Tonight is the beginning of my new weekly action fix … Strike Back! Earlier this week, HBO Canada hosted a screening in Toronto for the first two episodes, and let’s just say I was hooked about 15 minutes into it.
Strike Back is based on a novel of the same name, about a mysterious anti-terrorist organization, known as Section 20, and its members. You may also have heard of its UK predecessor, which starred Richard Armitage (who made an appearance in the episodes that I saw) and Andrew Lincoln (now starring in The Walking Dead). Damien Scott (Sullivan Stapleton) is a Delta Forces op that was dishonorably discharged just before the US invasion of Iraq, and is grudgingly sought out by Section 20 for a mission that only he can help with. Scott is also a ladies’ man, or what I’d prefer to call a “man ho”. Michael Stonebridge (Philip Winchester) is a British sergeant and member of Section 20 that is forced to partner up with Scott. Stonebridge appears to be a seemingly straight laced, mostly by the book, married man on the surface, but there’s a streak of bad boy in him as well.
There are 10 episodes so far, divided into 5 stories, each one told across two parts. Although one storyline concludes at the end of the second episode, we see that there’s going to be an overarching story througout.
Want to check it out for yourself? Here’s a clip:
I thought it was a fun, action-packed series, with lots of eye candy for guys and gals. There were moments that reminded me of MI-5 (or Spooks as its known the UK), and the slightest hint of 24, but it really is its own beast, mainly because of the “buddy” angle that develops between Scott and Stonebridge. I’d definitely recommend it for the action fan, and can’t wait to see more!
Strike Back premieres tonight at 10 on HBO Canada and Cinemax.
Photo Courtesy of HBO Canada
