Treadstone

The 'Jason Bourne' movies introduced Treadstone; an illegal CIA programme where people undergo behavioural modification to become near perfect agents. Officially it was closed down but now somebody is reactivating these agents. Who or why is far from clear. It soon becomes apparent that the CIA isn't the only agency to do such work; flashbacks to 1973 show how a CIA agent captured by the Soviets has been reprogrammed to work for them, what they call a 'Cicada'. In North Korea an agent there is awakened and goes from being a piano tutor to being an assassin. If this weren't enough there is a nuclear missile outside official command in Russia and it looks like somebody wants to sell the warhead to the North Koreans.

I rather enjoyed this series; although I must say I'm glad I waited for it to finish before I started watching as watching all ten episodes in under a week made it relatively easy to follow. The way the story jumps about might have left me confused if I had to wait a week between episodes. Each episode provides decent action and a good sense of mystery. Each time it appears one question is answered more are raised... that includes the final episode, so if we want some of the more intriguing questions answered we'll have to hope for a second season. The cast is solid throughout making it easy to accept certain details that might not be too realistic but add to the drama. The series makes good use of multiple locations around the world; I was pleased that when characters spoke in these locations they used the appropriate language with subtitles rather than accented English; just a pity the white subtitles were occasionally hard to read against pale backgrounds. It was amusing how there were quite a few references to events in the Bourne movies but Jason Bourne was never mentioned by name... I guess the makers would have had to pay to do that! Overall I thought this was a solid action thriller that fans of the genre should enjoy if they can suspend their disbelief occasionally. I've no idea if we'll get a second season but I for one really hope we do.

So I waited till the third episode before I made a solid conclussion. My conclussion, too much isn't the answer, characters, places, flashbacks, cramming in as much as possible has the opposite of the desired effect. In episode three the viewer is shown the happenings in four separate places in the space of a minute and a half, why, it's a TV series, they have plenty of time. It tries to be gritty but sleek at the same time, some of the dialogue is crafted, some quite laughable, "How did you become so strong?". It all just seems to be rushing the storyline and forgetting the characters, you end up not giving a toss about them. As for the acting well a few standout but Tracy Ifeachor is woefully bad. If you like the Bourne series of films you won't like this, yes it will fill some time but you won't go out of your way for it.

The story follows several different dormant sleeper agents around the world as they get reactivated, while also depicting the fallout from project Treadstone in the present day. It also depicts the past, introducing how it all began. It is pretty well done, but it does have flaws.

The quality of each story varies, but it is great to see people in non-English speaking countries be given scope not to use English, irrespective of the quality of speech/pronunciation. I particularly like the events set in the past, and the story set in North Korea (though I'd query the quality of show's depiction of NK). Most of the storylines are enjoyable to watch.

The flaw: The storyline which should bring these disparate stories together or at least provide connection is pretty poorly done. I like the actors individually (Michelle Forbes, Omar Metwally and Tracy Ifeachor) but their storyline and the characters they depict destroy any goodwill/ suspension of disbelief the audience has. (They may as well be on a different TV show).

Particularly Tracy Ifeachor, it may not be fair, but she looks too young to be a seasoned journalist; her role as a freelance journalist uber-driver and the way she's wrangled into the plot is terrible. It's a pity because there could have easily been a more credible version of the present day CIA operation involving a journalist, in keeping with all the other storylines.

I'm giving it an 8 because it is ambitious, and only one of the storylines actively bothers me. But I don't think it will see a 2nd season, and I understand why.

Having said that, reviewers that simply state 'subtitles suck' should stick to low-brow cartoons. Not everything needs immediate explanation, many seem either too stupid or too impatient to accept that. Formulaic and 'exposition heavy' American telly has definitely addled the minds.

The last episode in no way gives a resolution to everything going on. finishes at least two episodes short. if they don't renew for a new season, we're all screwed!!!!

Great sets, great casting, plot captivating and easy to follow, great choreography fight scenes ...the essence of the books and movies!

No pc, no social agenda forced on us, no identity politics - that's extremely rare, these days with new series and movies!

Good job!