Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan!
Mike November, played by Michael Kelly, is one of the most popular characters in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan – but did the author actually create him? The Amazon Prime series is considered one of the best adaptations of Tom Clancy’s most popular character, with actor John Krasinski playing the titular role throughout the series’ three seasons. Mike November first debuted in season 2 of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, and the character’s prominence throughout seasons 2 and 3 have led some viewers to wonder if he is from Tom Clancy’s books.
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan follows the titular ex-Marine on various missions as a CIA analyst, many of which are in the same vein as other popular adaptations of the beloved character. Season 1 follows Jack Ryan as he uncovers a terrorist ring while investigating fraudulent bank transfers, while Jack Ryan season 2 follows Ryan investigating weapons dealings between Venezuela and Russia. 2022’s season 3 picks up where Jack Ryan season 2 left off, with the Marine attempting to stop the return of the Soviet Union and the start of a nuclear war.
Jack Ryan’s Mike November Wasn’t Created By Tom Clancy
Although Mike November appears consistently throughout Jack Ryan seasons 2 and 3, the character actually wasn’t created by Tom Clancy. Instead, he is an entirely original character exclusive to the Amazon Prime series, not even appearing in any of the previous film adaptations of Jack Ryan. Mike November first appeared in Jack Ryan season 2, acting as a CIA field officer operating in the capital of Venezuela, Caracas. However, Mike November continues to assist Jack Ryan throughout seasons 2 and 3, becoming a trusted ally of Krasinski’s character.
Although Mike November is technically an original character for Jack Ryan seasons 2 and 3, there are some Tom Clancy characters that he could be based on. November may have taken some inspiration from John Clark, a popular Clancy character that has acted as Jack Ryan’s sidekick on several occasions. Jack Ryan season 3, episode 5 even sees November go on a mission that sets up the upcoming Rainbow Six spin-off series, with John Clark being the main character of Tom Clancy’s Rainbox Six novel. However, there are plenty of other Tom Clancy CIA officers that Mike November could have taken inspiration from as well.
Mike November Is A Great Jack Ryan Sidekick
While Jack Ryan has many sidekicks throughout Tom Clancy’s various stories, Mike November is one of the best. Mike November and Jack Ryan didn’t get along when they first met in Venezuela, but by the end of Jack Ryan season 3, the two have become close allies. Throughout season 3, Mike is one of the few people Jack Ryan can trust, with the two going on dangerous adventures side by side. Although he wasn’t made by Tom Clancy, Mike November is a fantastic Jack Ryan sidekick, and it’s no surprise that many can’t wait to see more of him in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan season 4.
