This New Game Adaptation Had Potential, but Netflix Turned It Into a Generic Action Show

The animated series Splinter Cell: Deathwatch seemed like a promising project, with John Wick creator Derek Kolstad at the helm.

However, rather than becoming a new icon of the genre, the series disappointed, devolving into a collection of tired clichés that missed the very essence of the original.

What Is 'Splinter Cell: Deathwatch' About?

The plot introduces us to an aging Sam Fisher, a former agent of the secret Fourth Echelon who has been retired for a long time.

His quiet life is disrupted when a young agent named McKenna turns to him for help. Together, they must uncover a global conspiracy that will determine the fate of the world order.

Sam Fisher must rediscover his old skills to complete this high-risk mission.

'Deathwatch' Is an Adaptation of a Cult Game Made by the 'John Wick' Creator – but It Couldn't Save the Show

Despite Derek Kolstad's presence, Deathwatch suffers from several fundamental problems, and chief among these is the unfortunate choice of narrative perspective.

The creators chose to depict an aged Fisher, which strips him of any character development. As a result, he emerges as a static, established figure who is boring to watch.

Flashbacks to his past only underscore this misstep, suggesting that it would have been far more engaging to chronicle the agent's rise rather than his decline.

'Splinter Cell: Deathwatch' Will Not Be a Revelation for Either Fans or Newcomers

Fans of the original games will be disappointed by the near-complete absence of stealth elements and gadgets, which formed the core of the gameplay.

Instead of tactical stealth action, viewers are treated to straightforward shootouts that, while well shot, fall short of modern standards set by movies like John Wick.

Newcomers won't gain a clear understanding of who Sam Fisher is or why he became such a cult figure. The series' plot is a run-of-the-mill spy thriller that lacks intrigue and unexpected twists and fails to hold the attention of seasoned viewers.

Consequently, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch fails to capture the essence of the original games or establish itself as a standalone project. It's a mediocre action project that dissolves into a sea of similar content, never realizing its potential.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Splinter Cell: Deathwatch'?

• Splinter Cell: Deathwatch has 86% from critics and 65% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 6.8/10.