O Atirador

There are quite a few bad reviews for this pilot episode of Shooter, and I don't quite realize why. I am a big man of a well made series and also quite picky and critical. Very few series can maintain my interest for a long time, Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Dexter, Boardwalk Empire, Hannibal are just a few I have stuck to right to the end. However, as movies are so badly made these days, Star Trek Beyond anyone? I have to admit I enjoyed the pilot. I think Ryan Philippe was fine, he didn't appear too young to be a seasoned vet. I thought the family angle was endearing and added to the torment of what is about to happen to him. I watched the 2007 movie Shooter with Mark Wahlberg and I also think it was a very good movie that deserved a higher rating. Many people have talked about the series of books that movie and this series are based upon. If the series follows the book (I presume), and the movie then we kind of know what to expect from the following episodes, but even then I don't care. It will be interesting to see if they can maintain the suspense and action for 10 or so episodes. Sure, perhaps nine out of ten is too high a rating, but clearly there were haters out there slating this pilot and giving it two or three stars which is just unfair. I am also pleased that clearly right from the start the producers are saying this is just one season and not going to be drawn out and become ridiculous like Prison Break, and personally I have felt the same with Gotham, The Flash and the 100 (although season two was excellent, season three made me leave). So sure we know what to expect from the coming episodes, a lot of running, a lot of conspiracy theories, a lot of Swagger digging for the truth, and I am fine with that, if they keep up the production values and dialogue, and the directing was fine.

So you can discharge very high calibre weapons at will in public places and no-one calls the police? People can be killed and no-one ever witnesses the incident. Did the American people all go overseas at once as there is a complete absence of normal movement of people during incidents in the show.

Entertaining but totally unbelievable.

There are so many reviews detailing every minor things they thought wad wrong but why can't people just enjoy something without picking faults in things that don't affect the overall show? The acting was very good indeed. the story was good, it flowed nicely, it ended in a way where I cannot wait to watch the episode 2. Ryan Phillipe's depiction of Bob was superb! He was truly believable. It wasn't overbearing with political nonsense, it showed his home life and explained why he had walked away from the army. It has the potential for greatness if the rest of the series keep up the pace, it wasn't one dimensional, it looks like we are really going to get to know the characters, and at the end of the day it was entertaining, what else do you want from a TV show??

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 :)

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.