On October 31st, Amazon released the second season of its hit series Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan. Adapting Clancy’s most famous character once again in 2018, the first season placed John Krasinski as the Marine-turned-CIA analyst. Partnered with Wendell Pierce’s tough-as-nails CIA veteran Jim Greer, the first season resurrected the property and delivered the counterterrorism action, thrills, and intrigue one would expect from a Clancy adaptation.
Relocating from the Middle East to South America, Season 2 continues the flow of espionage drama with added personal elements for the show’s main duo. As Greer continues his work with assets while stationed in Moscow, Ryan is following leads that point to Russia regarding arms sales to Venezuela. This comes as an important election is on the horizon in the country between the incumbent authoritarian leader Nicolás Reyes (Jordi Mollà; Blow, Bad Boys 2) and popular liberal candidate Gloria Bonalde (Cristina Umaña; Narcos). Earning senate approval for a diplomatic negotiation, Ryan—along with his colleague and friend, Senator Jim Moreno (Benito Martinez; Sons Of Anarchy, American Crime), venture into the South American country just as Greer has been relocated there for personal reasons. As any action-thriller, an attempt at diplomacy turns into an international incident when a terrorist attack occurs, and Ryan’s mission is infused with a personal vendetta.
If you’re one of those who only view Krasinski as Jim Halpert from The Office, then you have not been paying attention to the evolution of this talented artist. Putting aside his astounding work as a writer/director, Krasinski has successfully transitioned from lovable slacker in a comedy to a dramatic leading man. From Promised Land to 13 Hours to Detroit and A Quiet Place, Krasinski has owned the screen in his every appearance. In his second outing as Ryan, Krasinski has grown comfortable with the character, making it his own as he blends his sarcastic humor into the character during light-hearted moments. Then, when danger raises its ugly head, Krasinski turns on the intensity that makes him the well-balanced protagonist this series needs.
Alongside Krasinski’s Ryan, Pierce is the perfect choice as Greer. The skilled thespian who has been on big and small screens for over 30 years delivers the blunt, cynical tough veteran agent that pairs beautifully with smart ass brainiac Ryan. Moreover, the personal obstacle in Greer’s path this season is one that allows Pierce to venture deeper into the humanity of the character. His performance as the agent who is starting to realize he may be too old for this is sh** is nothing short of perfection—one that only an actor with as deep of a resume as Pierce’s can skillfully communicate.
Surrounded by supporting talent like Mollà, Umaña, Noomi Rapace’s performance as Harriet Baumann, the returning John Hookenakker as Matice, and the addition of the always entertaining Michael Kelly (House Of Cards) as Mike November—where he injects his dry sarcasm and intimidating, stone-faced stare—the entire cast delivers on all cylinders. Moreover, showrunners Carlton Cuse and Graham Roland, and this season’s writing team (which included Daria Polatin, Nolan Sunbar, Annie Jacobsen, and Vince Calandra) developer a story that infused humanity within these characters while remaining true to the property’s action roots.
Season 2 of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan presents a worthy follow-up to its premiere season. Also, it leaves the door open to numerous possibilities in its future seasons—including possibly introducing the John Clark character, which this writer would be excited to see.
Rating: A
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