The Player

I had high hopes for The Player and like Philip Winchester in Strike Back. There aren't a lot of action shows any more and this looked like it could be really good.

The premise and implementation, too be honest, are beyond unbelievable. I mean, a good script and acting can make you believe there really are zombies, this just seemed fake.

I will watch a few more episodes, but I can't see this show lasting. To be honest, I am surprised it ever made it on the air. That being said, the action was good and the acting was pretty good. The plot line and writing brought it down.

It's a fun show to watch, like someone said, it doesn't require much concentration. It's glossy, action-packed and entertaining, what I like, an hour of escapism. Of course, some of it is over the top, but that goes for most of the Broadcast network shows because they have ad revenues to build shows around. It's not House of Cards, Orphan Black, or Ray Donovan, but it is a fun show with a different plot twist that I find refreshing! I hope it's not canceled, but I no longer invest in shows lasting after Boss and Magic City were canceled. I will enjoy one season if that's it (really don't watch too much broadcast network programming). The networks should allow a show time to find it's pace, ideal time-slot and reworks, but that's not happening in our microwavable world. This is another reason writers create such awful plots or go over-the-top (i.e., Oil and Blood), they're working against time constraints, the first three episodes better seal the deal! Fingers crossed for a season 2 of The Player!

Only one episode, so not much to go by, and I'm not quite sure what to think of it. It was fast paced, up to the point that I still find myself thinking "How is it they work out who's gonna commit a crime?" It does indeed remind of Person of Interest. The Wesley Snipes and the girl character are too comic book like for my taste. I don't like their acting much either, because it's so comic- book like. At some point I almost expected the Joker to turn up. Snipes' hair is ridiculous, I think he should've paid heed when Ace Ventura said "No one messes with the do!" But I suppose they wanted it in style with the over the top comic-book style (that I really truly hate!). So far I like Winchester's acting best, although the American accent is odd. Seriously not sure if Philip Winchester made a wise choice with this, and surely he must have had lots of options after doing an excellent job on a great series like Strike Back.

I'm not keen on the flashing during action scenes. I was afraid of that, having scene it in the trailer. I think it's rather inconsiderate to not think of people with head injuries, epilepsy, whiplash and HSPs (Highly Sensitive Person) that cannot watch such scenes. It's done a lot in movies and series, I suppose it's goes down well with many, but what's the point during an action scene? There is none. Just really annoying and not watchable when you suffer from above mentioned ailments (I got all 4, ain't I a lucky girl!)

There are some interesting things in it though, like what Kane discovers about his deceased wife. I think I'll watch another episode and see how it develops. It could pick up and it could wither before the season's over. As I see it, odds are 50-50.

This show simply needs to be on Showtime / Starz or HBO to really make it 100%. I think it has potential but not for the NBC crowd.

If you like Action you will like this show. Interesting concept, likable characters set in a world of underground crime elements that could be plausible. Sure it's not realistic but it is interesting entertainment.

The plot is a interesting what if of can crime be gambled on.

Elements of good tactical gun work.

Good physical hand to hand skills.

Some tech mixed in with gun play and car chases suggests how our everyday tech can be used against us or for us.

Overall a fun to watch mini series.

After watching the first three episodes of "The Player", I have mixed feelings about this action show that feels like "Person of Interest" meets "Minority Report".

The premise of the show feels a little contrived. The protagonist, Alex Kane (Philip Winchester), is a security expert whose ex-wife, Ginny, is murdered under suspicious circumstances. When offered a job by a shady character named Mr. Johnson (Wesley Snipes) that requires him to illegally take out people who will theoretically commit crimes, he accepts, mostly because he thinks Johnson might lead him to the truth about his ex-wife's demise. Johnson explains that a club of ultra-rich gamblers will bet on the competition between Alex and the bad guys. And they will provide support in the form of a super computer and the resources of Cassandra King (Charity Wakefield).

The show's story lines feel sloppy, with the viewer required to accept a plethora of convenient occurrences. Also, the computer has abilities that can only be described as supernatural.

On the other hand, the action sequences are good, mostly due to great stunt work. I consider this show a guilty pleasure, but it would be better to say that there is room for improvement. Also, Cassandra is an interesting character with much potential. Hopefully, Ms. Wakefield can find a way to make her even more compelling.