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6.9/10
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A former intelligence and FBI officer, who now works as a security expert in Las Vegas, is recruited by mysterious pit boss Mr. Johnson to, based on his tips, try to prevent crimes, while th... Read allA former intelligence and FBI officer, who now works as a security expert in Las Vegas, is recruited by mysterious pit boss Mr. Johnson to, based on his tips, try to prevent crimes, while the rich place bets on his chances of success.A former intelligence and FBI officer, who now works as a security expert in Las Vegas, is recruited by mysterious pit boss Mr. Johnson to, based on his tips, try to prevent crimes, while the rich place bets on his chances of success.
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After watching the first three episodes of "The Player", I have mixed feelings about this action show that feels like "Person of Interest" meets "Minority Report".
The premise of the show feels a little contrived. The protagonist, Alex Kane (Philip Winchester), is a security expert whose ex-wife, Ginny, is murdered under suspicious circumstances. When offered a job by a shady character named Mr. Johnson (Wesley Snipes) that requires him to illegally take out people who will theoretically commit crimes, he accepts, mostly because he thinks Johnson might lead him to the truth about his ex-wife's demise. Johnson explains that a club of ultra-rich gamblers will bet on the competition between Alex and the bad guys. And they will provide support in the form of a super computer and the resources of Cassandra King (Charity Wakefield).
The show's story lines feel sloppy, with the viewer required to accept a plethora of convenient occurrences. Also, the computer has abilities that can only be described as supernatural.
On the other hand, the action sequences are good, mostly due to great stunt work. I consider this show a guilty pleasure, but it would be better to say that there is room for improvement. Also, Cassandra is an interesting character with much potential. Hopefully, Ms. Wakefield can find a way to make her even more compelling.
The premise of the show feels a little contrived. The protagonist, Alex Kane (Philip Winchester), is a security expert whose ex-wife, Ginny, is murdered under suspicious circumstances. When offered a job by a shady character named Mr. Johnson (Wesley Snipes) that requires him to illegally take out people who will theoretically commit crimes, he accepts, mostly because he thinks Johnson might lead him to the truth about his ex-wife's demise. Johnson explains that a club of ultra-rich gamblers will bet on the competition between Alex and the bad guys. And they will provide support in the form of a super computer and the resources of Cassandra King (Charity Wakefield).
The show's story lines feel sloppy, with the viewer required to accept a plethora of convenient occurrences. Also, the computer has abilities that can only be described as supernatural.
On the other hand, the action sequences are good, mostly due to great stunt work. I consider this show a guilty pleasure, but it would be better to say that there is room for improvement. Also, Cassandra is an interesting character with much potential. Hopefully, Ms. Wakefield can find a way to make her even more compelling.
In reading other reviews, I find it laughable that someone would assert that the theme of the show is confusing. It is not confusing -- Wesley Snipes portrays a very powerful and rich bookie for the wealthiest gamblers throughout the world who enjoy outside-the-box and extremely challenging life-and-death betting. Snipes sets up and manages the bets. He and his female colleague also have the high-tech world plugged into their system, including surveillance cameras and hacked computer systems world-wide. But Wesley and his assistant need a player to insert into the high-risk gambling scenarios that they set up, so that the bettors can bet against the house, meaning against the player being successful in the waging scenario, or they can bet on the player being successful. The scenarios involve pitting the Player against criminals, and sophisticated criminals at that. Back-storied into this not-too-confusing premise for the series is the manipulation, to what extent we do not yet know, of the person set up to be The Player, which included what appeared to involve the murder of his wife, but then doubts arise about that, and precisely what the Manager (Snipes) may or may not have had to do with it, not to mention some as-yet-unknown prior association between Snipe's assistant and a woman who looks like the wife of the man who does in fact becomes Snipe's Player. All of this is centered in Las Vegas, gambling capital of the western world, so it is perfect. The imagination behind the concept, together with terrific actors, and Wesley Snipes here is superbly and impeccably ward robed as straight out of Esquire magazine, added to the large-scale stunts that you usually only see in theatrical movies, makes this a very interesting and enjoyable worth-watching television program.
I watched this last night with the Mrs, she really isn't into hi-tech x-cop tries putting world to right TV shows but this she even said was good, that is a big plus. Let's face it, if you love geeky and plenty of car action then this has it all, plus the graphics are really good, the blond is also worth watching! Reading the reviews as I do, I think you are over watching looking for perfection, the fact the critics gave this a bench mark of 7 is quite high for this type of TV shows. As I say, I'd give this a chance, but then I liked the new Knight Rider and that was axed after first series, yet, series like Law & Order go on for decades. Lets just say, The Player was to me, amusing with a twist.
This show simply needs to be on Showtime / Starz or HBO to really make it 100%. I think it has potential but not for the NBC crowd.
If you like Action you will like this show. Interesting concept, likable characters set in a world of underground crime elements that could be plausible. Sure it's not realistic but it is interesting entertainment.
The plot is a interesting what if of can crime be gambled on.
Elements of good tactical gun work.
Good physical hand to hand skills.
Some tech mixed in with gun play and car chases suggests how our everyday tech can be used against us or for us.
Overall a fun to watch mini series.
If you like Action you will like this show. Interesting concept, likable characters set in a world of underground crime elements that could be plausible. Sure it's not realistic but it is interesting entertainment.
The plot is a interesting what if of can crime be gambled on.
Elements of good tactical gun work.
Good physical hand to hand skills.
Some tech mixed in with gun play and car chases suggests how our everyday tech can be used against us or for us.
Overall a fun to watch mini series.
I had high hopes for The Player and like Philip Winchester in Strike Back. There aren't a lot of action shows any more and this looked like it could be really good.
The premise and implementation, too be honest, are beyond unbelievable. I mean, a good script and acting can make you believe there really are zombies, this just seemed fake.
I will watch a few more episodes, but I can't see this show lasting. To be honest, I am surprised it ever made it on the air. That being said, the action was good and the acting was pretty good. The plot line and writing brought it down.
The premise and implementation, too be honest, are beyond unbelievable. I mean, a good script and acting can make you believe there really are zombies, this just seemed fake.
I will watch a few more episodes, but I can't see this show lasting. To be honest, I am surprised it ever made it on the air. That being said, the action was good and the acting was pretty good. The plot line and writing brought it down.
Did you know
- TriviaWhile introducing Alex Kane's character, references are made to his past work, including comments about a few years of fighting terrorists around the globe for an elite military unit. This is a direct reference to one of the actor's (Phillip Winchester) previous roles in the Strike Back television series.
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