TV Show review
September 22, 2023 · TV-MA · Ended · Action · Drama · Adventure · Crime
Based on 1 season, 3 episodes · through October 6, 2023
The Continental is a three-episode action show set in 1970s New York. It tells the story of how a young Winston Scott took over a famous hotel for killers. The show features several highly competent female fighters who easily defeat male opponents. It also includes a gay romance subplot for a young version of an established character.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for The Continental: From the World of John Wick.
Woke representation / casting
The show casts many diverse actors in prominent roles. It features several strong female action leads who outshine the men. It also includes an LGBTQ+ romantic subplot for Charon, which elevates the score significantly.
65%
Woke political dialogue
There are occasional feminist remarks, especially from the character Lou. However, the show is not overly preachy, and the dialogue mostly focuses on standard crime and action tropes.
15%
Identity-driven story themes
The narrative focuses heavily on marginalized groups, including Vietnam veterans, minority communities, and homeless people. The gay subplot between Charon and the cellist adds a clear identity-focused theme to the story.
45%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The show portrays the police force as deeply corrupt and abusive. It also critiques oppressive criminal hierarchies run by older white men, presenting traditional authorities in a highly negative light.
45%
Woke character or canon changes
The series changes the established, mysterious character Charon by giving him a gay relationship. It also changes the origin of the Bowery network by introducing a "Bowery Queen" who came before the Bowery King.
48%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Fans of the original movies complained online about the show adding modern identity tropes. They did not like the "girlboss" fight scenes and the unnecessary focus on sexual and identity politics.
40%
Creator track record context
Most of the creators, writers, and producers have very low woke scores. However, a few key people, like casting director Sophie Holland and producer Susan Hurwitz Arneson, have a history of promoting progressive values.
22%
Production
