From Director’s Mouth: The Twisted Tale of KD
Albert Hughes, the maestro behind the episodes of Peacock’s new sensation, The Continental, unpacks the complex character of KD (played by Mishel Prada) in a recent interview. “When she’s in bed with Mayhew, in the script for that scene they describe her scarring – and when you watch that episode, you can see it right there,” Hughes tells GamesRadar.
He adds, “Her whole mission throughout is to get to The Continental and if she has to use this chump along the way, she will.” Hughes shares that KD was always the “low-key protagonist” of the series, her dark past being the driving force behind her actions.
“That was always our plan as she is actually low-key the protagonist of the whole story. She’s the only outsider in this universe, with that event from her childhood being the catalyst for everything,” Hughes remarked.
The Continental vs John Wick: A Tough Act to Follow
It’s hard to talk about The Continental without acknowledging the John Wick-shaped elephant in the room. The show has the unenviable task of extending the universe of an already iconic film series, but without Keanu Reeves or director Chad Stahelski. The early reviews for the series were less than kind, but it has managed to find favor with fans, garnering an 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics, on the other hand, only gave it a 63%.
“The Continental seems to have proven more popular with general audiences, with the show currently holding an 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes (compared to a 63% critics score).”
A Look at The Series’ Highs and Lows
Fans are torn between Colin Woodell’s Winston and a generic villain played by the controversial Mel Gibson. While some critics have praised Woodell’s interpretation, others question the casting choice. Issues like sub-par fight scenes and overly-dark visuals have also been points of contention. But despite these obstacles, the series has not been entirely written off.
“Scott’s portrayal of Winston, too, proved divisive, with some critics praising the actor while others feel like perhaps he was miscast.”
The Rocky Road Ahead: What’s Next?
The lack of clear viewership numbers and a mixed critical response have led to uncertainties about the show’s future. The producers and the network have yet to confirm whether we’ll see a second season of The Continental.
“It’s less clear just how many people actually tuned in for the three-episodes spinoff, and viewership will be a key metric in terms of whether the show is deemed a success or not.”
While it may have a way to go before it can stand alongside the John Wick franchise, The Continental has managed to intrigue its audience, especially with its character twists and complicated protagonists. Will we be checking back into the Continental Hotel for another season? That remains to be seen.
