Jack Ryan 2 reviewed.

It’s like a splash of fresh cold water; to be watching content that doesn’t have any mention of Jihad and/or Balochistan and/or Pakistan and/or The Middle East and/or the general war against terror spearheaded by the US of A. That’s what totally works for the second season of Tom Clancy’s seasoned fictional character; Jack Ryan.

Without divulging much about the plot, the story is based in South America and almost deals with the current geo-political scenario which is governing the Economics of the world we see today. So there is Venezuela; or as Jordi Molla very affably and earnestly says; Bene’swela, in the midst of one of the biggest humanitarian crisis the world has seen; sitting on shit loads of resources in the form of minerals and oil. It’s in tatters. And that’s the crux of the story. The writers of the second season have very skillfully created a wonderful screenplay taking bits and pieces out of newspapers and lacing it with tremendous element of drama which creates an emotional bulge in every episode. A tad too much; seems overdone at times.

Spearheading the cast is the innocuous and hopelessly charming John Krasisnki as the titular character; Dr. Jack Ryan, a trigger happy doctor of economics. The build up to his character was more balanced in season 1. In season 2, he jumps into killing mode right from the first episode. Then there are the regular faces from the 1st season; Wendell Pierce as James Greer; with a heart condition this time around; John Hoogenakker as Matice; the witty gunman. The new additions are what add to the intelligence quotient of the story and the ensemble works wonders. The show is more about all of them together rather than Jack Ryan and his antics. Having said that, John Krasinski owns this one. Him and Jordi Molla; the Spanish heartthrob. He kills the role of President Nicolas Reyes (Akin to Nicolas Maduro who is the current disputed ruler in Venezuela) with considerable ease. His acts with his body, his hands, his eyes and right from his heart. It’s spectacular, the way he says his lines in true blue Bene’swelan accent. I was sold with the casting. Him and the entire ensemble playing Venezuelan characters is top notch. Tom Wlaschiha (A German actor; popular to play the faceless man in Game of Thrones) makes a longish cameo and it is very impactful. It sets the story up perfectly. The whole cast is way too big and talented to be mentioned here but boy, it works.

The entire season is shot crisply with action happening very quickly and as such, without any element of big surprise. There are glimpses of the docu-drama style direction as the script is based more on real news pieces rather than fiction. The background score helps a lot; subtle yet powerful by none other than Ramin Djawadi (Game Of Thrones). The production is top notch. A bit over the top at times, but definitely worth a watch.

It brings something completely new to the table with the global geo-politics of monopoly and economic and humanitarian crisis’ taking place so often. The bigger game politicians indulge in; all in the name of country and the bigger good. It made me curious enough to start reading about Venezuela and the other mineral rich South American countries.

The cinematography, background score, editing and direction are all top notch. The story is new. The drama a bit over the top; but what the hell, we love over the top when it’s John Krasinski. So go for it. Don’t be a critique like me; Definitely deserves a watch.