Warning: Major spoilers for The Continental: From the World of John Wick season 1 below!
The Continental: From the World of John Wick sets up a potential second season, but it’s best if the miniseries is a one-off. This Peacock prequel charts how young Winston Scott – played by Ian McShane in the movies – became the manager of the titular New York hotel. In light of John Wick: Chapter 4’s ending where Keanu Reeves’ unkillable assassin seemingly dies, this 70s-set TV prequel was a big test for the franchise to see if spinoffs could work without Wick’s involvement. Unfortunately, The Continental largely failed that test.
The three-episode first season was riddled with uninvolving subplots and action that failed to live up to the movie franchise’s high standards; the show has also received mixed to negative reviews. The Continental’s ending may have seen Colin Woodell’s Winston succeed in taking down Mel Gibson’s manager Cormac and seizing the hotel for himself, but it also closed with many questions left unanswered. Winston’s bold move with the High Table’s Adjudicator (Katie McGrath) also set up another big conflict, but the question remains whether another season needs to happen.
The Continental’s Cliffhanger & Unanswered Questions Set Up Season 2
After a bloody battle to take down the Continental in the final episode, Winston steps outside the hotel to talk with the Adjudicator. After threats are exchanged, Winston simply shoots her in the head to send a message to the High Table that the hotel is under new management. Many plot threads established through the first season are left unresolved by the time the credits roll, however. There’s the reveal Lou’s (Jessica Allain) late, beloved father was an assassin, there’s the question of what happened to Charlie (Peter Greene) after he disappeared, who was the group that hired Frankie (Ben Robson) to steal the coin press and many more.
The Continental Already Told The Winston Origin Story That Matters
The Continental was always pitched as the story of how Winston rose to power. Ultimately, that might have been a question best left up to viewers’ imaginations, as the miniseries felt like a lukewarm heist movie dressed up in John Wick clothing. Still, by the conclusion of the show, Winston has gained revenge for his brother’s death and has become the new manager, so there’s no real need to explore what happens beyond the final scene.
On paper, a continuing Continental show sounds like a great idea, as it can explore in depth the sides of the franchise the film series could only hint at. In reality, the first season felt muddy and unfocused, despite its simple setup. A second season where Winston battles the High Table to retain control of the Continental is inherently uninteresting too, as audiences already know the outcome, and none of the mysteries it leaves hanging feel like they warrant viewers checking in for a second season. In the end, the miniseries is best left as a standalone curio for John Wick completists.
