, so I binge watched it in the background while I worked on some fun computer stuff.

It just goes to show how unreliable professional reviews are as a whole, because this show is good television.

The acting is well done, the story is well laid out, it's consistent, and it has a well done ending to the story.

I always know I really liked a show when I wan't to watch more after the final episode, but at the same time I'm happy with how they wrapped everything up. Shows that end up on that list always end up being re-watchers for me.

Bob Lee Swagger is a great character. Ryan Phillippe does a great job bringing him to life and keeping him sane. His southern accent gets a little "extra" during that last 3rd season, but the quality of the writing really makes it a non issue.

While all the other actors do a very good job in this show, I really feel like I should bring up Shantel VanSanten playing Julie Swagger. All too often these types of shows end up ruining their female leads. A prime example is The Blacklist's Elizabeth Keen played by Megan Boone. At some point a decision is made to completely rewrite a character to inject conflict with one of the show leads. It never pans out and it's one of the quickest ways to ruin a show in my opinion.

Julie Swagger stays badass from the very beginning, she never changes, and I appreciate that. More shows should take that kind of care with their female characters.

It's a great show, I'm trying not to spoil any of it. If you've passed it up for a while like I did then do yourself a favor and give it a watch. It's poor professional reviews aren't warranted.

I thought it was a very solid effort, I was very surprised that Ryan Phillippe could actually pull it off as I'm not a big fan of his acting in the past. I am one of the few people apparently that thought the movie Shooter was terrible. Over-the-top political and Mark Wahlberg is even prettier than Ryan Phillipe. A few of the very negative reviews hadn't watched very much of the series. I agree that the first episode or maybe even the first two took a while to drag me in. But by the third and fourth series I was totally shocked. He comes back on Netflix tonight and I can't wait to watch it again. Maybe I'll be disappointed in season 3 But I hope not. If you haven't seen it give it a try.

A series pilot today is everything. it is like the weekend box office results for a movie. It has to hit. That is the new reality in TV. There are just too many options. That said, hang in there. The pilot was not Mr Robot. That was one of the best pilots ever.

I was going to bail but recorded the series on DVR and episode 3 hit the target! That was good TV. I want to see a loner trying to evade getting caught. This is The Fugitive w/great gun skills.

I was critical of trying to recreate the movie and how this would be done. I did not like the female FBI agent casting at first. It was political (black female), but the actress (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) pulled it off. Her acting skill changed my mind. The little girl is excellent as well. Casting is everything. I am still not convinced about the lead of FBI agent (Isaac Johnson) role. New face, but in TV that face needs to convince the audience immediately they are who they are. All to say when his scenes take place, I disconnect just a bit. Same with Ryan Phillippe. I wasn't sold on him, but he plays the role as needed. I think because they play the Bourne movies non-stop, I/we are tired of Mr Everything, the persona of someone who is a rebel (detached from his core unit) but super skilled in every way, able to out think law enforcement at will, a McGyver ability to escape any place at any time. This is old news today. Stallone perfected this in Rambo. It is 2016. Time to re-think this role.

I hope this series remains highly intelligent. There is no excuse for stupid. It all comes down to production and storytelling. Timing and pace. Music that connects.

For myself, I like specific scenes. I loved the mini-mart scene is Ep 3 and how it was performed. Producers should ask the audience what scenes they rewound their DVR's at--that scene you had to see over again. Again, no excuses today for not doing your homework! All you have to do is recreate the greatest scenes from similar genres. Make them your own, but find those "gold" moments and give them to us.

Veterans, Patriots, Texans will love this series. Just because there's not sex/drug scenes or adultery or constant profanity in every episode doesn't make this a "kid's show" or "written by a 12-year-old." The series is very action-packed, and all of the actors did a great job (except Harris; I found his character quite annoying). Season 2 was not my favorite. Too many flashbacks and weird storyline. But you have to watch it to understand Season 3, which was pretty great. I agree with the other reviews... they could have added more seasons.

Series is recommended :)