38/48
Featured in Premios Soberano (2024)
CIA operative Joe tries to balance his personal and professional lives as the spearhead of the agency’s war on terror. Real-life military advisors helped create a more authentic execution of gun handling, house cleaning, positioning, squad-based action, etc. Mr. Sheridan knows how to transport us into testosterone-fueled macho worlds without clichés and, seemingly, without agenda. That’s what it is.
No apologies necessary
His characters are always grounded and he’s extremely skilled at casting. But to be great, you have to write good roles for women. The writing has to be just as good, if not better, than it is for men. Guys are simple. Women are smarter, more complex.
They are strong and believable
Beth at Yellowstone (great character and performance), the barrel riders, the lonely ranch hand (a fantastic Jen Landon as Teeter), all great female characters who fit into the story world in a natural, effortless way. Not just the 'partner…’ or the T & A. He stepped up his game with Faith Hill’s excellent character who was broken in "1883" followed by Dame Mirren in the misfire that occurred in "1923". Now we have Zoe Saldana, who does some of the best work of her career. I absolutely buy her as the CIA chief in an open marriage (good thing).
What about the face!
I buy De Oliveira as a broken woman with a burning anger who doesn’t give up and thank you, thank you, thank you to the writers/director/producers for NOT letting her get the best of a comrade with another one-hundred pounds of muscle. Truth first! I think her character is much more interesting if she’s someone who needs to be knocked out cold or simply beaten to the ground before she gives up. Now let’s talk about Jill Wagner or should I say her hair? From schmaltzy Hallmark jerk to super-dangerous special forces?
I’m buying that
Special mention: Mrs. Lanier as the naughty teenage daughter. I’m waiting for the arc that’s set up for this loose canon as long as they continue to steer clear of the clichés of teenage angst. Good cast, could be interesting…